During your job search, informational interviews can be a great way to learn more about a particular company or industry. These interviews give you the chance to speak with someone who has first-hand experience in the field, and ask them questions about their career path, job responsibilities, and industry trends.
Here are the top five questions to ask during an informational interview:
1. What does a typical day look like on the job? While job descriptions can give you an idea of what a position entails, hearing about a typical day from someone who does it every day can be invaluable. This question can also help you identify areas you might need to improve on or skills you may need to develop in order to succeed in a similar role.
2. What skills or experience have been most valuable in your career? This question can help you determine what qualifications you might need to develop if you’re interested in pursuing a similar career path. It can also help you identify skills you might already have that could be transferable to a range of different roles.
3. How has the industry evolved over the course of your career? Understanding the history and trends of a particular industry can be crucial to your success. By asking this question, you can gather insights into what the future might hold for the industry, and what skills or qualifications might be in high demand in the coming years.
4. What qualities do successful employees in this industry possess? Every industry has unique requirements for success, and this question can help you identify some of those qualities. By focusing on what it takes to succeed, you can start to develop a plan to build up the necessary skills or experience.
5. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this industry? This is a great question to wrap up the interview, as it gives the interviewee the chance to provide some parting wisdom. You might hear advice related to networking, education, or work-life balance, all of which can be incredibly valuable for someone just starting out in the field.
By asking these five questions during an informational interview, you can gain insights into a particular industry or company, and start developing a plan for your own career path. Remember to take notes during the interview, and follow up with a thank-you note to show your appreciation for their time and insights.
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