Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview for 2023

What is an Informational Interview?

An informational interview is a great way to gain insight into a particular career field or industry. An informational interview is a conversation with someone who is already working in the field that you’re considering. It’s a great way to get information, advice, and tips on how to break into the field, what it takes to be successful, and what differentiates the most successful people. It’s also a great way to build your network and make connections that could help you find a job in the future.

What Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview?

When you’re gearing up for an informational interview, it’s important to have a list of questions prepared to get the most out of the conversation. Here are some of the best questions to ask in an informational interview:

1. What inspired you to pursue this career?

This question can give you some insight into why the person chose this career path, and it can also give you an idea of what other interests or skills might be important to have in the field. Understanding the motivations of someone in the field can help you decide if it’s the right career for you.

2. What do you like most about your job?

This question can help you understand what aspects of the job the person finds most rewarding. What they like about their job can give you insight into what you might like about the job and what you might want to avoid.

3. What has been the most challenging part of your job?

This question can help you understand what challenges you might face if you pursue a similar career path. It can also help you understand how the person has overcome those challenges and what strategies they used to do so.

4. What skills are essential to succeed in this field?

This question can help you understand what skills and qualities are necessary for success in the field. It can also give you an idea of where you might need to focus your efforts to develop those skills.

5. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this field?

This question can provide great insight into the best way to get started in the field. It can also provide you with tips and advice that can help you avoid common mistakes.

6. What changes have you seen in the field over the past few years?

This question can help you understand how the field is changing and what trends you should be aware of. It can also help you understand what skills are becoming more important and which ones are becoming less important.

7. What do you think will be the biggest challenge for people entering the field in the next few years?

This question can help you understand what the future of the field might look like and what challenges you could face in the future. It can also help you prepare for those challenges and plan accordingly.

8. What resources do you recommend for someone just starting out in this field?

This question can help you find the best resources to help you get started in the field. It can also help you understand what books, websites, or people to connect with to help you learn more about the field.

9. Who else would you recommend I speak with about this field?

This question can help you expand your network and make more connections. It can also help you get a better understanding of the field from different perspectives.

Conclusion

An informational interview can be a great way to gain insight into a field or industry. Asking the right questions can help you get the most out of the conversation and can help you make the most of the opportunity. By asking the right questions, you can get a better understanding of the field and what it takes to be successful in it.