With holiday party season underway, it’s a perfect opportunity to get to know your co-workers in a less formal setting. To help break the ice, the recruiters at leading Houston staffing agency Murray Resources thought we would offer some ideas for all important conversation starters.

1. “I don’t think we’ve met before, I’m <name>.”

While this first one seems elementary, you’d be surprised at how many people are afraid to break out of their comfort zone and meet someone new at company get-togethers. Why miss out on the chance to make a new lunch buddy just because you don’t want to initiate contact with someone who doesn’t work on your floor? Having the poise to walk over and confidently introduce yourself starts off the conversation with a positive, inviting tone.

2. “How did you get your start with our company?”

This question is a great transition line to move past the inevitable what do you do/which floor do you work on/how long have you been working here banter. Your conversational partner may have come here from another company where you have a mutual acquaintance, or may have been hired through the use of a Houston staffing agency like Murray Resources; perhaps they’ll explain how they got their start in the industry, or maybe they’ll tell you about what they studied in college that made them want to be in this line of work. This kind of question is very open to interpretation, and its answers therefore usually contain a wealth of jumping-off points for your conversation.

3. “Have you been to one of these before? This is my first one.”

If it’s your first year with the company and your first holiday party with them, there’s no shame in admitting it! Everyone was a new kid on the block at one point, and will likely have some funny stories about their early days with the company. And if it turns out your conversational partner is a newbie like you, then you two already have something in common to talk about!

4. “What did you do over Thanksgiving?” or “Do you have any plans for the upcoming holidays?

This kind of question appropriately bridges the gap between personal and professional life, and can afford some nice insights about someone’s home life that people often don’t get the chance to discuss during the average workday. Most everyone has stories about holiday traditions and family get-togethers that are fun to share during this time of year.

5. “What do you love to do outside of work?”

This is perhaps our favorite get-to-know-you question to use at the annual company party, because it allows you to really learn something about your new acquaintance’s personality. Conversation flows smoothly when people are talking about their passion, and the most genuine connections are made when common interests are discovered and shared.

Successful networking, by definition the creation of meaningful relationships, begins with meaningful interactions. So instead of wasting your time in boring conversations at the upcoming company Christmas party, use some of these unique openers to create conversational situations that will allow you to learn more about your colleagues and what they’re passionate about.

Are you a talented Houston professional looking for your next career move?

Turn to Murray Resources, one of the leading Houston staffing agencies, for help in exploring your next career opportunity. Contact Murray Resources today to get started.