Discover the Top 10 Questions to Ask During an Informational Interview

If you’re looking to make a career change, informational interviews are one of the best tools at your disposal. These meetings allow you to learn more about potential employers and industries, build your professional network, and gain valuable insights and advice from experienced professionals. However, to make the most out of your informational interview, you need to know which questions to ask. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 questions to ask during an informational interview that will help you gain a deeper understanding of your field of interest.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

This question is a great icebreaker to kick off your informational interview. It’s a good way to get the conversation flowing while also gaining insights into the motivations and passions of the professional you’re speaking with. Additionally, learning about what inspired them can help you identify commonalities between their experiences and your own, potentially giving you a better sense of what drives you as well.

2. What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your day-to-day work?

This question can help you understand the realities of working in your desired field. You’ll get a chance to learn about common problems that professionals in your field must navigate, as well as strategies for dealing with challenges and staying motivated. Plus, by learning about these challenges early on, you can better prepare yourself for the realities of the industry you’re pursuing.

3. What skills or attributes do you think are necessary to succeed in this field?

This question is a fantastic way to learn more about the specific skill sets and personality traits that are valued in your desired industry. You can use this information to improve your own qualifications, either by honing your existing skills or seeking out opportunities to build new ones. Additionally, if you don’t have the skills or traits they mention, you’ll know what areas you need to work on to become a more competitive candidate.

4. What do you consider to be the most rewarding aspect of your job?

While it’s important to learn about the challenges of your desired field, you also need to understand what makes it worthwhile. This question allows the professional you’re speaking with to reflect on the positive aspects of their career, which can inspire you and help you stay motivated throughout your own job search. Additionally, understanding what others find rewarding can help you identify what you personally value in a career, guiding your job search and helping you find roles that align with your goals and values.

5. What are some of the biggest trends you see impacting this field in the next few years?

As industries evolve and change, it’s important to stay informed on the latest trends and developments in your desired field. This question can help you learn about emerging technologies, changing policies and regulations, and other factors that could impact your career trajectory. Plus, by demonstrating knowledge of current and future trends, you’ll show potential employers that you’re up-to-date on the latest news and ready to contribute to their team.

6. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this field?

This question can be particularly helpful if you’re a recent graduate or transitioning from another industry. By asking experienced professionals for their advice, you can glean insights into best practices, pitfalls to avoid, and strategies for success. Additionally, this question can help build rapport with the person you’re interviewing, as they’ll likely enjoy sharing their hard-won knowledge and giving back to their community.

7. How do you see this industry evolving over the next decade?

This question is similar to question 5, but with a longer time horizon. By asking about the next decade, you’re giving the professional you’re speaking with the opportunity to reflect on larger-scale changes and trends that will impact your desired field. This can provide valuable context for your job search and help you build a more informed view of the industry you’re pursuing.

8. What are some of the misconceptions people have about this industry?

Every field has its own stereotypes and misconceptions, and it can be helpful to address these head-on during an informational interview. By asking this question, you’ll gain insights into what people get wrong about your desired field, which can help you avoid making the same assumptions and misunderstandings. Additionally, this question can help you identify ways to differentiate yourself from other candidates, as you’ll be armed with insider knowledge of the industry.

9. How important is networking in this field?

Networking is a key component of any job search, but it may be particularly vital in certain fields. By asking this question, you’ll learn about the importance of networking in your desired field, as well as strategies for building your network and making new connections. Additionally, hearing about successful networking experiences can help inspire you to take action and build your own professional network.

10. What are the most important qualities you look for in a successful hire?

Finally, it can be helpful to learn about the qualities that successful professionals value in their colleagues. This will give you insights into what potential employers are looking for in candidates, and can help you tailor your resume and interviewing strategy accordingly. Additionally, you may be able to glean insights into company culture and values, which can be useful when evaluating job opportunities.

Conclusion

Informational interviews are a valuable tool for job seekers, but they’re only effective if you ask the right questions. By focusing on the top 10 questions outlined in this article, you’ll be able to gain valuable insights and advice from experienced professionals, build your professional network, and make informed career decisions. Always remember to be polite, curious, and engaged during these interviews, and to follow up with a thank-you note or email afterwards. With the right strategies in place, you can turn informational interviews into valuable stepping stones on your path to career success.