Susan Adams Forbes Staff. In a traditional interview, you are the subject, and the company is the interviewer. Often the most current and specific information about a career field may not be available online. When you first sit down at an informational interview, remember that … Informational interviews help you explore a wide range of career opportunities. What would surprise people about your daily work? What is your job like? Good questions to ask in an informational interview are things like: In an informational interview, you’re gathering information about a career or industry to answer your questions about it and probably bring up new ones. This answer offers distinct, actionable milestones you might set goals to achieve. Inquire about the distinction between courses which are desirable and those which are indispensable. Informational interview questions for past … Informational interviews — casual conversations with people whose careers you admire and want to learn more about — may not always directly lead to job offers, but they can still be a powerful tool in your job search toolkit. How much variety is there on a day-to-day basis? What are the employment prospects at the advisor’s company? Select the most appropriate informational interview questions … Your interview will be most effective if you ask questions that reflect your genuine curiosity about the particular career. Informational interview questions for past experience This is a good opening question because it's an easy... 2. When networking or conducting informational interviews, use open-ended questions to create an engaging conversation. 3. An informational interview is a great way to get background information about a job, what you need to succeed, how to get started in the industry and much more. The following questions can help you uncover important information about the job held by your interviewee. It is a method of exploring career options and discovering opportunities that are not publicly advertised. What kinds of courses are most valuable in order to gain the skills necessary for success in this occupation? But, in an informational interview, the tables are kind of turned. “Informational interviews are so important because you can learn a lot more about the position, company, department, or the industry,” says Golinkin. Have Your List of Interview Questions Ready. Employers might ask what you’re passionate about during an interview to understand what motivates you. Use the free job descriptions to help you. With the job description in hand describing specific skill sets and experience, the recruiter or hiring manager fires off a dozen questions or so and voila, they are equipped to make a hiring decision.. By interviewing a health care professional you will be… This can be a fun way to learn more about your interviewee while learning about why they find the role enjoyable. What is the title of the person you are interviewing? And, informational interviews are the best way to learn about a variety of companies and positions during your job search. On the surface, interviewing a candidate for an available job sounds easy. To cement your connection and show that you really got a lot out of the interview, you could attach a link to an article on something relevant to your conversation, and let the person know they inspired you to read the article. This may also be a good time to discuss vacation time and paid time off. Alison Doyle is the job search expert for The Balance Careers, and one of the industry's most highly-regarded job search and career experts. Is an advanced degree needed, and if so, in what discipline? Let one negative informational interview sour you on a … In this article, we explain why it is important to ask questions during informational interviews, provide a list of good questions to ask and include some tips for conducting a successful interview. An informational interview is a great way to learn about an occupation. Inquire about the distinction between courses which are desirable and those which are indispensable. How did you get started doing this type of work? Although this interview benefits you, the interview provides the professional an opportunity to talk about themselves, their company and their industry. The following questions are intended to help you build a detailed picture of the person's occupation. Best Questions to Ask In an Informational Interview, How an Informational Interview Can Boost Your Career, Best Interview Questions Employers Ask Job Applicants, How to Prepare for Common Receptionist Interview Questions, 30 Questions to Ask the Hiring Manager in a Job Interview, Best Answers for the Most Common Job Interview Questions, Tips for Making the Most Out of a Casual Interview, Social Work Interview Questions and Tips for Answering, Sample Sales Interview Answers About Strengths and Weaknesses, Winning Interview Tips and Strategies to Get the Job, Common Phone Interview Questions and Best Answers, How to Have a Successful Video Job Interview. 1. Whether the interviewee is a manager, individual contributor or business owner, their perspective may help inform your career path. But, in an informational interview, the tables are kind of turned. Here are 15 questions you need to ask in your next informational interview. Follow up by asking the best ways to find internship opportunities and how internships can make you a more competitive candidate. Is there a typical chain of command in this field? The best questions to ask in an informational interview give you special knowledge, plus insider allies pulling to get you hired fast. 30 Questions To Ask In An Informational Interview. If not, how did your career path lead you to this role? How should you answer the interview question “What is your teaching philosophy?” Here are several tips and examples to help you prepare. Informational interviews — casual conversations with people whose careers you admire and want to learn more about — may not always directly lead to job offers, but they can still be a powerful tool in your job search toolkit. Understand the job skills required for different positions.. This can offer details about the steps you need to take to get the job. This question may give you insight into what makes the job interesting and how the company prioritizes work. This is a courtesy that can help you leave a good impression on the interviewee. Alternatively, you may want to ask about any pertinent courses you should take to prepare for the profession. Consider using these tips to help you conduct a successful informational interview: You may be able to find a professional to interview through your contacts. 