Stop asking "So... are you hiring?"

I believe few people know how to run a conversation they’re having with someone they look up to or need to be connected with professionally.

So here’s 5 questions that’ll make you become remembered.

Five Great Questions To Upgrade Your Chats

1) "What's a bet you made on yourself that looked a little crazy from the outside and how did it play out?"

Gets them out of the resume speak immediately from the start of the chat. Everyone has a moment where they zigged when everyone said zag.

2)"What's a skill or habit you've built that almost nobody talks about, but you think has quietly made the biggest difference for you?"

Watch their eyes light up. They’ve had fun with a topic or habit beneath their coporate shield and haven’t had the chance to share with anyone! You are now that person

3) “What setback that, looking back, you’d actually put on your resume if you could?”

Reset the pressure of the room, take it off of them and get a story that is memorable to them going!

4) "Is there a specific conversation or room you got into early on that shifted your whole trajectory?"

I enjoy this one. Exposure has completely changed my career and this one could give you great homework to focus on.

5) "What do you know about this space now that you wish someone had pulled you aside and told you before you started?"

This is sweet because it gives you a path to “collapse time” and not make the same mistakes everyone else in your industry/path may have made.

Quick note:

No one is going to into conversations prepped with the above. Setting aside 15 minutes can completely change the outcome of your conversation.

You should go 26-27 minutes asking them questions and if you did well, you’ll see them turn around and ask how they can support you.

One question for your next interview:

What's something about working here that wouldn't make it into the job description but you'd want someone to know before they started?

Before you leave…

Being remembered is the end goal for most of my interactions and it’s worked extremely well in my favor. As you meet people, work with, and serve… you won’t regret being remembered. Just make sure it’s in a positive light 😄

Best 🤝

Dominic

Ps…. Roku helping us get these questions to you this week, give it a click ;)

The DTC beauty category is crowded. To break through, Jennifer Aniston’s brand LolaVie, worked with Roku Ads Manager to easily set up, test, and optimize CTV ad creatives. The campaign helped drive a big lift in sales and customer growth, helping LolaVie break through in the crowded beauty category.

Learn more

Need more career insights? Sarah puts out a more in-depth publication around careers pretty often, always a refreshing read!