Informational interviews are a critical career exploration tool, providing firsthand insights into a company, role, or industry. To maximize this opportunity, preparing strategic, open-ended questions is essential for uncovering the information you need to make an informed career decision.
What Are the Key Questions to Understand a Person's Career Path?
Begin by exploring the interviewee's professional journey. This builds rapport and provides a template for your own path.
- "What initially attracted you to this industry or company?" This opening question allows the professional to speak candidly about their motivations, offering you a realistic perspective that may differ from public perception.
- "Can you walk me through how you progressed to your current position?" The answer can reveal valuable lessons from their successes and mistakes, helping you streamline your own career progression.
- "What skills or experience from a previous role have been unexpectedly useful here?" This question helps you identify transferable skills that are valued in the field, which is especially useful if you are considering a career change.
How Can You Assess Company Culture and Day-to-Day Realities?
Moving beyond the individual's story, your questions should target the actual work environment and daily responsibilities.
- "How would you describe the company culture here?" The response provides critical insight into the organization's values, work-life balance, and unspoken expectations, such as overtime norms.
- "What does a typical workday or week look like for you?" This moves beyond the job description to reveal the practical, day-to-day tasks and time allocation.
- "What are the most rewarding and most challenging aspects of your role?" Based on our assessment experience, this balanced question provides a holistic view, helping you gauge if the rewards outweigh the challenges for your personal and professional goals.
What Practical Advice Can You Get About Qualifications and Hiring?
The final set of questions should yield actionable intelligence to guide your next steps.
- "What kind of educational background or certifications are most valued for this role?" This helps you understand if a specific degree is essential or if alternative qualifications, like professional certifications, are acceptable. This information is crucial for planning any further education.
- "How does someone typically prepare for or break into a role like yours?" Ask for specific, actionable advice on courses, projects, or entry-level positions that can make you a competitive candidate.
- "Based on your experience, what qualities make someone successful in this field?" This question shifts focus from hard skills to soft skills and personal attributes, which are often key to long-term success and talent retention.
To get the most from your informational interview, always respect the professional's time, practice active listening, and send a thank-you note afterward. These steps help build a lasting professional connection that can provide insider information on job openings and industry trends.
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