Top 10 Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview: A Beginner’s Guide
Are you considering a job change or exploring a new career path? If so, one of the most valuable resources available to you is the informational interview. This is an opportunity to connect with professionals in your desired field to learn about their experiences and gain insights to help inform your career decisions. Here are the top 10 questions to ask in an informational interview:
1. Can you tell me about your professional background?
This is a great icebreaker question to get the conversation started. It allows you to learn more about the person you are interviewing and sets the tone for the rest of the conversation. Additionally, you may discover that you have something in common with the interviewee, which can help build rapport and make the rest of the interview more comfortable.
2. What do you like most about your job?
This question can reveal a great deal about the person’s motivation and values. It can also give you a sense of the day-to-day tasks and challenges of the role you are exploring.
3. What types of skills and experience are necessary for someone in this field?
This question can help you identify the key competencies needed to succeed in your desired field. Additionally, it may help you identify areas where you need to improve your skills or gain additional training.
4. Can you tell me about a time you faced a difficult challenge in your role?
This question can provide valuable insights into the realities of the job and the types of challenges you may face. It can also reveal how the person approaches problem-solving and resilience.
5. What do you see as the most significant trends or changes in the industry?
This question can help you stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in your desired field. It can also help you identify areas of growth or potential opportunities.
6. Can you recommend any professional associations or networking groups in this field?
This question can be a valuable resource for building your professional network and connecting with others in your industry.
7. How do you maintain a work-life balance?
This question can give you an idea of the level of work-life balance in your desired field and may help you prepare for the expectations of the role.
8. What advice would you give to someone just starting in this field?
This question can provide valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in your desired field. Additionally, it may reveal advice or tips that you hadn’t considered before.
9. What are the most challenging aspects of this job?
This question can give you an idea of the potential drawbacks of the role and help you weigh the pros and cons of pursuing this career path.
10. Can you recommend any resources, books, or articles I should read to learn more about this field?
This question can help you build your knowledge base and stay informed about the latest developments in your desired field. It can also help you identify additional resources for continued learning and personal growth.
In conclusion, conducting an informational interview can be a valuable tool for exploring a new career path or job change. By asking thoughtful questions, you can gain key insights and build your professional network. Use these top 10 questions to guide your conversation and make the most of your informational interview.
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