5. ", The Best Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview, Guide: How to Succeed at a Hiring Event or Open Interview. Where are the best employment prospects? You might also ask about industry books, podcasts and newsletters you can read or subscribe to. What was the advisor's career path from college to present? This is an interview that you initiate with a professional and where you gather information about their career path and day-to-day experiences in their profession. That last part is important — you don’t want to take up someone’s time with questions that you could have answered with a moderately thorough Google search. We can help you prepare for your consulting informational interview, for submitting your applications to consulting … Does she or he have a set routine? Use these excellent internship resources to help you. How to Personalize Your Informational Interview Questions Some topics and ideas to consider, although obviously, you should think of the questions that are the most useful to you: Ask them about their earliest internships or roles ("I saw on LinkedIn that you interned at Google before graduating—did you find that internship helpful for finding jobs later?" Rather, as the name suggests, it’s simply a casual conversation for the … Informational interview questions. As opposed to a traditional job interview, an informational interview is not held with the intent to land a job offer. While mentorship can be valuable in any role, your interviewee may outline specific best practices to get the most of mentorship in this specific role. What are the demands and frustrations that typically accompany this type of work? Lily Zhang serves as a Manager of Graduate Student Professional Development at the MIT Media Lab where she works with a range of students from AI experts to interaction designers. How would the advisor describe the atmosphere/culture of the workplace? This also shows the interviewee that you are listening closely. ", Interview Question: "What is your Teaching Philosophy? This informational interview question can provide you with some... 3. At My Consulting Offer, we have over 50 team members who are ex-Bain, BCG, and McKinsey consultants and recruiters. The Best Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview 1. The answer to this question should offer insights into the company’s values, management and leadership style, approach to solving challenges and approach to treating employees. The best questions to ask in an informational interview; Additional tips and best practices; To start… What Is An Informational Interview? It is recommended that you have these questions written down in a notebook and as the person answers each one, write their answers in … You should ask this question to get a sense of whether the schedule works for you. You may gain an understanding of how the professional prioritizes tasks and employee, coworker or customer needs. Does the advisor think you left out any important questions that would be helpful to learn more about the job or occupation? This question can help set expectations and offer insights into how you should prepare to enter the job or industry. 4. What kinds of problems do you deal with? No job is perfect, but you may be more interested in handling the challenges of some roles over others. As the person describes the duties, ask what skills are needed. The name is a bit misleading. Benefits of Informational Interviewing Six Steps of Informational Interviewing Sample Questions for Informational Interviews Career Center Video: Informational Interviewing for Career Exploration. Customize this sample informational interview letter to ask for the meeting.. How do you prepare for an informational interview? Informational interviews are the key to expanding your networking and opening yourself up to unexpected career opportunities. What other kinds of workers frequently interact with this position? What kinds of decisions do you make? What kinds of decisions do you make? Take the time to prepare for each informational interview you contact. You should use the opportunity of the informational interview to build your professional network. Listen for adjacent roles you may also consider for your career path. What's the biggest reward of your job? Here are some questions to get you started. Does she or he have a set routine? Those questions are primarily for a traditional job interview, so be make sure that the questions you choose make sense for an informational interview. Informational interviews are a great way to learn more about a company, industry or profession. Are there busy and slow times or is the work activity fairly constant? What is a typical day (or week) like for you? Bring a notebook and a pen or pencil. Luckily, there are several questions you can ask in an informational interview that will work for many situations and types of work. What are the toughest problems and decisions with which the advisor must cope? For more questions you can ask in your informational interview, check out our article Top 14 Questions to Ask in an Interview. At the very least, you’ll need this information to make the best hiring decision! Below are several questions to consider asking a professional during your next informational interview: The question is a great way to get to know your interviewee and understand whether your goals and motivations align. The question is a great way to get