It's the Season of Sharing at Fairygodboss!!

Anonymous

November 1,2021 at 6:10PM UTC

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It's the Season of Sharing at Fairygodboss!!

My burning career question is:

What’s a question you should absolutely avoid while networking?

I find networking to be super intimidating, in part because I'm always worried I'll ask the wrong questions. What's a question you always avoid asking in networking situations?

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16 Comments

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AnonymousNovember 1,2021 at 7:09PM UTC
I think outright asking "Are you hiring?" is a lot at a networking event (unless it is a jobs fair type of situation).
AnonymousNovember 1,2021 at 7:37PM UTC
I could definitely see this as a red flag!
AnonymousNovember 2,2021 at 1:48PM UTC
This right here!! If you are just connecting, chatting, or looking to gain information about the field you shouldn't ask for a job.
Like they said its appropriate at a Job Fair/Career Fair but that's also expected there.
AnonymousNovember 1,2021 at 7:15PM UTC
I try to avoid anything too personal unless the other person brings it up first. Like asking about kids, partners, families, etc., just because you never know what sort of situation the other person is in at the moment.
AnonymousNovember 1,2021 at 7:36PM UTC
So smart! Do you bring up personal info even if they don't offer theirs?
AnonymousNovember 1,2021 at 7:51PM UTC
Sometimes yes! Definitely depends on the conversation, but if there's a natural fit I don't mind sharing
AnonymousNovember 1,2021 at 7:19PM UTC
I don't think of things to avoid, but I do like to make the conversation more personal at times. People are more likely to remember you if you can connect on a deeper level, and next time I speak with/see that person I like to refer to what we spoke about last time. For instance, say we spoke about something as benign as going on vacation, the next time I would ask if they enjoyed their trip. Makes people feel special and remembered!
I do tend to avoid politics, and also bashing any jobs/companies (you never know who they know!)
AnonymousNovember 1,2021 at 7:36PM UTC
Great warning, and I love the personal detail!
Barbara WhiteNovember 2,2021 at 6:07PM UTC
Agree with the bashing of companies and politics, because the world is just too small these days! It may feel like politics would be okay, but you never know who you may meet while networking that could be related to a politician with whom you don't agree. I have watched that one happen before, where someone was talking about a particular candidate running for office. It turned out he was speaking with that candidate's cousin, who also happened to work at a place where he wanted to work. It's very awkward for all parties.
AnonymousNovember 1,2021 at 7:47PM UTC
Probably anything too personal. There's a line and gauging where it is and how deep you can get is hard. Asking about their love of Star Wars probably isn't great unless it's relevant to the conversation at hand or the hiring person bring it up.
Lorna Rose, J.D., M.S.November 1,2021 at 10:01PM UTC
This is one of those "it depends" questions, but one thing that I think would apply universally is to avoid asking any questions that you would not want to answer yourself. It's a good gauge for how the other person might react to your question, and it also allows you to avoid the "what about you?" cross-examination.
Maureen B. WeisnerNovember 2,2021 at 5:36PM UTC
Avoid anything than can be construed as "political" or too much personal information, especially if it's volunteered by the other person. Take care and engage but be prepared with something topical but neutral.
As in-person events begin again, an easy ice breaker is, "What brought you here tonight?" Speaker, location, member of the group, etc.
Linda AllenNovember 2,2021 at 5:37PM UTC
I would not share things to impact my employment negatively or negatively impact the company relationship.
Kate RoyNovember 2,2021 at 5:54PM UTC
Totally agree with Maureen...avoid talking about politics if possible. You might assume someone is of a certain political affiliation, but they might be completely the opposite. Just don't go there if possible, and be prepared to try and gently change the topic if politics does come up.
Julie S.November 2,2021 at 7:34PM UTC
I always avoid politics and religion.
Joycelyn M. SiameNovember 4,2021 at 7:07PM UTC
I personally avoid being to personal. Family, beliefs, etc. I pick a topic regarding work/career and stick to it. When it starts to segway, I bring it back to the topic at hand because, simply put, I don't trust people enough to give things about myself away. Maybe that's why I don't network, lol.