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Informational Interview Questions

SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR INFORMATION INTERVIEW

• I’d like to get a feeling for what it would be like to have a job like yours.  No two days are alike, but would you give me an idea of what a typical day would be?

• Would you please describe the people you interact with in your department or organization, and those outside the company?

• What opportunities do you have to influence or direct policies or procedures?

• What are some of the problems or decisions you may face each day?  And what skills are required for handling them?

• What are the most satisfying aspects of your work?  What are the most frustrating?

• What skills do you need to do your job (or your subordinates need to do their jobs)?

• What hours do you normally work?  Is overtime common and, if so, is it regular, seasonal, or sporadic?  Is there flexible scheduling?

• What are the professional organizations in the industry?

• What is the typical salary range for an entry-level position?

• What stresses do you contend with?  Do you face deadline pressures?

• What educational requirements must be met for the position?

• Is continuing education, such as an MBA, useful in your company?

• What trends affect your company’s direction?

• Who are the company’s competitors and how are their actions predicted or handled?

• What is management’s philosophy toward the employee?

• Is the company planning to expand, maintain or downsize?

• How would you describe the work climate?

• How did you start with the company?

• What has been your career path?

• How have you put your education to use?

• If you were to start over, what career changes would you make?

• What are the upward and lateral moves at your company, and how difficult is it to advance?

• My major (or degree) is (marketing, etc.).  How could I put that to use within your company?

• I am very interested in (or skilled at)(name you area of concentrated study or skill).  How could I put my interests to use?

• Is there someone you know at another company in this industry who would be willing to talk with me as you have?