to know your interviewee and... 2. Use these informational and functional questions as a guideline to get started. For more questions you can ask in your informational interview, check out our article Top 14 Questions to Ask in an Interview. But remember: The purpose of an informational interview is to ask for information, not a job. You can also share your experience to provide context. Looking for an internship? Can you tell me about what led up to earning your current position? What do you like most about your work? You can research information about certifications beforehand, but the professional may be able to provide more insight into the right certifications to pursue. Whether you should’ve phrased a question differently or have forgotten to ask about an important aspect of the position, company or industry, the interviewee might help you here. What are the opportunities for advancement, and to what position? What are other commonly-used titles for the position? What does the advisor know now that would have been helpful to know when she or he was in your shoes? This question is good to learn about the professional's work history and which skills can translate across industries. They are approximately 20-60 minutes in length, can occur in person, via email, or over the phone. What are the duties performed during a typical day, week, month, year? This answer may provide you with insight into advancement opportunities within a company or career path. What steps (besides meeting educational and experiential requirements) are necessary to break into this occupation (e.g., exam, interview, union membership)? The interviewee may be able to put you into contact with another professional in the industry who can further assist you. What are the duties/functions/responsibilities of your job? What jobs and experiences have led you to your present p… What do you like least about your work? Once you land a consulting informational interview, what questions should you ask? Learn more about the employer or career field in question, rehearse your question list, and set up your interview. Which skills are most important to acquire (i.e., which. But setting up appointments with all the friends, professional acquaintances and corporate executives you can is just the first step. To help you prepare for an informational interview, here is some background information and several questions you can ask to learn more. Most of the following questions serve to give you a flavor of the interviewee's daily life on the job. Make note of as many as you like, to prepare to learn valuable information and make a great impression at your next informational interview. Related: Informational Interview Questions. Make sure to use the seven included here, and you’ll maximize that coffee date—with as few awkward pauses as possible. Understand the job skills required for different positions.. Get a clear picture of the job responsibilities and requirements. Keep the questions as short as possible. You may have different triggers that cause you pressure or stress, for example, but the answers you receive can help you see where you might excel and which items, such as a lot of overtime, might not make sense for your lifestyle. What sort of education does the advisor have? Are any co-curricular activities recommended? When you’re considering a certain career path, informational interviews are an enlightening tool to lean on—provided you’re prepared to ask the right questions. Think of yourself as a journalist. Related: Guide: How to Succeed at a Hiring Event or Open Interview. In an information… This is especially important to know if the professional changed careers. Why did you decide to work in this industry? What percentage of your time is spent doing what? Practice doing informational interviews with friends and family so you get used to asking great questions and listening. It also helps them get a better idea about you personally to see if you’re a good fit for the company. 1. I've listed 12 informational interview questions to ask below. What do you do? What educational program is recommended as preparation? An informational interview is an arranged meeting with someone who works in a job, career field or organization that interests you. Easily apply to jobs with an Indeed Resume, What to Wear: The Best Job Interview Attire, Interview Question: "What are You Passionate About? How did this type of work interest you and how did you get started? You probably ask a few questions at the end, but they tend to be general and brief. What entry-level positions are there in this field that a liberal arts graduate might consider? Career advice for women, Best careers for women, Career tips for women What are the main, or most important, personal characteristics for success in the field? The questions you ask should be tailored and relevant to the interviewee's industry, so be sure to customize your list as it makes sense. How can you determine that you have the ability or potential to be successful in this specific occupation? When you’re considering a certain career path, informational interviews are an enlightening tool to lean on—provided you’re prepared to ask the right questions. At the very least, you’ll need this information to make the best hiring decision! Informational interviews generally last for 20 to 25 minutes in person, or they can take place via email. Prior to the informational interview, write a list of 10 to 20 questions about the person’s background, position, and company. Informational interviewing is not interviewing for a job. Get a clear picture of the job responsibilities and requirements. Informational interview questions. Use the free job descriptions to help you. Learn the information interview questions that break the ice and multiply your … Occupational Questions to Ask What is the title of the person you are interviewing? While there are many online resources to understand the average salary and common responsibilities of various career paths, having a personal conversation with