You just found out that one of the best ways to land the career of your dreams is through networking.

Yes, networking.

However, are you a little shy and unsure where to start? Have you thought about what questions to ask in a coffee chat? 

As we’ve learned from Sky Society’s Networking on Social Media post, networking is super important in your career.

However, networking can be intimidating, especially for those who are a bit new to the scene. Coffee chats may be one of the best ways to network.

It can be hard figuring out how to start and what questions to ask in a coffee chat, so we hope this post can help you ease into starting more chats and to build your network.

What Are The Benefits To Having A Coffee Chat?

Before we start with questions to ask in a coffee chat, let's talk about the benefits of having a coffee chat. Coffee chats are considered informal settings to chat and get to know someone better.

It provides an opportunity to get to know someone in a relaxed setting and build a connection.

Although coffee chats may be seen as informal, many tend to feel pressured to show their professionalism and come prepared to ask the right questions.

Here are some benefits as to why you should initiate a coffee chat with a mentor, potential employer or just someone in the industry you are interested in.

Building Connections

Coffee chats are a great way to build relationships, exchange ideas and make new connections. They provide an opportunity to get to know someone on a personal level, which can help to build trust and establish a strong connection. 

Networking Opportunities 

Coffee chats are a valuable tool for networking. They can help you to meet new people in your industry, learn about different companies, and make new connections that can lead to future opportunities.

Exchange of Ideas

Coffee chats provide a platform for exchanging ideas and sharing perspectives. You can learn about new ideas and ways of thinking, and share your own experiences and insights.

Career Development

Coffee chats can also help to advance your career. You can learn about new job opportunities, get advice on your career path, and make connections that can help you to further your professional development.

Relaxed Setting

Coffee chats are informal and relaxed, which makes them an ideal setting for having meaningful conversations. There is no pressure to perform or impress, so you can have a genuine conversation with the person you are chatting with.

10 Enhancing Questions to Ask in A Coffee Chat

Now, we are at the fun part. As we’ve learned, to make the most out of your coffee chat, it's important to ask the right questions.

We have outlined the top 10 questions to ask in a coffee chat to help you achieve your career goals and create a meaningful connection.

Can you tell me about your background and how you got to your current role?

This question can help you understand the person's career path and experiences, and can provide valuable insights into their journey to their current position.

It can also give you an idea of the skills and qualifications that may have helped them get there, and can help you determine whether a similar path could work for you.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

This question can provide a glimpse into the person's current job satisfaction, and can give you an idea of what aspects of their role they find most rewarding.

This information can be helpful if you're considering a similar role, or if you're interested in finding out what other aspects of the role you may want to explore.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing your industry right now?

This question can give you a better understanding of the current state of the industry, and can help you identify potential opportunities or challenges that may arise in the future.

It can also give you an idea of the skills and knowledge that may be in demand, and can help you determine how you can position yourself to succeed in the industry.

What brings you joy in your life outside of work?

We are more than who we are at our job. This question can help you build a better connection and rapport with the person you are speaking with.

Knowing what brings someone joy outside of work can give you insight into what they value, and what is important to them.

Can you tell me about a project you're particularly proud of?

This question can give you a better understanding of the person's work and accomplishments, and can provide insights into their problem-solving skills, creativity, and teamwork abilities.

It can also help you determine whether you could see yourself working on similar projects in the future.

What advice do you have for someone looking to break into your industry?

This question can provide valuable insights into the skills, qualifications, and experience that are necessary for success in the industry, and can help you determine the steps you need to take to achieve your career goals.

It can also give you an idea of what the person sees as the biggest challenges facing the industry, and can help you prepare for any obstacles you may face along the way.

Can you tell me about any new projects or initiatives you have in the works?

This question can give you a glimpse into the person's current work and future plans, and can provide valuable insights into potential opportunities for growth and advancement in the industry.

It can also help you determine whether you could be interested in participating in these projects in the future.

How do you stay current with industry developments and trends?

This question can give you an idea of the resources and tools the person uses to stay informed and up-to-date in their industry, and can help you identify any valuable resources you may want to explore as well.

It can also give you an idea of the skills and knowledge that may be in demand, and can help you.

Although there are 50 different questions that you can ask, choosing between that many questions to ask in a coffee chat can be overwhelming.

We hope that these 10 enhancing questions will make the most out of your next chat and that you also create a meaningful connection with the person you are meeting with! 

✍️ Written by Loan Nguyen