Unlock Valuable Insights: Top 10 Things to Ask in an Informational Interview
Are you a college or university student or a young professional who wants to gain career insights and learn more about a particular profession? Then an informational interview is the best way to achieve this objective. Unlike a traditional job interview, informational interviews are a platform for you to learn about your target industry and build your professional network.
In this article, we will share the top 10 questions you should ask in an informational interview to gain valuable insights into your target industry.
1. Could you tell us about your career path?
Asking about the interviewee’s career path will help you understand their background and how they became successful. You can learn about their education, work experience, and the skills they developed over time.
2. What are the essential skills needed for this profession?
Every profession requires specific skills, and asking your interviewee about the essential skills will give you a clear idea of what you need to improve or develop. It also helps in choosing the right career path, particularly if you find that the skills required do not match your abilities.
3. What inspired you to choose this profession?
This question helps you understand the interviewee’s passion for the profession, which can serve as motivation for you. You may also learn about how they overcame their initial struggles and achieved success.
4. What do you find most satisfying about your job?
A job may fulfill the requirements of a person’s profession but may not necessarily make them happy. By asking this question, you can gauge whether the interviewee is happy about their job, and their answer could help you understand what you should look forward to in your career.
5. What are the challenges faced in this profession?
Every profession has its challenges, and it is essential to know about them before making a career choice. This question will give you a realistic outlook of what to expect when working in your target industry.
6. How do you stay updated in your profession?
Continuous learning is essential to remain relevant in any profession. By asking this question, you will learn about the various ways to stay updated in the industry, such as attending seminars, reading industry publications, and professional associations.
7. How do you balance your work-life?
Maintaining a work-life balance is essential for achieving success and personal happiness. You can learn about how the interviewee balances their work and life and find ways to implement their strategies in your career.
8. What advice would you give to young professionals trying to enter your profession?
This question provides excellent insight into the interviewee’s perspective about their profession while simultaneously providing valuable advice on how to increase your chances of success in the industry.
9. How does the industry change frequently, and how do you cope with these changes?
This question will give you insight into how rapidly the industry changes and how professionals adapt to the changes. You can learn about the most recent developments in the industry and how to cope with these changes to remain relevant.
10. Could you recommend any professionals in the industry I can speak with?
An informational interview is not only an opportunity to learn but also to network. By asking for recommendations on other professionals you should talk to, you can expand your network and learn more about the industry.
Conclusion
An informational interview is a fantastic opportunity to learn and build industry connections. With the questions in this article, you can gain valuable insights into your target industry while broadening your professional network. Remember to be prepared for the interview and have a list of questions ready to ask. By doing so, you will ensure that you maximize the opportunity and get the most out of the experience.