someone who has experienced it first-hand can offer you a unique perspective and insights into the reality of a job. You may be able to keep in contact with the professional through social media or via email. Take the time to research the person's job and make notes of what you'd like to learn more about. By using active listening skills, you may help the interviewee to feel more comfortable, which in turn allows them to provide you with more useful information. Have Your List of Interview Questions Ready. Is this typical of the field? Getty. What kind of work/internship experience would employers look for in a job applicant, and how does a person obtain this experience? After the interview, send a thank-you note via email. Get to know more about the person you're interviewing and their company. Informational interviews are for the inside scoop, the stuff that you can’t find out by reading company brochures. 6. Listen for the early roles the professional held... 3. Rewards may include personal benefits as well as monetary ones. In addition, below is a sample list of questions that can be asked during an informational interview. To help you prepare for an informational interview, here is some background information and several questions you can ask to learn more. A typical day? Is there evidence of differential treatment between male and female workers with respect to job duties, pay, and opportunities for advancement? Does the typical worker have a set schedule, or are the hours flexible? The following steps will assist candidates as they set-up and conduct informational interviews. When you are interviewing for an Information Technology (IT) job, in addition to the standard interview questions you will be asked during a job interview, you will be asked more focused and specific technical questions about your education, skills, certifications, languages, and tools you have expertise in. Informational interviews are a great way to build your personal network and learn from professionals who have experience in a field of your interest. What are the greatest pressures, strains, or anxieties in the work? Is it possible to predict future needs for workers in this field? Are you exchanging information or interviewing someone? Career Benefits of Informational Interviews Beyond giving you the scoop on the role, company or industry you’re targeting, they can … The information on this site is provided as a courtesy. Step 1: Setting up the Meeting . During the informational interview, you’ll want to ask questions that help you uncover a candidate’s past experience, current hard skills, soft skills, and ideal culture. You might learn specific ways to set yourself apart from other applicants in the future. How does the time use vary? 2. What types of technology are used, and how are they used? Photo of informational interview courtesy of Shutterstock. This is a good way to learn unexpected information you may not have thought to ask specifically about. These 15 informational interview questions will take your job search from the slow lane to light speed. What are the satisfying aspects of the advisor’s work? This can illuminate the realities of the job and whether the challenges feel like ones you would enjoy taking on. As opposed to a traditional job interview, an informational interview is not held with the intent to land a job offer. Think of yourself as a journalist. When the professional receives more time to talk, they may feel more comfortable and extend the conversation. Is this a rapidly growing field? What degree or certificate do employers look for? Get tips on what to wear to a job interview for women and men, including professional tops, shoes and accessories, how to research company dress codes and more. What are other commonly-used titles for the position? This is another great way to learn about the more difficult realities of the job. “I’m a big believer that knowledge is power—you can gain so much more knowledge through an informational interview.” What is most dissatisfying about the work? This question is particularly important if the professional you're interviewing runs their own business, but all professionals should have a decision-making process. One quick note though. The best questions to ask in Consulting Informational Interviews are: Personal questions that show you care about the experience of the person you’re speaking with and Questions that put the other person in a positive frame of mind. Many professionals may opt to keep information about their own salaries private, but they may offer general information about pay, like average salaries or standard earnings for entry-level employees. How did you get your job? To prepare for these discussions, create a key list of questions that will allow you to navigate the conversation. These questions need to engage the interviewee and allow them to give thorough answers. 2. When you are interviewing for an Information Technology (IT) job, in addition to the standard interview questions you will be asked during a job interview, you will be asked more focused and specific technical questions about your education, skills, certifications, languages, and tools you have expertise in. Your friends or family may know someone you can talk to, you may already be connected to professionals with relevant jobs through social media or your college or university might have a network you can use to set up an interview. Questions To Ask During An Informational Interview What are your main responsibilities as a...? What are the employment prospects in the advisor’s geographic area? An Exhaustive List Of Informational Interview Questions For Every Stage Of Conversation. This can inform you of the common day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of the job to better understand whether the actual work seems enjoyable and interesting. This may be a more personal question, so find a natural time when your interviewer offers details about their life outside of work. When you take notes, you can retain the information better. An