Teaching informational interview questions to students

Parents & guardians · Parent guide · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

Why Do Children Need to Learn Informational Interview Questions and When Is the Right Time?

Informational interviews are conversations where someone asks a working adult questions to learn about their job or career path. Teaching children how to conduct these interviews encourages curiosity, develops communication skills, and helps them build connections early. These skills are foundational for successful networking and informed career decisions later in life.

Children typically begin to understand the purpose of informational interviews between ages 11 and 13. This stage aligns with growing cognitive abilities to grasp abstract ideas like career exploration and the motivation to learn about what adults do. For example, a middle schooler might start wondering how a parent’s friend became a firefighter or a graphic designer. This curiosity can be nurtured through simple explanations and practice.

Introducing informational interviewing too early may confuse younger children, but exposing them gently to the idea of asking questions about work through conversations about family or community jobs builds a foundation. By middle school, children can start practicing with guided questions and role-play. As they grow into high school, they can research and conduct more formal interviews with real professionals, gaining firsthand experience exploring careers.

What Is an Age-by-Age Approach to Teaching Informational Interview Questions?

Using an age-appropriate, step-by-step approach helps children build skills gradually without feeling overwhelmed. The table below outlines key focuses and activities by age group:

For example, a 12-year-old might ask a neighbor, “What is your favorite part of your job?” while a 16-year-old could prepare by researching a career online, drafting a list of questions, and reaching out to a professional for a short interview.

At the youngest levels, encourage curiosity about jobs by discussing what family members do and why. As children grow, introduce the idea that talking to people and asking questions is a way to learn about careers they might want to try.

How Can Parents Explain Informational Interview Questions in a Child-Friendly Way?

A clear, simple explanation helps children understand what informational interviews are and why they matter. Here’s a step-by-step way to explain it:

1. Start with the purpose: “An informational interview is a friendly conversation where you ask someone about their job so you can learn what they do every day.”
2. Emphasize it’s not a job interview: “You are not asking for a job; you’re just curious and want to find out more.”
3. Highlight the kinds of questions to ask: “You can ask what they like about their work, how they got started, and what advice they have.”
4. Explain the benefit: “This helps you learn if a job might be a good fit for you someday.”

Using exact wording helps children remember the concept. You might say: “Imagine you meet someone who works as a nurse. You could say, ‘What does a nurse do all day?’ or ‘What do you like best about your job?’ This is an informational interview—a way to learn without asking for a job.”

Reinforce that listening carefully and being polite are also important parts of a good informational interview.

What Are Everyday Moments to Practice Informational Interview Questions with Your Child?

Informational interviewing skills don’t have to wait for formal settings. Everyday conversations offer rich opportunities to practice asking questions and listening. Examples include:

• When visiting family, encourage your child to ask, “What’s a day like at your job?” or “How did you decide to do that kind of work?”
• While running errands, if your child meets a cashier, postal worker, or librarian, prompt them to ask about their favorite part of the job.
• Watching movies or TV shows about careers can lead to questions like, “What skills do you think that character needs to do their job?”
• If your child has a hobby, explore careers related to it by asking, “What would you want to know if you talked to someone who does this for work?”

Practicing in casual moments removes pressure and builds natural curiosity and confidence. For example, after meeting a family friend who is a chef, your child might say, “What’s your favorite meal to cook?” or “How did you learn to be a chef?” These simple questions are the building blocks of informational interviewing.

You can also create “practice days” where the child interviews a parent or sibling about their job using prepared questions. This rehearsal supports skill development for later interviews with unfamiliar adults.

What Are Good Informational Interview Questions to Teach and Practice?

Start with straightforward questions that open the door to learning, then progress to more detailed ones. Encourage children to prepare a list before an informational interview. Sample questions include:

• What does a typical day at your job look like?
• How did you decide to work in this field?
• What do you like best about your work?
• What skills are important in your job?
• What training or education helped you?
• What challenges do you face in your work?
• What advice would you give someone interested in this career?

For younger children, focus on simpler questions like “What do you do at work?” or “What do you like about your job?” For older teens, more thoughtful questions such as “What would you change about your job if you could?” or “What are the next steps someone should take to enter this career?” can deepen the conversation.

Parents can help their child draft these questions and practice them aloud. For example, say, “Try asking, ‘How did you get started in this job?’ Let’s practice saying it clearly.” Encouraging follow-up questions based on answers helps children engage more naturally and learn more.

What Is a Practical Script Parents Can Use to Introduce Informational Interviewing?

When introducing the concept, using clear and encouraging language helps children feel comfortable. Here’s a sample script parents can use:

“You know how sometimes you wonder what grown-ups do at their jobs? You can actually talk to them and ask questions to learn about their work. This is called an informational interview. It’s just a friendly chat—not about asking for a job, but to find out what their day is like and what skills they use. Would you like to practice some questions with me now?”

This approach invites curiosity and reduces anxiety by emphasizing that the conversation is casual and about learning. Afterward, practice asking and answering a few questions, swapping roles so your child experiences both sides.

What Mistakes Should Parents Avoid When Teaching Informational Interview Questions?

Parents sometimes make errors that unintentionally hinder children’s learning or confidence:

• Expecting children to master complex, detailed questions too quickly can cause frustration.
• Treating informational interviews like job interviews by emphasizing “getting a job” rather than learning can add unnecessary pressure.
• Skipping practice conversations or role-play leaves children unprepared for real situations.
• Focusing only on what to ask without teaching how to listen actively or respond politely misses vital communication skills.
• Not celebrating small wins or showing enthusiasm for the child’s progress may reduce motivation.

To avoid these pitfalls, keep practice sessions light and fun, provide positive feedback, and explain that making mistakes is part of learning. Use real-life examples and encourage children to be themselves in conversations.

When Should Parents Seek Extra Help or Resources for Teaching This Skill?

If your child struggles with shyness, anxiety, or understanding how to ask questions, additional support can be valuable. Consider these options:

• School counselors or career advisors often offer workshops or mock interview sessions focused on communication skills.
• Community youth programs and libraries may host career exploration activities that include informational interview practice.
• Online videos and interactive games can help children learn question-asking in engaging ways.
• If your child experiences social anxiety or communication difficulties, working with a counselor or speech therapist can build confidence gradually.

Parents should monitor how their child responds to practice and real interviews, and seek help if frustration or fear becomes a barrier. Combining home support with external resources creates a strong learning environment.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know when my child is ready to conduct a real informational interview?

When your child can comfortably ask simple questions and listen actively during practice sessions, understand the purpose of informational interviews, and shows interest in learning about jobs, they are ready. Starting with family or community contacts can ease this transition.

Can informational interviews help with college or job applications?

Yes, informational interviews provide valuable insights into careers and industries, helping students make informed decisions. They also build networking skills and may lead to mentorship opportunities or internships that strengthen applications.

How can I help my child overcome nerves before an informational interview?

Practice is key. Role-play interviews at home, encourage deep breaths, and remind your child that the goal is to learn, not perform perfectly. Positive reinforcement and discussing possible questions in advance reduce anxiety.

Should my child send a thank-you note after an informational interview?

Yes, sending a polite thank-you note or email shows respect and appreciation. It also helps maintain a good connection for future networking. You can help your child draft a simple message expressing thanks for the time and information shared.

Are there specific questions for students interested in teaching or healthcare careers?

Definitely. For example, students interested in teaching can ask about classroom challenges and student engagement, while those curious about healthcare can ask about patient interaction or required education. Resources like [Informational Interview Questions for Teachers](#r2) can provide tailored examples.