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Informational Interviewing

Questions To Build Networking Skills
The following is a list of possible questions that may be asked in an information interview with a career contact. The list is neither exhaustive nor appropriate to all occupations and thus should only be used as a guide to help you obtain as much information as possible. Such questions can mean much more to you if you have previously assessed your own skills, interests, preferred workstyle, and personal priorities.

Use these questions as you explore new career directions and use the information gained to determine your career direction and in interviews for positions to show your grasp of a new field or role.

OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
How would you describe the environment you work in? Is this typical?
How would you describe a "typical" day at work, i.e., your routine or the duties you perform on a regular basis?
How much flexibility are you allowed in your job, i.e., hours, vacations, dress, etc.?
Are you made aware of supervisory expectations? How?
Do these expectations seem realistic to you?
Are you allowed any input into defining your goals? If so, how and when?
How much autonomy do you have on the job?
What portion of your job involves interacting with others, such as coworkers and/or the public?
What hours do you work? Any flexibility?
How much "outside" or overtime work is required, i.e., nights, weekends, etc.?
What does this work involve?

OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE
What college courses have been most helpful to you in your job?
What type of equipment, tools, or technology, if any, are necessary to perform your job?
Is special certification, training, licensing, or an advanced degree required for your job? If so, what?
What personal qualities do you see as important for success in this occupation?
Does your job require special physical characteristics, i.e., ability to lift heavy items, etc.?
Is much travel involved in your job? If so, how much and what type?
How much job relocation is there?

BENEFITS AND FRUSTRATIONS
What are the major rewards of your job?
What are the major frustrations you encounter on the job?
How do you deal with these frustrations?
What fringe benefits are offered by your employer? Are these typical?
What is a possible salary range for someone in your occupation?
Does your employer offer training for your role?

PERSONAL VIEWS
How did you get interested in this area of work?
What was your undergraduate major field of study?
Did you have any practical experience or training, other than college, prior to your current job?
How did you get your current job?
Would you relate any incidents you've experienced that would give me a better "feel" for the job?
What type of lifestyle can one expect if one enters this field?

OUTLOOK / ADVANCEMENT
What are the opportunities for advancement in this field?
Does getting ahead mean relocating and/or changing employers?
What is the current demand for people in this occupation?
Do you foresee any changes in this demand in the future? If so, what or how?
How is this field likely to be affected by technological changes? By outsourcing?

ADVICE
If you were in charge of hiring someone to assist you in your work, what criteria would you use to make your selection?
What should I expect from a typical interview, a typical selection process?
Are there any professional groups that I can join that would be beneficial to me?
Do you know where I can write for further information (books or pamphlets) about this career?
Do you know of any other people in the field who might be willing to talk with me about their experiences?
Do you know of any summer employment opportunities or internships that would benefit me?