What Are the Best Questions to Ask in Informational Interviews?

TL;DR

To excel in informational interviews, ask questions in three key categories: tasks and responsibilities, career path, and industry knowledge. For example, inquire about what the interviewee finds most rewarding about their job, how they began their career, and which industry publications to follow. Always conclude by asking if there are others you should speak with to expand your network.

Transcript

• When done correctly, informational interviews or coffee chats will not only give you an inside perspective on your dream company, but will also allow you to find out about opportunities that may not be posted publicly yet. And the single biggest factor that determines how the conversation goes, is the quality of the questions that you ask since t... Read More

Key Insights

• 😷 The quality of questions asked during informational interviews greatly impacts the impression you leave on the interviewee.
• 😷 Asking questions in three categories (tasks and responsibilities, career path, and industry knowledge) demonstrates thorough preparation and genuine curiosity.
• ⁉️ Specific example questions can prompt more meaningful and insightful conversations.
• 🤗 The question, "Based on what we discussed today, is there anyone else you think I should talk to?" can potentially open doors for further networking and opportunities.
• 😷 It is important to ask your own questions and tailor them to the three categories provided.
• ❓ Informational interviews can uncover hidden job opportunities and expand your professional network.
• 🤩 Demonstrating a genuine curiosity about the industry, company, and role is key during informational interviews.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is asking quality questions important during informational interviews?

Asking quality questions demonstrates genuine curiosity and shows the interviewee that you have put thought into the industry, company, and role. It can leave a lasting impression, potentially leading to introductions and opportunities.

Q: What types of questions fall under the tasks and responsibilities category?

Example questions include, "What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?" and "How is your performance measured?". These questions help drill down on specific situations, provide insight into workload and responsibilities, and offer a realistic view of the role.

Q: What can be learned from asking about someone's career path?

Questions like, "How did you begin your career?" can reveal the decisions and twists that led to the person's current role. Understanding non-linear career trajectories and gaining confidence in navigating one's own path can be valuable takeaways.

Q: How can industry knowledge be explored during informational interviews?

Questions such as, "What publications do you recommend to stay up to date on industry trends?" and "What are some current events or trends in the industry?" showcase interest and also provide an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and impress the interviewee.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Informational interviews can provide an inside perspective on a company and uncover hidden job opportunities.

• Asking questions in three categories (tasks and responsibilities, career path, and industry knowledge) showcases genuine curiosity and thoughtfulness.

• Specific example questions are provided for each category to prompt meaningful conversations and gain valuable insights.