Introduction
Before we dive into the informational interview questions and tips, let’s clarify what an informational interview is.
Unlike a job interview, an informational interview is focused on gathering insights about jobs and careers rather than securing employment.
It is an opportunity for career seekers to seek advice and gain more knowledge about a specific career of interest.
This article provides a set of informational interview questions and tips for individuals who wish to initiate this type of interview.
Information Interview – How to Make it?
Why should you consider an informational interview?
This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to explore new careers and gather information about potential job opportunities.
1. Requesting an Informational Interview: To delve deeper into your chosen career field, identify professionals already working in that industry or career and approach them with a set of questions.
You’ll be surprised by how willing people are to assist entry-level professionals, career changers, and students. Begin by finding individuals within the industry whom you can consult.
Introduce yourself and request their advice on their career path, ensuring that you emphasize your interest in gathering information rather than seeking employment.
A 30-minute meeting is typically appropriate for an informational interview.
2. Finding and Requesting Interviews: You can identify potential interviewees through your personal network, friends of friends, family connections, professional networking, or by sending letters or emails to relevant employers.
3. After the Informational Interview: Following an informational interview, you may realize that your initial career choice needs reconsideration—it may not be as ideal as you envisioned.
Alternatively, you may decide to further develop certain skills. This meeting can provide insights that lead to various decision-making options, such as changing your career roadmap, considering different career paths, or adjusting your chosen path.
20 Examples of Informational Interview Questions
Below are examples of questions you can ask during an informational interview.
Select the questions that align with your specific needs and interests.
- Why did you choose this career? What initially sparked your interest in this field?
- What motivated you to pursue this job? Why did you choose to work for this particular company? What aspects of the company do you appreciate?
- Could you describe your career path? How did you secure your current position?
- What previous jobs or experiences did you have before entering this career?
- What qualifications are necessary for your job? How did you obtain these qualifications?
- How well did your education prepare you for this career?
- What skills are essential for this job? Are there any courses you recommend I take?
- What level of experience is typically required? How many years are necessary to acquire this experience?
- How often do you need to update your qualifications and engage in professional development? What are your ongoing learning needs?
- Can you provide insight into a typical day in your role? What are the main duties, tasks, priorities, functions, and responsibilities?
- What aspects of your job do you enjoy, and what are the challenges or dissatisfactions?
- What are the various job opportunities and avenues for growth in this field?
- Do you find this job/career exciting or mundane?
- How frequently does this occupation require changes, such as switching jobs or adapting work methods?
- Do you feel you stay current with the latest technological advancements in your field?
- How easy or difficult is it for someone to progress in this career?
- What are the best strategies for entering and advancing in this career field?
- How is this career affected by economic downturns?
- How does this career impact your personal life or lifestyle?
- How would you assess my qualifications and abilities for entry-level positions in this field?
Informational Interview Following-Up and Networking
After conducting an informational interview, it’s important to follow up and maintain the connections you’ve made.
In this section, we will provide some tips on how to effectively follow up and network with the professionals you’ve interviewed.
1. Send a Thank-You Note: Express your gratitude to the person who granted you the informational interview by sending a thank-you note. This can be done through email or traditional mail.
Be sincere in your appreciation and mention specific insights or advice you found valuable from the conversation. This small gesture shows your professionalism and gratitude.
2. Stay Connected on LinkedIn: Connect with the person you interviewed on LinkedIn, a professional networking platform. Include a personalized message mentioning your conversation and expressing your interest in staying connected.
LinkedIn allows you to maintain an ongoing professional relationship and keep updated on each other’s career progress.
3. Offer Assistance: If there’s an opportunity to reciprocate the favor or help in any way, don’t hesitate to do so.
This could be sharing relevant resources, introducing them to someone in your network, or aiding with a project or task they mentioned during the interview. Showing your willingness to help can leave a positive impression and strengthen your relationship.
4. Attend Industry Events: Stay engaged in your chosen industry by attending relevant conferences, seminars, or networking events.
These events provide opportunities to meet professionals, expand your network, and learn about the latest developments in your field. Actively participate in discussions, exchange business cards, and follow up with the contacts you make.
5. Join Professional Associations or Groups: Consider joining professional associations or groups related to your career interests. These organizations provide platforms for networking, professional development, and access to industry-specific resources.
Engage actively in their activities, attend meetings or webinars, and contribute to discussions to establish your presence within the professional community.
6. Conduct Ongoing Research: Continue researching and gathering information about your chosen career field. Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and emerging job opportunities.
This will not only expand your knowledge but also enable you to engage in meaningful conversations with professionals in the field. Being well-informed demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment.
7. Reflect and Evaluate: Take some time to reflect on the insights and information you gathered from the informational interviews.
Evaluate whether your career goals and interests align with what you learned. Use this reflection to make informed decisions about your career path, such as considering further education or training, exploring different job opportunities, or refining your job search strategy.
Conclusion:
Following up after an informational interview and actively networking can significantly contribute to your career development.
By sending a thank-you note, connecting on LinkedIn, offering assistance, attending industry events, joining professional associations, conducting ongoing research, and reflecting on your goals, you can build meaningful relationships, stay connected to the industry, and make informed decisions about your career journey.
Networking is a valuable tool that can open doors to new opportunities and help you navigate your professional path successfully.