You could have the best resume in the room—but if you freeze up when it’s time to talk, people won’t see it. The truth is, knowing how to start a conversation is more than just social skill—it’s part of how you present yourself professionally.
One good opener can lead to a solid connection, a job lead, or even a great friendship (seriously—it happens!). So if you’ve ever wished you had a mental cheat sheet of non-awkward things to say, you’re in luck. This list gives you real, useful conversation starters for all kinds of professional settings!
For Any Networking Event
- What brings you to this event today?
- Have you been to one of these before, or is this your first time?
- How’s your experience with networking events usually go?
- Is there anyone in particular you’re hoping to meet here?
- What kind of work do you do?
- How did you get into your current field?
- Have you had any interesting conversations so far?
- What’s something exciting you’re working on right now?
- Are you based around here or visiting?
- What’s your favorite part of your job?
- Do you usually go to events like this, or is this a rare one for you?
- What’s something people often misunderstand about your work?
- Did anything about this event catch your eye when you signed up?
- What kind of connections are you hoping to make today?
- What’s a recent win you’re proud of, work-wise?
When You’re Reaching Out on Social Media
- I saw your post about [topic] and really appreciated your take—mind if I ask a follow-up?
- I’ve been following your work for a bit, and it’s super inspiring—just wanted to say hi!
- I noticed we’re both into [shared interest]—would love to connect if you’re open to it.
- I’m trying to learn more about [specific topic] and thought your experience looked really relevant.
- I saw we both attended [event/conference]—did you get any good takeaways from it?
- I liked what you said in the comments of [mutual connection]’s post—would love to connect!
- I’m reaching out because I’ve been exploring careers in [industry] and saw you have a cool background.
- Noticed we’re part of the same group/community—figured I’d say hi!
- I saw you’re working on [project]—sounds fascinating. How’s it going?
- Your recent share on [platform/article] really got me thinking—thanks for posting it.
- I’m trying to meet more people in [field]—would love to hear what you’re working on.
- Saw your profile via [mutual connection]—your career path is super interesting.
- I’m new to this space and looking to connect with people who’ve been here a while—mind if I ask a quick question?
- I liked your take on [topic]—have you written more about it anywhere?
- Hope it’s okay to reach out—just wanted to say your work really stood out to me.
When You’re Attending Events or Conferences
- What did you think of the last session?
- Are there any speakers you’re especially excited to hear?
- How does this event compare to others in our field?
- Which trends do you think are overhyped right now?
- What’s a topic you wish got more attention at these events?
- Have you been following [industry topic] lately?
- How are you applying the things we’re hearing today in your own work?
- What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in our field recently?
- Any upcoming talks you’re not planning to miss?
- What do you think the future of our industry looks like?
- Have you connected with anyone here doing something similar to you?
- Are you working on any projects related to the themes here?
- How do you stay current with everything happening in our industry?
- Have you been to this conference before?
- If you could ask one speaker a follow-up question, what would it be?
When You’re at Career Fairs
- What’s your background, and what are you hoping to get into?
- Are there any companies here you’re really hoping to talk to?
- What attracted you to this particular event?
- Have you had any standout conversations so far?
- Are you more interested in big companies or smaller teams/startups?
- What’s the ideal role you’re looking for right now?
- What are you studying (or what did you study), and how’s that connecting to your career path?
- Have you picked up any tips about navigating these kinds of events?
- How has your job search been going lately?
- What kind of company culture are you hoping to find?
- Is there a dream company or team you’d love to join?
- What makes a role or opportunity really stand out to you?
- What skills are you hoping to highlight when you talk to recruiters?
- Have you had a chance to speak with any hiring managers yet?
- What’s something unique you bring to the table in your field?
When You’re Talking to Senior Professionals
- What was your path like getting to your current role?
- Was there a turning point in your career that shaped where you are now?
- What do you enjoy most about the work you’re doing today?
- Is there a piece of advice that’s stuck with you over the years?
- How do you stay inspired in your work after years in the industry?
- What’s been the most rewarding project of your career so far?
- What qualities do you look for when bringing someone onto your team?
- Has your leadership style changed over the years?
- What do you think new professionals in our field should focus on learning?
- How do you handle staying current with so much always changing?
- Do you ever get the chance to mentor others?
- What do you wish someone had told you earlier in your career?
- What’s one misconception people often have about leadership roles?
- What are you most excited about in your industry right now?
- Do you remember a networking moment that really shaped your career?
When You’re at Informal Networking Events
- How did you hear about this meetup?
- What made you want to come out tonight?
- Have you been to events like this before?
- What’s your go-to drink or snack at things like this?
- What do you usually like to talk about outside of work stuff?
- What’s a fun fact people don’t usually know about you?
- Are you working on anything outside of your main job—side projects, hobbies?
- If you weren’t in your current field, what would you love to be doing?
- What’s your idea of a perfect weekend?
- Have you connected with anyone interesting tonight?
- Do you usually come to these solo or with coworkers/friends?
- What’s one thing you’d love to learn just for fun?
- What’s the most interesting thing you’ve heard at an event like this?
- What’s your favorite thing about your current work situation?
- How do you usually recharge after a long week?
When You Want to Keep the Conversation Going
- That’s super interesting—how did that come about?
- Can you tell me more about that project you mentioned earlier?
- What’s the next step for you after this event or project?
- How do you usually approach that kind of challenge?
- Has your perspective on that changed over time?
- What’s been the most unexpected part of your work lately?
- How do you usually stay motivated when things get tough?
- What do you enjoy most about the people you work with?
- That sounds exciting—how did you get involved with it?
- Do you think that’s something more people in your field should be doing?
- If you could do that differently next time, what would you change?
- What advice would you give someone starting out in that space?
- What’s been the biggest learning moment for you recently?
- How do you usually celebrate wins—big or small?
- Where can I follow more of your work or updates?
Final Thoughts
Networking doesn’t have to feel scary or fake. It really just starts with knowing what to say—and saying it in a way that sounds like you.
The more you practice, the easier it gets. Try using a few of the conversation starters that felt right to you. See how people respond. You don’t need to have the “perfect” line—just something honest, friendly, and simple. You’ve got more to offer than you probably think, and the right words can help people see that.
