As a job seeker, networking is an essential part of your search. Connecting with professionals on LinkedIn can help you learn about potential opportunities, get career advice, and grow your network. However, simply connecting with someone on LinkedIn isn’t enough to build a meaningful relationship. Asking thoughtful questions is key to having a productive exchange. Here are some questions to consider asking your LinkedIn connections.
Questions to Learn About Their Background
Before diving into career-focused questions, take some time to get to know your connection as an individual. Asking about their background can help you identify common interests and experiences to bond over.
- How did you get started in your career?
- What do you enjoy most about your current role?
- What skills have been most important for your career success?
- What’s your educational background?
- What drew you to this field?
- How has your career path evolved over the years?
People usually enjoy talking about their own experiences. By giving them a chance to share their story, you’re more likely to build a positive rapport.
Questions to Learn About Their Company
In addition to their personal background, it’s helpful to ask about their employer. Learning more about their company will help you determine if it’s a good fit.
- What do you enjoy most about working at [Company X]?
- What types of projects are you working on currently?
- How would you describe the culture at [Company X]?
- What are the biggest challenges facing [Company X] right now?
- What qualities make someone successful at [Company X]?
- What advice would you give someone considering applying to [Company X]?
As you learn more about their employer, pay attention for overlap with your own interests, values, and goals. This will help you evaluate if it’s a company you want to pursue.
Questions to Learn About Job Opportunities
A major benefit of networking on LinkedIn is uncovering hidden job opportunities. Here are some questions to help you figure out if your connection’s company is hiring.
- Is your team currently hiring for any roles I might be a good fit for?
- Do you anticipate any open positions coming available on your team in the near future?
- Do you know of any related teams at [Company X] that are currently hiring?
- I noticed [Open Position Z] posted on your company website. Do you have any insights on this role?
- Could we set up a time to discuss any potential opportunities at [Company X]? I would love to learn more.
If they indicate there are current openings or upcoming opportunities, great! Be sure to follow up by expressing your interest in applying and asking if they can submit your information internally.
Questions to Request Career Advice
Your network is full of people who have valuable real-world advice to offer. Take advantage of your connections’ experience by asking for their career insights.
- How did you get to where you are in your career? What lessons did you learn along the way?
- What skills or experiences do you think are most important for success in our field?
- I’m interested in [Job X]. Do you have any advice for someone looking to break into this area?
- I’m at a point in my career where I’m deciding between [Option A] and [Option B]. If you were in my shoes, which path would you take and why?
- Do you have any recommendations for building my professional network within [Industry Y]?
People are often flattered when asked for advice. By tapping into their expertise, you can gain invaluable insights to help guide your career.
Questions to Request an Informational Interview
One of the best ways to build a relationship with a connection is to request an informational interview. Here are some effective questions to ask:
- Would you be open to jumping on a 30 minute call to discuss your career path and industry insights? I would love to learn from your experiences.
- Are you available for a quick informational interview? I have some questions about getting started in [Field X] that I think you could provide valuable perspective on.
- I’m very interested in learning more about [Company Y]. Would you have any time in the next few weeks for a brief informational interview to discuss your experience there?
An informational interview allows you to have an in-depth, one-on-one conversation focused on career growth and development. It’s a mutually beneficial experience for both parties.
Questions to Request They Review Your Resume
Before applying to roles, it can be hugely helpful to get feedback on your resume from professionals in your field. They can provide insider tips on presenting yourself effectively to hiring managers.
- Would you have time to review my resume and provide any feedback on how I could improve it? I’m targeting roles in [Field X] and would value your insight.
- I’m planning to apply for [Open Position Z] at your company. Do you mind taking a quick look at my resume and letting me know your thoughts?
- I want to make sure my resume is polished before I begin applying for [Job Type A] roles. Could I send it over for you to review when you have a chance?
Take advantage of their experience and get guidance on crafting a stronger, more compelling resume.
Questions to Ask for an Introduction
Sometimes the most direct approach is best – simply ask if they can introduce you to any relevant contacts.
- Based on my background in [Field X], do you know anyone you could introduce me to who may have good insights for my career search? I would really appreciate any connections you can make.
- I’d love to learn more about [Company Y]. Do you know anyone there you could put me in touch with to discuss their experience? An introduction from you would mean a lot.
- Are there any upcoming networking events or conferences you recommend I attend to expand my professional network? Any introductions to fellow attendees you could make would be amazing.
People are often happy to make introductions, knowing they are helping grow someone’s network. Don’t be afraid to ask – the worst they can say is no.
Questions to Follow Up After Meeting In Person
Following up after an in-person meeting is just as important as the initial outreach. Here are some great questions to keep the conversation going.
- It was great meeting you the other day! I enjoyed our conversation and learning more about [Topic X]. Are there any other events coming up where we might run into each other again?
- Thanks again for taking the time to meet last week. The insights you shared about the industry were really helpful as I look for roles in [Field Y]. Will you keep me in mind if you come across any relevant opportunities?
- I appreciated you introducing me to [Contact Z] yesterday. They provided some fantastic advice! Let me know if there are any other people in your network who you think I should connect with.
Following up shows you valued their time and helps facilitate an ongoing, mutually beneficial relationship.
Questions to Stay Top of Mind
Out of sight doesn’t need to mean out of mind. Periodically check in with your connections to stay fresh in their memory.
- Hope you’ve been doing well! I wanted to say a quick hello and see if you’ve come across any exciting job opportunities in [Field X] lately that might be a good fit for me?
- Wanted to check in and see how things are going with you. I remember you mentioning [Project Y] during our last conversation. How is that coming along?
- Hi! Just a quick note to say hi and see if you have any new advice for me as I continue my job search. Are there any open positions at [Company Z] you think I should take a look at?
A meaningful connection is a two-way street. Show them you are interested in their world too by asking about notable projects and developments at their company.
Conclusion
Asking thoughtful questions is key to building rapport with your LinkedIn connections. Focus on learning about their background, company, industry, and career experiences. Look for opportunities to request career advice, feedback, introductions, and informational interviews. Follow up after you connect and periodically check in to stay top of mind. By having meaningful conversations, you can develop the types of strong professional relationships that support career growth.
