---
title: "Informational Interviews: Questions to Ask"
description: Have informational interviews are a great way to help focus your job search. It is important to ask the right questions. Here are some suggestions.
---

<https://hs.targettraining.eu/training-business>

# [Informational Interviews: Questions to Ask](https://hs.targettraining.eu/training-business/informational-interviews-questions-to-ask)

 Written by [Guest Author](https://hs.targettraining.eu/training-business/author/guest-author) | Mar 27, 2013 11:00:40 AM

Have you ever had a dream job or a job you really wanted, but didn't know how to get started in looking for it?  An informational (or information) interview is when someone looking for a job meets with someone else in their target company or industry and asks for career or industry advice, but not directly for a job. An informational interview can be very helpful from both an information and networking perspective.  It's a great way to get some helpful information and, at the same time, is a chance for the other person to feel like an “expert”.  Even though it should be a somewhat informal meeting, you should come prepared with some relevant questions.  Here are some suggestions to ask the person you meet:

**Individual’s experience/current job**

- What would you say are the best steps to take in this career path?
- What interested you most about this industry and your company?
- What would you do differently if you were starting over today?
- What do you see as possible next steps for you? What career expectations do you have in the short and long term?
- What are you most excited or concerned about regarding this industry/company/career path in the future?
- What would you do if you were looking for a job tomorrow?
- What are your main responsibilities?
- What do you do in a typical day or week? How much time are you in meetings, on telecons, traveling, etc.?

**Their company and industry**

- What would you do differently if you were in charge of your company?
- What do you see as the biggest competitive challenge for your company?
- What have been your biggest surprises in this area of work?
- What are the common misconceptions about working in this field?
- What motivates you to continue on in this company/industry?
- What worries you about this company/industry?
- What challenges are there regarding hiring practices in this company/industry?
- Can you recommend others I can talk to about this field?

** Skills needed**

- What skills have been most critical to your success?
- What weaknesses in a person’s skill set would make him or her struggle in this company/industry?
- What are the most valuable skills in your job? Which experiences enabled you to develop these skills?
- How do you keep your skills current?  What type of training seminars do you attend?  What do you read?  What professional associations do you belong to?

Informational interviews can be a great tool in helping you plan your next career move, and establish a clear and focused career path.  Make sure to check out Target Training's [seminar](https://www.targettraining.eu/interviewing-skills/)on interviews as well.  What other good questions or tips have worked well for you?  Let us know in the comments section below.

 

[View full post](https://hs.targettraining.eu/training-business/informational-interviews-questions-to-ask)

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