by Interstride
Networking is important in many industries in the US. In fact, studies show that most jobs in this country are acquired through personal connections. The term networking can be broad and daunting for anyone, but it presents additional challenges for international students due to language and cultural differences. One of the most powerful tools that international students can develop to build their network and open doors to opportunities is small talk.
What is small talk?
Small talk is light, polite chat that can be used to open conversations, build connection or empathy, and keep conversations going when there is a lull. Small talk is an essential part of networking in professional and social settings. While some people view small talk as shallow or burdensome, it’s important to build a connection through casual conversation. Once rapport and trust are established, the conversation can move on to deeper topics or more personal questions.
Common small talk topics in the US:
- Weather
- Sports
- Entertainment (books, movies, TV)
- Food
- Travel
- Hobbies
- Local attractions
Small talk is a tool you can use to start conversations with strangers whether you are at a formal networking event or trying to meet new friends at a social event. Also, keep in mind that personal connections could be potential professional connections in the future. The best way to get better at small talk is to practice! Practice with native English speakers when possible. It could be roommates, classmates, study groups, at the grocery store, etc.
Using small talk in informational interviews
Research from the National Career Development Association found that informational interviews are a specific, effective networking strategy for college students. They are often called coffee chats because they are short (20-30 minutes) conversations that often happen while drinking a cup of coffee. Informational interviews usually happen in person but can be virtual over video or phone calls too.
The purpose of an informational interview is to learn more about the industry or specific company that you want to work in and develop a professional connection in that industry or company. However, the informational interview should start with a few minutes of small talk to break the ice. This helps make both the interviewer and interviewee more comfortable.
Frequently asked questions from international students about networking in the US
Below are some common questions college students have about networking and answers tailored specifically for international students:
Who do I talk to?
Look for people in the industry that you want to work in. The most ideal is people who are in the company and/or role that you want after graduation. Use LinkedIn and networking events to meet the right people. Once you meet one person in the role or company you are interested in, you can ask if they know anyone else in the industry who would be willing to talk to you.
Also, keep in mind that who you are talking to may affect what kinds of questions you ask and how formal your language is. For example, if you are networking with an alumni of your program, you may start by asking them questions about their experience in the program, their favorite classes, etc. If you are messaging a total stranger at a networking event, you may start with something like “How did you get into X industry?”
How do you start the conversation?
Use small talk! Small talk is the key to striking up a conversation with a stranger at a networking event, or really anywhere. Look for connection points or similarities and things you can bond over. Ask open-ended questions, and be genuinely curious about the person you are talking to. You can also use something in the environment to jumpstart the conversation such as a picture on the wall or someone’s sweatshirt logo. For example, if someone at a networking event is wearing a university hoodie, you can ask them if they went to school there and what they liked about it.
How do you keep the conversation going?
Small talk can be used to keep the conversation going during natural lulls. Generally, people enjoy talking about themselves, so if you find a natural pause in the conversation, this is a perfect time to shift a casual chat toward some networking-type questions. You could ask “So, how did you know that you wanted to work in X?” Some other tips include:
- Preparing discussion points ahead of time
- Practicing active listening
- Asking follow-up questions
- Being culturally aware
It’s also just as important to know when a conversation has naturally come to an end. Make sure to establish new connections by saying something like “It has been great talking to you about X. Can we exchange contact info or connect on LinkedIn?”
How do you ask for an informational interview?
You can ask in person, via email, or on LinkedIn. Introduce yourself and state your school, major, and career goal. Keep it brief. If someone says no, don’t push back, but you can ask if they know someone else who might be willing to chat with you.
Here is a sample request:
Dear [insert name here],
I hope you’re doing well. I am writing because I am a student in [major] at [school name], and I am interested in pursuing a career in [career interest]. Given that you are a [their job] at [their company], I hope to ask you some questions about your background and experience. Do you have time in the next week for a quick coffee chat? Or, we could set up a 30-minute Zoom call if you prefer. Either way, I look forward to learning more about you and how you got to where you are. Thank you for your time!
Best wishes,
[Your name]
When is the right time to ask for a job or internship referral?
Ideally, you have already established a connection through small talk and had multiple communications with this person before asking for a referral for a job or internship. It’s important to NOT ask for a referral during or immediately after an informational interview, as that would not align with the purpose of the interview. Depending on the specific circumstances, you could maybe ask for a referral during a follow-up conversation or email.
Sample questions to ask when networking as an international student
When networking, always ask open-ended questions in order to foster meaningful conversations that flow well. For example, rather than asking, “Do you like your job?”, ask, “What do you like most about your job?”. The individual you are talking to can elaborate more with an open-ended question like the latter, instead of simply replying yes or no. Remember to start with small talk and show that you are curious about the person. For example, if you are messaging someone on LinkedIn that you met briefly at a networking event, you could write, “I noticed on your bio that you like X. How did you get into that?”
In networking conversations, after a few small talk questions to break the ice, you can ask more specific job-related questions. Here are some examples:
- What did you get into your current role?
- What was your academic and professional journey like up to this point?
- What are the most important skills to land an internship or a job in your field?
- What kind of internships or entry-level roles are available in your company?
- What is the workplace culture like at your current job?
- What is your favorite project you’ve worked on and why?
- What is a challenge you have had in this role recently?
These are just some of the many questions you could ask during an informational interview. Depending on how talkative the interviewee is, you may need to ask many questions to prompt them. Other people may share a lot with little prompting via questions. You can choose from and edit the above questions as needed.
Tips for getting the most out of informational interviews
When networking, always be polite and positive. During the interview, try to use neutral, relaxed body language. Time the meeting so you don’t take too much of their time. Take notes, but try to have a naturally flowing conversation as well. It can also be helpful to share a little bit about yourself to create a deeper connection. This can happen before or after the informational interview. We recommend conducting multiple informational interviews with different people to get varied perspectives. Finally, always follow up on informational interviews via email or LinkedIn within the next one or two business days.
Conclusion
Small talk and effective cross-cultural communication skills are key for international students to succeed at networking in the US. Informational interviews are also a great concrete strategy to build professional connections and gain up-to-date labor market information. Ready to take your job search to the next level? Learn how to become irresistible to employers as an international student or recent graduate.
