What questions to ask at networking events?

I'm a first year student in B-School and have attended a couple of networking events online and offline. I've heard that to make sure you're memorable you have to ask good questions to the people you're talking with. What are some questions that'll make you stand out? Is there any other way to make yourself memorable?

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Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's important to remember that asking generic questions like "what's the culture like at your firm?" or "how are the hours?" won't make you stand out. Instead, you should aim to ask insightful questions that show you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the industry and the firm.

Here are a few tips to make yourself memorable at a networking event:

  1. Be Unique: Share something unique about yourself that's on your resume. This could be a hobby, a past job, or an interesting fact about you. This will make you more memorable when they're reviewing your resume later.

  2. Be Natural: If the event is at a lounge, restaurant, bar, or hotel, don't be afraid to grab a drink. This can help you appear more relaxed and natural.

  3. Show Genuine Interest: Ask questions that show you're genuinely interested in the industry and the firm. This could be about a recent deal the firm closed, their strategy for the future, or their opinion on a current market trend.

Remember, the goal is not just to be remembered, but to be remembered positively. So always be respectful, listen more than you talk, and show genuine interest in the other person.

Sources: How To Be Memorable at a Networking Event

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