Students

Before

Informational Interviews

Before your informational interview, it might be helpful to prepare questions you want to ask the industry professional. Below is a list of several suggestions you can ask:

Specific job features:

  • What are the job duties or responsibilities of this occupation?
  • What happens in a typical workday or week?
  • How independently do you work?
  • What are the most satisfying and dissatisfying aspects of your work?
  • What kind of hours do you put in? Are they flexible or set hours?
  • What is the typical salary range for this occupation?
  • What skills are needed to be successful in this position?

Breaking into the career:

  • How did you get to this position?
  • What is your educational background? What degrees or majors are typically needed to break into this career?
  • How can I best prepare to break into this field?
  • What kinds of work experience do employers look for in entry-level candidates? (Internships, portfolios, work experience, etc.)

Succeeding and growing in the industry:

  • What are the employment prospects in this area?
  • What are the opportunities for advancement?
  • What does a typical career path look like in your industry?
  • What is a typical starting salary?
  • What are important characteristics a person needs to succeed in this field?
  • What trade publications, magazines, or newspapers do you read to keep updated with developments in your field?

About this particular company:

  • Why did you decide to work for this company?
  • What do you like most/least about this company?
  • What is the management style like here?
  • Where do you think this company will be in five years?

Future career paths and changes:

  • What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry today?
  • What rising trends do you see in the next three to five years?
  • What are some related occupations or industries I might explore?