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Career Resources  Guide to the Informational Interview
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50 Questions You Ought to Ask PDF Version
Prior to your informational interview, it's a good idea to prepare a list of questions to help guide your conversation. Think about the information you'd like to find out. Ask open-ended questions. Relax and be natural. Below are 50 questions to help get you started.
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Personal Experience
What is your academic background?
How did you become interested in the type of work you do?
How did your background lead you to this position?
How did you get your job?
How long have you worked in this field?
What makes it exciting to come to work every day?
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
What does it take to be successful in your career?
What are your daily responsibilities?
What types of individuals do you interact with in your position?
How does this career affect your lifestyle and work/family balance?
What are some typical entry-level opportunities in this field?
What did you do to make yourself marketable in your profession?
Do you think my experience relates to this field?
What experiences, employment or otherwise, would you recommend to someone pursuing a career in this field?
What do you wish you had known about this field or organization before you entered it?
If you could do things all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? Why or why not? What would you do differently?
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Education, Training, and Skills
What are the basic prerequisites for jobs in this field?
What are the educational requirements?
Is graduate school recommended or required?
What special knowledge, skills, or personal characteristics are needed?
What other kinds of experience are desirable for a job in this field?
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Organizational Structure
What is the management style in this organization?
How does your organization support the professional growth and development of its employees?
Is there room for growth in your organization?
How are decisions made? Do employees feel included in the process?
Whom do you supervise and to whom do you report?
How does your organization differ from its competitors?
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Organizational Culture
How would you describe the culture within your organization?
Is there a dress code?
What kind of hours to employees keep?
Are work schedule flexible?
Do people take vacations?
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Career Paths/Occupational Outlook
What would be a typical career path in this field?
What opportunities for advancement are there in this field?
Is the field growing? If so, in what areas?
How do you see jobs in this field changing in the future?
What is the entry-level salary range for in this profession?
What are the biggest issues facing this field or organization?
Are there any special concerns or issues for women in your field?
Gicen your experience, what are the challenges to working in this field?
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Referrals/Suggestions
What are the best resources for learning more about this field?
Based on your experience, do you have any special advice for someone entering this field?
In your opinion, what is the best way to get started?
What kinds of job-hunting strategies would you suggest for those entering this field?
Do you know of organizations hiring entry-level employees in this field?
If you were me and looking for this type of work in an organization such as yours, how would you proceed?
With the information you have about my education, skills, and experience, what other fields or jobs would you suggest I research before making a final decision?
I've compiled a list of organizations in this field to research. Would you be willing to look it over and suggest any others?
What do you think of my resume? Do you see any problem areas? How would you suggest I change it?
Can you suggest others that I might contact? May I use your name?
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The Guide to the Informational Interview is adapted in part from John Lucht's The New Rites of Passage at $100,000+ (Viceroy Press, 1998) and F.J. Hecklinger and B.M. Black's Training for Life, 7th edition (Kendall/Hunt Publishing, 1996).
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