Top 10 Informational Interview Questions and Answers for Job Seekers
An informational interview is a powerful tool that can help job seekers gain insights from experienced professionals. It is a chance to gather information, learn about the job market, and explore potential career paths. It can also help build a network of contacts that could lead to future job opportunities. However, many job seekers are unsure about how to conduct an informational interview. In this article, we have compiled the top 10 informational interview questions and answers for job seekers that will help you get the most out of your next informational interview.
1. What led you to this career?
This question will help you understand how the person landed in their current career and whether there’s any similarity between their background and yours. You can get insights into the journey taken by the interviewee, what qualifications, skills and experience they have accumulated to get where they are.
2. What are the biggest challenges you face in your job?
This question will give you an understanding of the challenges related to the field or position and offer you ways to learn and prepare yourself for the future.
3. Can you share with me some of your success stories in your current position?
This question will help you understand the types of projects or assignments that the job entails and can help you determine if this is something you are interested in pursuing.
4. What does a typical day or week look like for you?
This question will provide you with an overview of the job responsibilities and help you determine if the job meets your preferred work style or type.
5. What skills are necessary to be successful in this field?
This question will give you an idea of the skills that employers require and help you identify which ones you already have or which ones need further development.
6. What are some common misconceptions about this job?
This question will give you insights into the myths associated with this career and information on whether they are true or not.
7. Can you recommend any professional organizations or associations I should join to network with others in the industry?
This question will help you identify networking opportunities, which will help with your job search.
8. What advice do you have for someone starting out in this career?
This question will provide you with tips and advice that you can use to help you succeed and shorten your learning curve.
9. Are there any upcoming trends or changes in your field that you foresee?
This question will provide you with a high-level view of the trends and changes in the industry, which can be helpful for people looking for long-term careers.
10. Can you recommend anyone else I might speak with to learn more about this field?
This question will help you expand your network and provide you with more information about this career.
Conclusion
Informational interviews can be a great way to learn about a particular field or position and build connections with experienced professionals. By asking the right questions, job seekers will be able to gather valuable insights, make informed decisions about their career paths, and increase their chances of landing their dream job. So, use these top 10 informational interview questions and answers to get ahead of the game.
