What to Ask in an Informational Interview
Short answer
In an informational interview, ask focused questions about the interviewee’s career path, daily tasks, required skills, company culture, industry changes, challenges, and advice for newcomers. Begin with broad questions, then narrow down, listening actively and adapting to gather rich insights that clarify the role and field.
What should be asked to uncover the interviewee’s career journey?
Start by exploring how the person entered their current profession and the path they followed. Use questions like, “Can you describe your career path?” or “What experiences were most helpful in preparing you for your current role?” These invite detailed stories about education, job moves, or key decisions. For example, if the person mentions a career switch, follow with, “What strategies helped you succeed during that transition?” To check if this approach is working, observe if the answers include specific examples or timelines rather than vague statements.
How to learn about daily responsibilities and job activities?
Ask directly about the day-to-day work with questions such as, “What does a typical workday or week look like?” or “What are the main duties of your position?” To gain more detail, probe with, “Which tasks take most of your time?” or “What parts of your job do you enjoy or find challenging?” For example, if the interviewee says project management consumes much time, ask, “How do you organize and prioritize your projects?” If answers remain general, request a description of a recent workday or project to clarify their role.
Which questions reveal key skills and qualifications?
To identify important skills, ask, “What abilities are essential to succeed in this role?” or “Are there certifications or training programs you recommend?” For instance, they might highlight communication skills, technical expertise, or problem-solving. Another useful question is, “If someone were starting this job today, what skills should they focus on developing?” If the response focuses on soft skills, ask for examples of how those skills are applied in daily work, such as, “Can you describe a situation where teamwork was especially important?”
How can the company culture and work environment be explored?
To understand the workplace atmosphere, ask, “How would you describe your company’s culture?” or “What do you like best about working there?” Dig into team dynamics by asking, “How does your team communicate and collaborate?” or “What management style is common in your department?” Questions about work-life balance can be phrased like, “How does your company support employees in balancing work and personal life?” For example, if the interviewee mentions flexible schedules or team outings, this suggests a supportive environment. If answers seem overly positive or vague, ask neutrally, “What challenges do employees face here?” to encourage candid insights.
What should be asked about industry trends and changes?
To learn about shifts in the field, ask, “What major changes have you observed in the industry recently?” or “What trends do you expect to impact this work in the next few years?” Also consider, “How has technology changed how you do your job?” For example, if automation is mentioned, follow with, “How have you adapted your skills to keep up?” If responses are general, ask for specific examples of how trends have affected daily tasks or hiring practices. This helps gain a realistic view of the profession’s future.
How to inquire about advancement and growth opportunities?
Ask, “What does career progression typically look like in your role or company?” or “How do employees develop their careers here?” Also ask about learning and development: “Are there formal training or mentorship programs?” or “What experiences helped you grow professionally?” For instance, if leadership training or cross-department projects are common, this indicates growth paths. If answers are unclear, ask, “Do employees often move laterally or take on new responsibilities to advance?”
Which questions identify challenges in the job or industry?
Gain perspective on difficulties by asking, “What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your role?” or “What obstacles do newcomers to this field often encounter?” Follow with, “How do you handle stress or setbacks at work?” For example, the interviewee may mention tight deadlines or regulatory requirements. If answers seem overly positive, ask for a specific example of a recent challenge and how it was addressed. This helps prepare for realities of the job.
How to ask for practical advice for someone starting or switching careers?
End with advice-focused questions such as, “What advice would you give someone entering this field?” or “If you were beginning your career now, what would you do differently?” Also ask, “Are there professional associations, websites, or resources you recommend?” For example, the person might suggest joining local industry groups or taking certain workshops. If the advice is general, ask for one or two specific next steps to take immediately, like, “Which skills should I prioritize developing first?”
What is the best way to start and end an informational interview?
Start by briefly introducing yourself and stating your goal. For example, say, “Thank you for meeting. I am exploring careers in [field] and would appreciate learning about your experience.” This opens the conversation clearly. At the end, express thanks and ask, “Would you mind if I contact you with follow-up questions?” or “Could you recommend others I should speak with?” If the interviewee agrees, it builds your network. If not, politely close by thanking them for their time.
What topics should be avoided or approached carefully during informational interviews?
Avoid asking about salary or compensation unless the interviewee brings it up first. Focus on learning about the role, skills, and culture instead. Also, do not discuss personal or controversial topics or complain about their employer. If curious about work-life balance, phrase it neutrally: “How does your company support employees in balancing work and personal life?” Keeping the conversation professional encourages openness and a positive impression.
How to recognize if your questions are effective during the interview?
Effective questions result in detailed answers, stories, or concrete examples. If the interviewee shares experiences without prompting or offers advice, the questions are working well. Signs include enthusiasm and additional insights the person volunteers. If answers are brief or unclear, try rephrasing or asking, “Can you give me an example?” Also, if the information helps clarify your career interests, the interview is productive.
Should a list of questions be prepared in advance and how should it be used?
Prepare a list of 8 to 10 prioritized questions before the interview, starting with broad background questions and moving to specifics about the company and industry. During the interview, listen carefully and allow the conversation to flow naturally, adapting questions as needed. For example, if a challenge is mentioned that interests you, follow up even if it’s not on the list. This balance ensures key topics are covered while keeping the discussion engaging.
Sample Question List for an Informational Interview
| Topic | Sample Questions |
|---|---|
| Career Path | “Can you describe your career path?” |
| Daily Responsibilities | “What does a typical day look like for you?” |
| Skills Needed | “What skills are essential for success in your role?” |
| Company Culture | “How would you describe the work environment?” |
| Industry Trends | “What recent changes have you noticed in the industry?” |
| Career Growth | “What opportunities for advancement exist here?” |
| Challenges | “What challenges do you face in your job?” |
| Advice for Newcomers | “What advice would you give to someone starting out?” |
Frequently asked questions
How should an informational interview be requested?
Send a polite message via email or LinkedIn introducing yourself, explaining your interest in the person’s career or company, and requesting 15–30 minutes to learn from them. Keep the request brief and respectful of their time. See [How to Request an Informational Interview](#r2) for examples.
What if the person declines or does not respond?
This happens frequently and does not reflect on the requester. A polite follow-up can be sent once; if no reply, seek others in the field or use professional groups and events to find contacts.
Is it appropriate to ask about salary?
Generally avoid salary questions unless the interviewee brings it up first. Focus on understanding the role and career path. For salary data, consult trusted websites or official resources.
How long should the interview last?
Plan for 20 to 30 minutes to respect the interviewee’s time while gathering useful information. Confirm the length at the start and be prepared to end on time or continue if invited.
What if the conversation becomes awkward or stalls?
Use prepared open-ended questions to guide discussion, such as asking about favorite projects or biggest challenges. Active listening encourages fuller responses and a smoother flow.