Top 10 Informational Interview Questions to Ask in Your Next Interview

Are you preparing for an interview and wondering what kind of questions to ask? Informational interviews are an excellent way to gather relevant information about a job position, industry, or company. These interviews demonstrate your interest and proactive approach, and help you make informed decisions about your career.

Here are the top 10 informational interview questions you should ask in your next interview:

1. Can You Tell Me More About Your Background and Career Path?

This question is a great icebreaker and helps you learn about your interviewee’s journey. You can also gain valuable insights into their career trajectory, challenges, and accomplishments. It also helps you to establish rapport and shows that you are interested in their perspective.

2. How Did You Get Started in This Industry?

This question gives you insight into the industry and how it operates. The answer can tell you about the typical career path, necessary experience, and potential challenges. It also helps you understand the history and evolution of the industry, which can provide valuable context and insights.

3. What Do You Enjoy Most About Your Job?

This question helps you understand what makes the job fulfilling and rewarding. It gives you an idea of the work culture, learning opportunities, and professional growth potential. It can also give you a sense of the kind of work ethic expected in the job and how you can fit into the team.

4. What Are Some of the Challenges You Encounter in Your Job?

This question is a great opportunity to get real-world insights about the job. You can get a sense of what to expect in the job, what kind of skills you need to improve, and how to manage potential roadblocks. It also demonstrates that you are proactive and care about the work environment.

5. What Kind of Skills Do You Think Are Necessary for Success in This Role?

This question sets the foundation for the kind of skills and traits required for the job. It can give you a good idea of the specific attributes you need to highlight in your resume and cover letter. It also shows that you are interested in the role and are willing to learn to succeed at it.

6. What Is the Typical Career Path in This Company?

This question helps you understand how the job fits into the company, career opportunities, and advancement potential. The answer can give you insight into the company’s growth strategy, culture, and values. Moreover, it can help you plan long-term career goals and decide if this company aligns with your career path.

7. Can You Tell Me About a Time You Were Faced With a Difficult Task, and How You Overcame It?

This question tests your interviewee’s critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. The answer can provide you valuable insights about the kind of challenges you will face in the job and how to tackle them. It also demonstrates that you are willing to learn from their experience.

8. What Advice Would You Give to Someone Starting in This Industry?

This question gives you some of the best insights from someone who has been in the industry for some time. The response can give you a good foundation on how you can prepare for the job, network, and develop skills. It also shows that you value the opinion of people who have experience in the industry.

9. What Kind of Skills Do You Think Are Necessary for Success in This Company?

This question is also a great opportunity to learn about the company culture, work environment, and team dynamics. The answer can help you decide if you fit the company’s values and work culture. Also, it can give you a better idea of the job’s requirements and expectations.

10. What Is the Next Step After This Interview?

This question is essential to know what to expect after the interview. The answer can inform you about the next steps, the timeline, and how to follow up. It also helps you stay organized and manage expectations after the interview.

Conclusion

Informational interviews are an excellent way to learn about a potential job, career path, or company. By asking the above questions, you can gain valuable insights and prepare for the interview effectively. It also shows that you are proactive, interested, and care about your professional growth. Remember, there are no ’right’ or ‘wrong’ questions to ask, but these questions can provide you with valuable insights to make informed career decisions.