Sample Informational Interview Questions

• What is a typical day on this job really like?
• How did you get into this field?
• What do you like about your job? Any dislikes?
• What's the best way to find out about jobs in this field?
• What kind of experience or training is required?
• What is the career ladder for this position?
• May I have a copy of a job description?
• What are employers looking for (skills, education, experience)?
• How important is the resume and what makes one impressive?
• What do you look for in employees?
• How do you stay current in your knowledge?
• What's the corporate culture like here?
• Are there related fields I might want to look into if few jobs are available in my primary career choice?
• What are current job prospects like?
• What are the most important parts of your job?
• Is your job typical of others in this field?
• Which firms do you think are your toughest competitors, and how do they differ from your company?
• Is there anyone else you can refer me to in this field?
• How do you normally hire for this occupation?
• What is the average turnover in this type of job?
• Is my resume appropriate for this occupation?
• What would you recommend I do at this point to get into this field?
• Would you provide feedback as to the appropriateness of my resume for this occupation?
• What are the future trends for this field?

Source: Creative Job Search, a publication of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.