17 Questions to Ask in an Information Interview
Information interviews are a great way to network and
learn more about your chosen line of work. They can
also help open the door
to job opportunities.
If you have an idea where or in what field you
would like to work, the first step is to set up a meeting. It's easiest if
someone, such as CalSAC, can refer you to a good lead, but you can also
contact a stranger if you find the phone number of the organization
you're interested in working for and know whom to call (usually someone in
a leadership position and/or someone who holds the position you would like
to have).
Conducting informational interviews will help you gain
a
real-world picture of the jobs that interest you while giving
you contacts to
professionals in the field. Make these contacts positive
ones, by making a good
first impression, being on time, and following up with
a thank you
note.
Here are some questions to ask in your informational
interview:
1 How did you get into this field?
2. Why
did you choose it?
3. What do you find most rewarding about this work?
What do find least rewarding?
4. What is a typical career path?
5.
What type of credentials (degrees, licenses, background, education, etc.) do
most people in this line of work have?
6. What is the future outlook for
the field?
7. What other jobs did you have before this one?
8.
What is a typical day on the job like here?
9. What is a typical week on
the job like?
10. What skills and abilities are needed to be successful
in this work?
11. What other careers do you see as related to this
job?
12. What opportunities for ongoing training are there?
13.
How much variety is involved in this work?
14. How do you keep on top of
the trends and changes in this field?
15. May I keep in touch with you to
let you know how my job search is going?
16. Do you know anyone else who
would be willing to speak with me about this topic?
17. Would you be
willing to give me feedback on my resume?
Adapted from The Dickinson
College Career Center Newsletter, Vol. 4, No. 2.
