Information Interviewing Sample Questions

It’s best if you write up your own list of questions to take to the interview. These are some examples. It is helpful for the other person to know a little about you. Put together your one-minute pitch which is a brief summary of your background, education and aspirations. It’s OK to bring along a resume but only share it if asked. If you try to hand the person your resume in the beginning of your meeting it appears like you are soliciting a job and can make your conversation awkward. Be sincerely curious and you’ll learn a lot!

1. What do you like most about your current position?
2. Why did you decide to work for this company? How does this organization differ from competitors?
3. How did you get into this field/occupation/position? What did you do before?
4. What education or training would you suggest I obtain in order to enter this field/occupation/position?
5. What are the primary responsibilities in your job?
6. What kind of decisions to you make?
7. What are the greatest challenges in your work?
8. Does your work have a lot of variety or do you pretty much do the same tasks every day?
9. What is the company culture like? How does the management view innovation and changes?
10. Are employees encouraged to get additional training or continue with their education?
11. Do you see opportunities for personal and professional growth here/in the industry?
12. How do you view the future of this industry/work/company?
13. What hours are you expected to put in every week? Is there flexibility in the work week, for example, telecommuting two days a week or working four 12-hour shifts?
14. Do you think there is a current or projected demand for more people in this field?
15. What do you feel are the most important skills and personal qualities to have to be successful in this line of work?
16. How does the company make use of technology? (do staff e-mail each other in the office, is there distance learning or teleconferencing, is there a company website, e-newsletter, intranet?)
17. What are typical entry-level jobs in this field/industry? Which positions would be the best for learning and gaining competency in this field/occupation/career?
18. How is someone entering this field compensated? Can you give me an idea of salary ranges?
19. With my education/experience, what other positions/jobs/careers would you suggest I research?
20. If you could go back in time, would you have followed this same career path? Why/why not?
21. Any other suggestions on how to attain success in this work/business/industry?
22. Who might be a good person for me to contact next? Is it OK if I use your name?

CLC note: Send a thank you note or e-mail within 2-3 days of the meeting!