Can you think of anything else I should really know about this field or company?
Informational Interview - Questions to Ask
You're the interviewer; know what you want to ask.
What questions should I ask?
Ask open-ended questions that allow the interviewee plenty of freedom to respond. This article includes some possible questions you might ask during an informational interview.
Keep Reading to Learn:
- Sample questions to ask during an informational interview
- Including educational background, current role, work environment, skills and abilities, career development advice, and more
Prepare before your informational interviews using this list of questions
Sample Questions
- What is a typical work day like for you?
- How did you find this field?
- When did you know you wanted to work in this field for the long term?
- What experiences, skills and educational background are necessary for a person who wants to do a job like yours?
- Do you feel that your academic background prepared you well for the work you're doing?
- What is the typical educational attainment for a person in your role? Is a Master's Degree (or higher) required?
- What do you like the most about your position (or employer)? The least?
- What are some of the pressures, problems and challenges for a person entering this type of career?
- What types of people are more likely to succeed in this career/at this company?
- What are some of the emerging trends in this field?
- Do you belong to any professional associations? Are there any you would recommend I join?
- Would you say you've had a typical educational/career path?
- Is there anything you wish you would've known, or done differently to get to where you are today?
- What types of things would you recommend I do right now to prepare for a career like yours?
Additional Considerations
Below are a few questions that are essential for you to ask in an informational interview.
Could you suggest one or two other people I might want to contact for information?
Would you mind if I connected with you on LinkedIn and reached out if I have any other questions?
Next Steps
- Compile a list of questions that you plan to use to conduct the informational interview
- Find additional questions in the Related Links section below
- Take notes during the conversation so you can reflect on what you learned after the interview