Networking at Career Talks

Career fairs are around the corner. Job search especially networking can be stressful. Why attend when we can read online company info?

Make your presence felt at these pivotal moments. Practice in small doses to acclimatise your amydala. The ability to ask insightful questions reflects an intelligent mind.

Ask not questions from available open source material such as company website, Hoover, Bloomberg etc. Demonstrate the extent of your research by asking insightful questions.

Note that timing is important when asking questions. The questions below only serve as a guide. Use your judgment as to when you should ask the questions. Pay attention to the “flow” of the conversation to avoid the conversation sounding awkward and abrupt.

Questions about the company

1. Where do the great ideas come from in your organization?
2. How will you measure success?
3. Between two equally-qualified candidates, what’s the deciding factor whom to hire?
4. How do you encourage creative thinking within your organization?
5. What do you want to see accomplished in your team/ department/ company in the next 3 to 6 months? What would be ideal outcome or key performance indicator?
6. What impact, if any, has Web 2.0 made on your organization or you personally?
7. What is the biggest challenge facing your industry today?

Questions to the speaker at a personal level

1. Can you share what insights impacted you most personally as a leader? Was there someone who was a mentor to you? In what way was this person an impact on your life?
2. Is there any way I can be of help to you right now?
3. What advice would you give someone going into this industry for the first time?
4. What do you like to do? (Instead of what do you do?)

Don’t crowd the CEO of the company. Younger company reps may have more relevant advice since they were  in your shoes, not too long ago.

News-worthy events

1. How do you read the impact of a [XXXX] on your industry?

Questions to the speaker

Michael Hyatt is one of my favourite gurus. Do check out his website and podcasts.

1. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader of your organization?
2. As an organization gets larger there can be a tendency for the “institution” to dampen the “inspiration.” How do you keep this from happening?
3. How do you or other leaders in your organization communicate the “core values”?
4. How do you encourage others in your organization to communicate the “core values”?
5. How do you help a new employee understand the culture of your organization?
6. What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?
7. What is the one behavior or trait that you have seen derail more leaders’ careers?
8. What resources would you recommend to someone looking to become a better leader?
9. Could you share some of the resources you use to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
10. What are some of your go-to resources for guidance in your field of work?

What other questions would you add to the above list?  Pls comment below.

Happy Networking and career success.