30+ questions to ask in an informational interview

When you can’t decide on a certain career path, profession, or company, an informational interview can provide a lot of information to make your decision-making process easier. One of the best ways to get a feel for a job or a company without getting to the job interview stage is to arrange an informational interview with an employee who’s already working there.

Since your informational interview is a valuable opportunity, you want to make sure that you get the best out of it. Asking the right questions during your informational interview will help you uncover a lot of facts about the role you are interested in. Today, we will share with you some excellent questions to ask at your next informational interview.

1. What’s the reason that compelled you to choose this career path?
2. What made you decide to work with this employer?
3. In your opinion, what are the qualities of an ideal candidate for this position?
4. What do you believe is the best way for me to prepare myself for this role?
5. Does your work involve more independent work or teamwork?
6. What’s a typical day on the job like?
7. Tell me what you enjoy the most about this job.
8. What’s your least favorite thing about this job?
9. Can you name three major components of your job daily?
10. What will you say is the biggest frustration associated with this job?
11. What problems have you dealt with since starting this role?
12. Speaking personally, what part of this job is the most satisfying for you?
13. Can you tell me what challenged you the most in this role?
14. What’s the most rewarding aspect of working for X company?
15. What are the top five skills that you’d say are essential to perform effectively at this job?
16. What steps has the company taken to ensure a positive work culture here?
17. How have you continued your professional development after starting in this role?
18. What are the career advancement opportunities like for this job?
19. What will you say is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?
20. In the next ten years, how much do you think this job will change?
21. What do you like the most about your employer?
22. What are some of the biggest challenges your company is dealing with right now?
23. What’s the corporate culture like at company X?
24. What’s the work flexibility like for this role?
25. Does company X provide work flexibility options to employees, such as off-site work, remote work, or hybrid work?
26. What’s the dress code at company X?
27. What are the major differences between company X and its competitors?
28. What are the benefits of choosing to work with company X over a competitor?
29. How optimistic are you about the company’s future?
30. Are you optimistic about your future with company X?
31. How does company X contribute to the professional development of its employees?
32. What initiatives would you say that the company has taken to promote diversity and inclusion?
33. What’s your favorite thing about working in this industry?
34. What’s your least favorite thing about the industry?
35. Who else would you recommend that I speak with, about pursuing a career in this field?

By Resume Mansion