Informational interview Main Questions

Informational Interviewing

Questions to Ask

Sample Informational Interview Questions

Remember, the average informational interview lasts for 20 to 30 minutes. Select the questions that will

provide answers most important to you.

Questions – Changing Careers

? Currently, my career is (fil in your career). How easy or diffiult do you think it will be to make a

transition to your career/industry?

? My current career utilizes the following skills most (list skills): Do you feel that any of those skills

would be transferrable to your fild?

? What would be most helpful in making the transition to your career fild?

? What are my biggest obstacles to transition to your career fild?

? Is there any additional training I would need to transition to your fild?

? What is the best way for me to gain experience in your fild, without taking major steps backward

from the level I’ve achieved in my current career?

? What skills do you think I’m lacking and need to develop to transition to your career?

? How would hiring managers in your career view someone in my current fild?

? What are the greatest challenges in your career?

? Do you feel the transition from my current career to your career fild is realistic? If not, why?

Questions – Career Field: Preparation

? Does your work relate to any experiences or courses you took in college?

? How well did college prepare you for your career?

? What classes proved to be the most valuable to your career?

? If you were a college student again, how would you prepare better?

? How important was your GPA in obtaining a job in this fild?

Questions – Career Field of Your Contact

? What are the various jobs available in this fild?

? How is your occupation changing?

? What is the employment outlook for your career fild?

? What positions represent the areas of greatest growth?

? Where are the best opportunities in this fild? (geographical areas)

? What do you fid most unique about your career fild?

? What personal sacrifies have you made to succeed in your career?

? What are the typical entry-level jobs in this career fild?

? What parts of the country offer the best opportunities in this fild?

? What trends in the fild would likely affect someone just entering this career?

Questions – Your Contact’s Job

? Is there something you wish you’d known or a skill you wish you’d had starting out in [fil in the

industry]? Or Is there something you wish you had done differently starting out?

? What are the major components of your job?

? What part of this job do you fid the most satisfying?

? What’s your biggest challenge in this role?

? How do you see your job changing in the next 10 years?

? If you could go back and do anything different in your career, what would it be?

? What are some of the toughest situations you’ve faced in your job?

? I noticed that you’ve worked at [company A] and [company B]. How did your career path take you

to your current job?

? How many hours do you work? Are you able to balance your work and family life?

? What have you done that sets you apart from others in your career?

Questions – Company Culture

? What made you accept a job with this company?

? How does this company differ from your competition?

? Does your company contribute to employees’ professional development?

? How would you describe the morale of people who work here?

? How do you feel about your company’s future growth?

? Do you participate in any social activities with your coworkers?

? Is there flxibility in telecommuting, flxible work hours, etc.?

? What type of training is provided throughout your career?

? Does this company believe in promoting from within?

? How does this company acknowledge the accomplishments of employees?

Questions – Opportunities for Advancement

? How does someone progress in your fild?

? What is the highest level a person could attain?

? How rapidly do high achievers move to the next level in this career?

? How long would someone typically stay in your job?

? If I performed well, where could I expect to be in fie years?

Questions – Seeking Advice and Referrals

? What is the best way to obtain a position in this career fild?

? What do you wish you’d known before you entered this fild?

? How can I assess if have the skills needed for a position like yours?

? Do you have any words of encouragement or warning as a result of your personal experiences?

? What should I do to prepare myself for trends and changes in this fild?

? Do you have any advice or words of warning, as a result of your experience?

? Who else would you recommend that I speak with about this career?

? What advice can you give me to escalate my job search?

? Would you be willing to answer more questions by phone in the future?

? How would you react if you received a résumé like mine for a position in your career fild?