Ways to Get the Conversation Started

During a job interview, the employer is looking for more than qualifications — chances are, he also wants to see how you communicate in a high-stress professional setting. The seemingly innocuous chatting at the beginning and end of the session tells the interviewer a great deal about your style, personality and interpersonal skills. If small talk is a challenge for you, simple conversation starters can help you avoid uncomfortable silences.

Open-Ended Questions

A job interview requires you to talk about yourself for long periods of time, so a pause in the conversation is an opportunity to learn about the other people in the room. To get the discussion moving, ask open-ended questions that encourage the other person to give expansive answers. Options include, "How was your weekend?" or "What do you like most about working here?" Questions with longer answers provide opportunities for follow-up comments, so it's easy to get the conversation rolling.

Workplace Observations

Workplace observations paired with questions make excellent conversation starters — they also enable you to learn more about the company. Prepare while you're in the reception area or walking to the interview space. Look around the office, observe how employees are interacting and take in the layout of each space. When you get into the job interview, start with something simple, such as, "I noticed that your employees were holding a standing meeting. Is that something you always do?" Alternatively, comment on an unusual feature of the office, such as a unique conference room layout or a comfortable lounge area, and ask how it factors into team dynamics. The answers can provide valuable insights into corporate culture and everyday operations.

Newsworthy Items

Before a job interview, spend some time researching news items about the company. Focus on pieces that highlight awards, innovative products or other positive developments. When the conversation slows, mention a specific article and publication, and ask a thoughtful question that demonstrates your insider understanding, such as, "I read a piece in The New York Times about your new 3-D printing app — how did you streamline the rendering process for the digital models?" This tactic shows enthusiasm and subtly demonstrates your research into the company.

Personal Connections

During a one-on-one job interview, use pauses in the discussion to make a personal connection. Look around at the interviewer's office, and find something that you have in common. If you spot a photo of the interviewer finishing a race, you might say: "I'm a runner, too. What race was this?" Alternatively, keep the conversation job-related by commenting on a framed college degree, an employee of the month plaque or a photo of the team at a company sporting event. Steer clear of commenting on family photos; this line of conversation often leads to a discussion of your own family status, which can touch on legally sensitive issues such as sexual orientation, nationality and plans for children.

Small talk is an inevitable part of a job interview. With the right conversational prompts, you can demonstrate your ability to be engaging and interesting under pressure.

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