Common Informational Interview Questions

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Are Informational Interview Questions?

Informational interview questions are specific queries prepared for a meeting with someone currently working in a field or position you want to learn about. The purpose is to gather detailed, insider knowledge about the job, work environment, career path, and industry trends. Unlike formal job interviews that assess your suitability for a position, informational interviews are casual and focused on your learning. For example, you might ask, “How did you get started in this career?” or “What do you wish you had known before entering this field?” These questions encourage professionals to share their experiences, challenges, and advice, providing you with a clearer picture of what to expect if you pursue that career. Knowing what to ask also shows respect for the interviewee’s time and expertise, which helps build rapport.

How Do Informational Interview Questions Work?

Informational interviews work by using well-prepared questions to guide a conversation that uncovers practical information about a career or company. Imagine you are curious about becoming a graphic designer. Your questions might begin with, “What types of projects do you typically work on?” or “What software skills are essential in your role?” The professional’s responses help you understand the day-to-day tasks and required skills, which can reveal both appealing and challenging aspects of the job. These insights allow you to assess if the career fits your interests and to identify skills you may need to develop. A good informational interview typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes, letting you ask several questions while respecting the other person’s schedule. To get the most out of it, prepare a list of 8 to 10 questions but be flexible to follow up on interesting points they raise.

Why Do Informational Interview Questions Matter?

Asking effective informational interview questions matters because it transforms a simple conversation into a powerful career exploration tool. These questions help you avoid costly mistakes, such as pursuing a job that doesn’t fit your skills or values. For instance, if you learn that a career requires frequent travel but you prefer working locally, you can reconsider early. Additionally, these interviews expand your professional network by creating connections that may lead to job referrals, mentorship, or advice on job applications. For example, after an informational interview, you might receive suggestions about upcoming job openings or invitations to industry events. By preparing thoughtful questions, you demonstrate initiative and genuine interest, which leaves a positive impression and increases the chance that the person will help you again later.

What Are Some Common Informational Interview Questions to Ask?

Below is a list of common questions that cover different aspects of a career or workplace:

• Career Path & Experience: “Can you tell me about your career journey and how you reached your current position?”
• Job Details: “What does a typical day or week look like for you?”
• Skills & Qualifications: “What skills or education do you consider most important for success in this role?”
• Work Environment: “How would you describe the work culture at your company?”
• Challenges & Rewards: “What do you find most enjoyable and most challenging about your job?”
• Industry Trends: “What changes do you foresee in this industry over the next few years?”
• Advice: “What advice would you give to someone interested in this field?”
• Resources: “Are there professional organizations, websites, or books you recommend?”

Using a variety of questions like these ensures the conversation covers practical insights and personal experiences. Tailor the questions based on your own goals and the person’s background. For example, if interviewing a teacher, ask about classroom management or student engagement strategies. For engineering fields, inquire about technical skills and project collaboration.

How Do Informational Interview Questions Differ From Job Interview Questions?

People often confuse informational interview questions with those in job interviews, but they serve different purposes. Job interview questions assess your qualifications, skills, and fit for a specific role, often including behavioral questions like, “Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem”. Informational interview questions, however, focus on gathering information about the job, industry, and career path without any evaluation of you as a candidate. For example, instead of being asked, “Why should we hire you?” you might ask, “What qualities does your company value most in employees?” Recognizing this difference helps you prepare the right questions and approach the conversation without pressure, focusing on learning rather than selling yourself.

How Should You Prepare for and Follow Up After an Informational Interview?

Proper preparation enhances the effectiveness of your informational interviews. Start by researching the interviewee’s role, company, and industry to avoid generic questions and show genuine interest. Write down your questions but be ready to adapt based on the flow of conversation. For example, if the professional mentions a recent project, follow up with, “Can you tell me more about the challenges you faced during that project?” During the interview, take brief notes to remember key points.

Afterward, send a personalized thank-you email or message within 24 hours to appreciate their time and insights. Include a specific detail from the conversation to reinforce your interest. For instance, “Thank you for sharing how networking helped you progress in your career; I found that very helpful.” Reflect on what you learned and consider how it affects your career decisions or skill development plans. Keep the connection alive by occasionally sharing updates or asking further questions, which could lead to future opportunities.

What Should You Do Next After Conducting Informational Interviews?

After conducting one or several informational interviews, use what you’ve learned to shape your career path and job search strategy. Review your notes to identify common themes about skills needed, challenges, and industry outlook. For example, if multiple professionals emphasize the importance of digital skills, consider enrolling in relevant courses. Update your resume or LinkedIn profile to highlight related experiences or skills. Use your new contacts to ask for introductions or advice when applying for positions. Also, continue conducting informational interviews in different roles or companies to broaden your understanding. This ongoing process helps you make informed decisions and strengthens your network over time.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main purpose of asking informational interview questions?

The main purpose is to gather detailed, real-world information about a career, company, or industry from someone experienced. These questions help clarify job realities, required skills, and career paths without the pressure of a job interview.

How many questions should I prepare for an informational interview?

Prepare around 8 to 10 questions to cover different topics but be flexible to follow interesting leads during the conversation. This balance respects the interviewee’s time and lets the discussion flow naturally.

Can I ask about salary or benefits during an informational interview?

Salary and benefits can be sensitive topics. It’s best to focus on learning about job responsibilities, company culture, and required skills. If the interviewee offers salary information, you can ask politely, but avoid pressing for details.

Should I practice answering questions during an informational interview?

Informational interviews focus on you asking questions, not answering them. However, be prepared to briefly share your interests and background if asked, to give context for your questions and build rapport.

Are informational interview questions the same for all industries?

No, questions should be tailored to the specific field. For example, questions for a research position may focus on project management or experimental design, while teaching-related questions emphasize classroom strategies.

How can I find professionals to conduct informational interviews with?

Try reaching out through your personal network, alumni associations, professional groups, LinkedIn, or community events. Start with people you know and ask if they can connect you with someone in your field of interest.