
Hello?
Conversation Starters When Speaking with Professionals
By Lisa Tessier, Assistant Director | Career Planning & Development
Here are some questions you might ask to help you learn more about your field of interest:
How did you choose this career field? ...get started in this job?
How did you prepare yourself for this job? ...this profession?
What do you wish you had known before you entered this career field?
What classes or projects can I do to prepare myself for this career field?
Is there a typical career path that most people follow in your line of work?
What do you like most/ least about your job?
What skills and/or personal qualities are necessary to succeed in this career?
What do you do in a typical day?
What kinds of internships are available in this type of organization?
What are the typical entry-level jobs available to college graduates within this field?
What are the major goals your organization tries to accomplish?
Would you advise people to enter this career field? ...why or why not?
What, in your opinion, is the job outlook in this career field?
What forces typically effect this career field’s growth or decline?
What are some related positions/organizations a person interested in this field might explore?
Are you a member of any professional associations that you have found useful?
Who else do you know that I might talk with about this career field? May I use your name in contacting this person?
Professional Meeting Tips
When connecting with a professional for information, advice, or a job lead, be sure to make a positive impression:
- Be sure to begin the conversation with a brief 30 second explanation of who you are and what information you are hoping to gather.
- Whether meeting in person or virtually, thank the person for his/her time. Write or email a thank you note describing what was of value to you.
- Dress in a professional manner (for in-person or Zoom meetings).
- Keep the conversation brief and to the point. Be mindful of their time and busy schedule.
- Be prepared with specific questions you would like them to answer.
- Do not ask general questions about information you can easily find in a library or on the internet, as this is not the best use of the person’s time.
- Maintain eye contact, smile, and nod occasionally to indicate your interest in what they are saying.
- Take notes if you wish, but do not write everything; rather note key phrases to remind you of the answer or information.
- Feel free to answer questions about yourself if you are asked, or to intersperse some information about yourself.
- Do not forget to ask for names of other contacts. This should always be the last question you ask; in this manner you will be able to expand your network.
Cox Compass Center
Website: drury.edu/compass-center
Location: Bay Hall, Drury Lane, Springfield, MO, USA
Phone: 417-873-7284
Facebook: facebook.com/drurycareer
Twitter: @drurycareer