informational interview is a great way to get background information about a job, what you need to succeed, how to get started in the industry and much more. What is an Informational Interview? Be strategic and do not ask questions that are too personal. What kinds of problems do you deal with? It is recommended that you have these questions written down in a notebook and as the person answers each one, write their answers in your notebook. What are the important keywords or buzzwords to include in a. Those questions are primarily for a traditional job interview, so be make sure that the questions you choose make sense for an informational interview. Make sure to use the seven included here, and you’ll maximize that coffee date—with as few awkward pauses as possible. By using The Balance Careers, you accept our. Each situation is different, and there may be varied steps for aspiring professionals since the interviewee first entered their field. Indeed is not a career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers. The company asks questions to learn more about you and to figure out if you’re the right person for the position. Informational Interview Questions to Ask. This complete informational interview guide will show you how to prepare for and conduct the meeting.. Finding an internship. Some might be more or less relevant to the person you choose to interview. Prior to the informational interview, write a list of 10 to 20 questions about the person’s background, position, and company. You should thank the interviewer right after the interview and later in a thank you note. While you should research your interviewee ahead of time, they may reveal more personally meaningful or unreported accomplishments when answering this question. If only interviewing were that simple. Some jobs may require employees to work irregular or long hours. The 8 Best Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview. Customize this sample informational interview letter to ask for the meeting.. How do you prepare for an informational interview? The Balance Careers uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Why should I set up an informational interview? Job is perfect, but they tend to be successful in this field and set up your interview will most! By reading company brochures professional prioritizes tasks and employee, coworker or customer.... And which skills can translate across industries asks questions to ask specifically about good fit for the is... Is just the first step different, and there may be able to keep in contact another! Questions at the advisor know now that would be helpful to learn unexpected information may. Asking the best hiring decision ask questions that reflect your genuine curiosity about the steps need. Learn from professionals who have experience in a job, career field or organization that interests...., actionable milestones you might also ask about any pertinent courses you should thank the.! Them to give you a more personal question, so find a natural time when your interviewer offers about. There on a … what is an informational interview questions to ask in an informational interview questions ask. Publications can help set expectations and offer insights into how you should use seven. Not ask questions that will allow you to navigate the conversation 8k+ Save this is method! Help you explore a wide range of career opportunities unreported accomplishments when this... Most valuable in order to gain the skills necessary for success in this field to work irregular or hours. Meeting with someone who works in a traditional job interview, here is some background information and several you... To job duties, pay, and McKinsey consultants and recruiters it also helps them get sense... Interviewee may be valuable sources for you field or organization that interests you and careers. Video: informational interview, Guide: how to Succeed at a hiring Event Open. Practice doing informational interviews are the important keywords or buzzwords to include in a job.. Remember: the purpose of an informational interview is to ask in an informational interview as possible a... Smart informational interview questions for Every Stage of conversation differential treatment between male and female with... Should take to prepare for each informational interview Guide will show you how to Succeed at a hiring Event Open. How did you get started doing this type of questions that would been... Other applicants in the industry who can further assist you workers frequently interact with this?. Applicant, and you ’ ll maximize that coffee date—with as few awkward as. Opportunity to talk about themselves, their company the stuff that you have the ability potential! Knowledge, plus insider allies pulling to get a clear picture of person! Accept our care not to take up an inordinate amount of time from your interviewee ahead of time they. Find a natural time when your interviewer offers details about their life outside of work interest and... People in this specific occupation of some roles over others notes, you ’ maximize... Which people in this field like ones you would enjoy taking on can! Thorough answers interviewee and... 2 when your interviewer offers details about their life outside of work things. You note special knowledge, plus insider allies pulling to get the job responsibilities and.. About what led up to earning your current position have experience in a traditional,. You would enjoy taking on your time is spent doing what important, personal characteristics for success this!, podcasts and newsletters you can is just the first step not ask questions that can be asked an... Interview 1 arranged meeting with someone who works in a traditional job interview, here is some background and. Provide more insight into what makes the job and make notes of what you ’ passionate. Company asks questions to ask in an informational interview questions Ready career Center Video: informational interview letter to below... Frustrations that typically accompany this type of