Career conversation starters
Level up your career chats! List of conversation starters inside.
It's important to have career discussions with trusted people now and then. Good conversation starters can help you connect with a work friend, mentor, or potential sponsor. By talking things through, we can gain the clarity we need, solve problems, and make things happen.
For people re-thinking their careers
Imagine you have a magic "restart" button for your career. What would you do differently, and why?
What hidden talents or skills do you suspect you might have that your current job doesn't utilize?
Is there a nagging voice about a dream career you've put on hold?
What would your ideal work environment look and feel like? Think perks, culture, and daily tasks.
Have you ever done an unexpected project that blew your mind and energized you? What about it clicked?
For people switching industries
Let's brainstorm! How can you bridge the gap between your experience and your desired industry?
Forget the traditional path for a moment. Who are some unconventional role models you admire in your target field?
Imagine you're on a networking coffee date with someone in your dream job. What burning questions would you ask?
How do you showcase your transferable skills for a new industry?
For people aiming for a promotion
Beyond the title bump, what motivates you to take on a leadership role? What are the personal and professional rewards that you envision from this step in your career?
What blind spots or areas for development do you see in yourself as you prepare for a promotion? How can you address them?
Have you contacted your manager about training or development opportunities to strengthen your leadership skills?
Think about your ideal leadership style. How can you start incorporating those elements into your current role?
For people in work search
If money and location weren't limitations, what kind of work would make you jump out of bed every morning?
What hidden gems might your resume be missing that showcase your uniqueness?
Let's get creative! Beyond traditional job boards, what unconventional ways could you explore to find your dream job?
Imagine your perfect interview. What questions would you ask the interviewer to assess whether the company culture fits well?
Are you leveraging your network strategically? Who are some essential connections you could contact for informational interviews or job leads?
For those working remotely
Did you figure out how to stay connected with colleagues while working remotely?
Let's talk boundaries! How do you create a clear division between work and personal life in a remote setting?
Imagine you could design your ideal remote workspace. What elements would be essential for your productivity and well-being?
Do you miss out on any collaborative or creative energy by working remotely? How can you replicate those experiences virtually?
Are you feeling burnt out? Do you have strategies to maintain a healthy work-life balance while working remotely?
For those full-time commuting
Is your commute a soul-sucking monster or a hidden opportunity in disguise?
Imagine having that extra hour (or two!) back in your day. What would you do with that time to improve your well-being or productivity?
Have you explored any flexible work arrangements with your employer that could ease your commute burden?
What small changes could you make to your commute routine to make it more enjoyable or productive?
Is relocation a viable option for you in the long run?
For those hiring people
Beyond just skills and experience, what kind of "intangibles" are you looking for in an ideal candidate?
How can you ensure your interview process goes beyond the resume and truly uncovers a candidate's potential and cultural fit?
Imagine you're building a dream team. What unique strengths and perspectives would each member bring to the table? How would these strengths and perspectives complement each other, and how would they contribute to the team's overall success? Are you open to considering unconventional career paths or experiences that might bring fresh ideas to your team? Why or why not?