10 Questions to Ask During an Informational Interview
Informational interviews are a great way to gain insights into a particular industry, company, or profession. It allows you to initiate an authentic conversation with a person who has already achieved success in your desired field. These interviews also provide valuable networking opportunities and give you a chance to discover what it takes to be successful in your chosen career path. So, how do you make the most out of an informational interview? Here are ten questions that you can ask during an informational interview.
1. Can You Tell Me About Your Career Path and How You Got to Where You are Today?
Asking about the interviewee’s career path will help you understand their journey. You can find out how they started, the challenges they faced along the way, and the lessons they learned. This information will give you a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed in a particular field.
2. What Qualities Do You Believe Are Necessary to Succeed in This Industry?
This question allows you to learn more about the attributes and skills that are needed to do well in your chosen industry. It’s an excellent opportunity to identify your strengths and weaknesses and understand what you need to improve upon to achieve success.
3. What Do You See as the Biggest Challenges Facing This Industry?
Asking about the challenges and issues facing the industry will provide insights into the current state of the profession. It also allows you to understand what hot topics are being discussed in the industry, which will help you to stay up-to-date with the latest developments.
4. Can You Recommend Any Professional Associations or Networking Groups to Join?
Joining professional associations or networking groups is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals in the industry. The interviewee may be able to recommend groups that have helped them in their career or that align with your career goals.
5. How Do You Stay Informed About the Latest Developments in the Industry?
Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in your industry is crucial to remain competitive. By asking this question, you can discover the resources and publications that the interviewee uses to stay informed. This information could prove to be invaluable to your career growth.
6. Are There Any Additional Skills or Training That Would Be Beneficial In This Field?
It’s important to keep refining your skillset to stay ahead in the industry. By asking this question, the interviewee may be able to identify additional skills or training that could benefit you. It’s also an opportunity to determine whether you need to acquire any certifications or degrees to be more competitive.
7. Can You Walk Me Through a Typical Day In Your Role?
Every job has different responsibilities and tasks. Asking about a typical day in the interviewee’s role will provide you with insights into what their workday looks like. It’s also an opportunity to learn about other roles and departments in the organization, which could help you to understand the broader picture.
8. How Do Entry-Level Professionals Typically Start In This Industry?
Starting a new career can be overwhelming. Asking about how new professionals typically started in the industry can provide you with the guidance you need. The interviewee may be able to share some tips or suggestions that you might not have considered previously.
9. What Advice Would You Give to Someone Starting Out in This Industry?
Asking for advice is a great way to gain insights from someone who has already experienced what you are going through. The interviewee can share their experiences and guide you on what to do or not to do to succeed in your career path.
10. Would You Be Able to Recommend Anyone Else I Could Speak to for Further Insights?
Asking for further recommendations will help you expand your network and connect with more professionals in the industry. It will provide you with fresh perspectives, and you might learn something new that you hadn’t considered before.
Conclusion
Asking the right questions in an informational interview can help you to understand the industry, gain valuable insights from professionals, and build meaningful connections. By using these ten questions, you can make the most out of your next informational interview. Remember that these interviews are not only a chance to gain information but are also an opportunity to make a positive impression and build your professional network.