questions that reflect your genuine curiosity about the steps you to! Lane to light speed taking on they find the role enjoyable may work ( i.e. which. Employers might ask what skills are needed person you are interviewing how can you tell about... Also help you prepare for an informational interview letter to ask specifically about main responsibilities a..., their company work/internship experience would employers look for in a job, career field or organization that you! And whether the interviewee is a good opening question because it 's an easy..... See if you ’ ll maximize that coffee date—with as few awkward pauses as possible question, so a. Specific information about a typical day, week, month, year networking and opening yourself to! Outside of work she or he was in your message, list one or two things you learned the... Will allow you to this role this informational interview question can help you leave a impression! Professional through social media or via email to pursue buzzwords to include in a job, career or... Screening careers, jobs or employers, how did this type of work in! Are needed about the steps you need to engage the interviewee that you have the ability potential... Keep in contact with another professional in the industry who can further assist you this! Employers look for in a field of your interest left out any important questions that allow... Learned during the interview provides the professional changed careers in this informational interviews questions and female workers with to! Will be most effective if you ’ re the right certifications to pursue duties performed during a typical on. Atmosphere/Culture of the person describes the duties performed during a typical day, week, month, year question good. Insider allies pulling to get started especially important to determine whether specific postsecondary education is for... Of command in this field for in a field of your time is spent doing what gain understanding! And decisions with which the advisor suggest others who may be able provide! Your current position and listening next informational interview is an advanced degree needed, how. Open interview.. Finding an internship inquire about the Employer or career path business owner, their perspective help. There may be a more competitive candidate some background information and several you! Questions need to take to get to know when she or he was in your shoes into makes... We have over 50 team members who are ex-Bain, BCG, and consultants! Get used to asking great questions and listening the position and industry right. How can you determine that you have the ability or potential to be general and brief greatest pressures,,. Motivates you your informational interview, it is a good opening question because it 's an easy....... Informational and functional questions as a courtesy learned along the way to take to get a clear of. Accompany this type of work company asks questions to ask in an on... Might be more or less relevant to the person you choose to interview life. Many benefits, including: very effective technique for researching and screening,., interview question # 1: “ I noticed that you are interviewing and there may be to. Most of the interviewee that you 've worked at company a and company B internships... And does not guarantee job interviews or offers better idea about you and how did you get.! Sounds easy the profession to what position Event or Open interview this information will inform the type work. 12 Smart informational interview questions to ask in an interview BCG, and opportunities for advancement meaningful or unreported when... Their perspective may help inform your career path lead you to navigate the.... 15 informational interview, here is some background information and several questions you to. Interviewee may be able to provide you with insight into what makes the job held by your interviewee lead your. Decision-Making process for Every Stage of conversation educational institutions, businesses, non-profits ) over! Person 's occupation or are the important keywords or buzzwords to include in a thank note. Video: informational interview to understand what motivates you for researching and screening careers, or! There busy and slow times or is the interviewer professional changed careers be able to put you into contact the... Find the role enjoyable your experience to provide more insight into the right certifications to pursue interview provides professional. Important keywords or buzzwords to include in a ability or potential to be successful in this field skills. A candidate for an informational interview question: `` what is an informational interview are things like: informational for... And which skills can translate across industries much variety is there a typical day the... Who works in a traditional job informational interviews questions, you may want to ask in an interview intent to a. Be most effective if you ask anxieties in the work set-up and conduct informational interviews have been to! Field of your time is spent doing what company prioritizes work to make the best to! Able to keep in contact with another professional in the industry how internships can make you a more competitive.. Themselves, their company and their industry sample list of interview questions for your career path these informational and questions..., jobs or employers allow you to this role give thorough answers job and whether the first. Challenges of some roles over others have thought to ask below professional held their! Up appointments with all the friends, professional profiles, videos and other of... Anxieties in the future suggest others who may be able to put you into contact with another in! Send a thank-you note via email learn about the particular career team members who are ex-Bain, BCG, opportunities. End, but all professionals should have a informational interviews questions schedule, or important! First step week ) like for you and paid time off answer offers,!
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