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Informational Interview - Questions to Ask

You're the interviewer; know what you want to ask.

What questions should I ask?

Ask open-ended questions that allow the interviewee plenty of freedom to respond. This article includes some possible questions you might ask during an informational interview.

Keep Reading to Learn:

  • Sample questions to ask during an informational interview
    • Including educational background, current role, work environment, skills and abilities, career development advice, and more

Prepare before your informational interviews using this list of questions

Sample Questions

  • What is a typical work day like for you?
  • How did you find this field?
  • When did you know you wanted to work in this field for the long term?
  • What experiences, skills and educational background are necessary for a person who wants to do a job like yours?
  • Do you feel that your academic background prepared you well for the work you're doing?
  • What is the typical educational attainment for a person in your role? Is a Master's Degree (or higher) required?
  • What do you like the most about your position (or employer)? The least?
  • What are some of the pressures, problems and challenges for a person entering this type of career?
  • What types of people are more likely to succeed in this career/at this company?
  • What are some of the emerging trends in this field?
  • Do you belong to any professional associations? Are there any you would recommend I join?
  • Would you say you've had a typical educational/career path?
  • Is there anything you wish you would've known, or done differently to get to where you are today?
  • What types of things would you recommend I do right now to prepare for a career like yours?

Additional Considerations

Below are a few questions that are essential for you to ask in an informational interview.

Can you think of anything else I should really know about this field or company?

Could you suggest one or two other people I might want to contact for information?

Would you mind if I connected with you on LinkedIn and reached out if I have any other questions?

Next Steps

  • Compile a list of questions that you plan to use to conduct the informational interview
    • Find additional questions in the Related Links section below
  • Take notes during the conversation so you can reflect on what you learned after the interview