​​​Below are sample questions you may want to ask during your Informational Interview. Choose the appropriate number of questions based on how much time you have allotted for the interview.

• How did you get started in this field? Tell me about your career path.
• What is your job like?
  • What does a typical day at work look like?
    • What do you do? What are the duties/functions/responsibilities of your job?
    • What percentage of your time is spent doing what?
    • How does the time use vary? Are there busy and slow times or is the work activity fairly constant? What jobs and experiences have led you to your present position?
• What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying?
• What part of this job do you personally find most challenging?
• What kinds of problems do you deal with?
• What kinds of decisions do you make?
• What do you like and not like about working in this industry?
• What things did you do before you entered this occupation?
  • Which have been most helpful?
• Can you suggest some ways a student could obtain this necessary experience?
• What sorts of changes are occurring in your occupation?
• How does a person progress in your field? What is a typical career path in this field or organization?
  • What is the best way to enter this occupation?
    • What are the advancement opportunities?
    • What are the major qualifications for success in this occupation?
• What are the skills that are most important for a position in this field?
• What particular skills or talents are most essential to be effective in your job?
• What are the educational, requirements for this job? What other types of credentials or licenses are required?
• How important are grades/GPA for obtaining a job in this field?
• Do you have any advice for someone interested in this field/job?
• Which professional journals and organizations would help me learn more about this field?
• What kinds of experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?
• What special advice do you have for a student seeking to qualify for this position?