Top 10 Questions to Ask During an Information Interview
Have you ever wondered how someone in your dream job got there? Have you ever tried to figure out what skills or experience are required to land a particular role? If the answer to either (or both!) of these questions is ‘yes’, then you might want to consider conducting an information interview.
An information interview is a process of speaking to an individual in a particular field or company to get an insider’s perspective on their career path, their skills, and their experiences. It can help you gain insights into your dream job, industry trends, and what hiring managers are looking for. But what are the right questions to ask during an information interview?
In this article, we’ll provide you with a list of the 10 best questions to ask during an information interview.
1. What led you to this career, and what do you like about it?
This is one of the most common questions asked during an information interview. By asking this question, you can get an understanding of what drew the interviewee to their career, as well as what they enjoy about it. It can help you gauge whether their career aligns with your interests and motivations.
2. What skills or experiences are necessary to be successful in this role?
This question will give you a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in your desired field. You can ask about technical, interpersonal, or leadership skills required in the job. This information can help you evaluate whether you have the required skills or if there are any gaps that need to be addressed.
3. What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?
Every career has its fair share of challenges. This question will give you insights into what challenges you can expect in the job and how the interviewee deals with them. Understanding the obstacles that come with the job can help you prepare for them better.
4. How has this industry changed in recent years, and what do you see happening in the future?
Asking this question can help you learn about the latest trends in your desired industry and how it has evolved over time. It’s also an opportunity to hear from someone with experience about the upcoming changes that you should prepare for.
5. What are the most important soft skills for success in your job?
Sometimes, soft skills can be more important than hard skills. By asking about the essential soft skills, you can gain insights into what characteristics are valued in your desired field.
6. What tips do you have for someone just starting in this field?
Asking this question is an opportunity to get valuable advice from someone already seasoned in the industry. It can help you avoid common mistakes and fast-track your way to success.
7. What is a typical day like for you?
Asking about a typical day in the life of someone in the industry can help you gauge whether the work is something you would enjoy. It can also help you understand the routine tasks and responsibilities that come with the job.
8. What role do mentorship and networking play in this field?
In many industries, networking can be the best way to get ahead. By asking about the interviewee’s experiences with mentorship and networking, you can understand what’s necessary to advance in the field.
9. How do you see this role evolving in the future?
This question can shed light on how the interviewee perceives the future of the industry and what changes they anticipate. It can also help you understand how you might want to develop your skills to remain relevant in your career.
10. Can you recommend any resources for additional learning?
This question is an excellent way to gain insight into the different resources available in your desired field. You might learn about industry associations, conferences, books, or courses that can help you advance in your career.
Conclusion
Conducting an information interview with someone in your desired field can be incredibly valuable, but you need to ask the right questions. The ten questions listed above can help you gain valuable insights into the career path you’re interested in. By asking a combination of technical and personal questions, you can learn about what makes the role tick and how you might prepare to enter the field. Remember, the key is to listen actively and be open to advice – you never know where the conversation might lead!
