Test Your Networking Skills Quiz

1.

When meeting someone at a networking function, such as a job fair, you should BEGIN the conversation with:

A.

Casual conversation about the weather, sports, movies, pets or common interests
B.

A brief background on your career and the type of position you are seeking
C.

Questions on personal life
D.

Questions about his/her career or why he/she is attending the function

Correct Answer
A. Casual conversation about the weather, sports, movies, pets or common interests

Explanation
When meeting someone at a networking function, it is important to begin the conversation with casual conversation about the weather, sports, movies, pets, or common interests. This helps to establish a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, allowing both parties to feel more comfortable and open to further discussion. Starting with a brief background on your career or questions about the other person's career might come across as too direct or self-centered. Similarly, asking questions about personal life might be seen as intrusive and inappropriate in a professional setting. Therefore, initiating the conversation with casual topics is the most appropriate approach.

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2.

If you are having a difficult time getting a conversation started or if you are uncomfortable with networking, you should:

A.

Wait for someone to approach you to begin a conversation
B.

Admit that sometimes these functions are awkward for you and ask the person for tips on how he/she goes about getting to know someone.
C.

Try meeting people around the food table and talk about how great the shrimp dip tastes.
D.

None of these

Correct Answer
B. Admit that sometimes these functions are awkward for you and ask the person for tips on how he/she goes about getting to know someone.

Explanation
In this situation, it is suggested to admit that networking functions can be awkward for you and ask the person for tips on how they approach getting to know someone. This approach shows honesty and vulnerability, which can help to break the ice and create a more genuine conversation. It also allows the other person to share their own experiences and advice, which can be helpful in improving your networking skills. Waiting for someone to approach you or talking about the food may not effectively address the issue of feeling uncomfortable with networking.

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3.

The best conversationalists are people who can:

A.

Ask others interesting questions.
B.

Talk comfortably on a wide range of subjects.
C.

Always pick up the conversation when others run out of things to say.
D.

None of these

Correct Answer
A. Ask others interesting questions.

Explanation
The best conversationalists are those who can ask others interesting questions. By asking thought-provoking and engaging questions, they can keep the conversation flowing and make it more enjoyable for everyone involved. This skill allows them to show genuine interest in others, encourage them to open up and share their thoughts, and create a positive and engaging atmosphere during conversations. Additionally, asking interesting questions helps to stimulate meaningful discussions and allows for the exploration of different perspectives and ideas.

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4.

If someone who has met you for the first time asks you about your dreams and ambitions, you should:

A.

Ask them to tell theirs first
B.

Ask them to stop asking questions
C.

Ask them to mind their own business
D.

Tell them because they are interested

Correct Answer
D. Tell them because they are interested

Explanation
In this situation, the correct answer is to tell them about your dreams and ambitions because they are interested. When someone asks about your dreams and ambitions, it indicates that they are genuinely interested in knowing more about you and your aspirations. By sharing your dreams and ambitions, you can establish a connection with the person and potentially have a meaningful conversation. It is important to reciprocate their interest and engage in a dialogue rather than dismissing their question or diverting the conversation.

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5.

The best way to show respect for what someone else is saying is to:

A.

Compliment them on what they have said.
B.

Ask others to join your conversation to hear what he/she is saying.
C.

Be a good listener, provide responsive gestures and ask good follow-up questions.
D.

Correct them every second.

Correct Answer
C. Be a good listener, provide responsive gestures and ask good follow-up questions.

Explanation
To show respect for what someone else is saying, the best approach is to be a good listener. This involves actively paying attention to the person speaking, showing responsiveness through gestures like nodding or maintaining eye contact, and asking good follow-up questions to demonstrate engagement and understanding. Complimenting the person's thoughts can also be a form of respect, but it may not always be appropriate or necessary. Asking others to join the conversation solely to hear what the person is saying may not necessarily show respect, as it could disrupt the flow of the conversation. Correcting the person every second would be disrespectful and dismissive of their viewpoint.

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6.

If someone is talking about their dreams to you, you should:

A.

Shut them up
B.

Tell them that you are not interested
C.

Make faces
D.

Listen to them carefully

Correct Answer
D. Listen to them carefully

Explanation
When someone is talking about their dreams to you, it is important to listen to them carefully. Dreams can be deeply personal and meaningful to the individual sharing them. By actively listening, you show respect and interest in their thoughts and experiences. It also provides an opportunity for deeper connection and understanding between both individuals.

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7.

When preparing for a networking function, one way to help you make conversations easier would be to:

A.

Keep up-to-date on current events, sports, music, emerging trends in your field.
B.

Ask the host in advance for a list of guests/vendors and their backgrounds.
C.

Bring a small note pad and pen to write down contact information or schedule meetings.
D.

None of these

Correct Answer
A. Keep up-to-date on current events, sports, music, emerging trends in your field.

Explanation
Keeping up-to-date on current events, sports, music, and emerging trends in your field can help make conversations easier at a networking function. This is because having knowledge about these topics allows you to engage in small talk and find common interests with other attendees. It also shows that you are well-informed and can contribute to discussions, making you more memorable to potential connections. By staying informed, you can initiate conversations and keep them flowing smoothly, leading to more meaningful networking opportunities.

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8.

After meeting someone, if you feel there is no potential for them to help you in your job search, you should:

A.

Politely excuse yourself and continue to meet other people
B.

Not be too quick to judge
C.

Continue to talk to them but try to get others to join in the conversation so you can meet new people.
D.

Ask them to stop talking

Correct Answer
B. Not be too quick to judge

Explanation
It is important not to be too quick to judge someone after meeting them, even if you feel they may not be able to help you in your job search. People can surprise you and you never know who they may know or what connections they may have. By not judging too quickly, you keep yourself open to potential opportunities and maintain a respectful attitude towards others.

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9.

After you have established a common interest and believe you would like to spend more time talking to this person, you should:

A.

Suggest they excuse themselves from the function and go to a restaurant to talk confidentially about your career or possible job opportunities.
B.

Set an appointment to meet with them at a later date.
C.

Ask for their business card and permission to call in a few days.
D.

None of these

Correct Answer
C. Ask for their business card and permission to call in a few days.

Explanation
Asking for their business card and permission to call in a few days is the appropriate next step when you have established a common interest and want to continue the conversation. This allows you to exchange contact information and follow up at a later time to discuss career or job opportunities in a more appropriate setting. Suggesting they excuse themselves from the function or setting an appointment for a later date might come across as too forward or presumptuous at this early stage of the interaction.

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10.

If you are networking and someone latches onto you and follows you everywhere, you should:

A.

Politely involve them in all of your conversations.
B.

Tell them to get lost.
C.

Excuse yourself, indicating that you have to meet someone or even visit the restroom.
D.

Call the cops

Correct Answer
C. Excuse yourself, indicating that you have to meet someone or even visit the restroom.

Explanation
If someone latches onto you and follows you everywhere while networking, it is important to handle the situation politely and professionally. Excusing yourself and indicating that you have to meet someone or visit the restroom is a tactful way to create distance and potentially disengage from the person. This allows you to continue networking without being rude or confrontational. Telling them to get lost or calling the cops may escalate the situation unnecessarily and could reflect poorly on your professionalism.

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