Preparing thoughtful questions in advance of your Informational Interview will help you get the most out of your experience. Here are some sample questions to get you started.
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
About Job Function
- What are your duties and responsibilities?
- What was your undergraduate/graduate major?
- Describe a typical day.
- What do you like most about your job? Least about your job?
- What are your most recent successes on the job?
- How much time do you spend at work? What are your work hours during peak times?
- Can you leave your job behind after work, or is it the kind of job you take home with you?
- What type of people do you interact with?
- What parts of your job are most challenging?
- If you would have done anything differently in your preparation for this career, what would it have been?
About the Organization
- What is the overall philosophy of management in this organization? How is it implemented?
- What are the short range goals of this organization? Long range?
- How are these goals measured? Formally/Informally? How often?
- How hierarchical is the company? When was the last time you interacted with top executives?
- Is there in-house training or opportunities for continuing development?
- Does this company utilize co-ops/interns? Could you suggest any temporary, part-time, or summer work experience that would help a person prepare for your occupation?
- Where or how are job openings communicated within the organization? the career field?
About the Field
- What is the typical career path in your field?
- What is your educational background?
- What courses were most helpful to you and which would you recommend?
- What steps did you take to enter this career field?
- What training/skills are required for someone who wanted to enter this field now? What training/skills are recommended?
- What are the beginning, average, and top salaries in this occupation?
- What are the trends in this field? What are the trends within specific geographic locations?
- What changes have impacted your field in the last five years?
- Will there be a continued demand for this occupation? How secure will employment be in the future?
- What are the latest developments in your field?
- Are there any special problems, concerns, or challenges of which a person should be aware when considering this occupation?
- What other occupations are closely related to this one?
- What other advice or information can you give a person considering/preparing for this career?
- Can you recommend three suggestions to enhance my marketability for the career field, for location, and /or general employment?
Advice on Being a Strong Candidate
- Are you willing to review my résumé and provide feedback?
- Can you give me the names of three other people who share your enthusiasm for this kind of work? How can I contact them? May I use your name when contacting them?
- May I stay in touch with you and let you know of my decision?
- Do you have any additional advice to help me prepare?