(To go along with my article on Information Interviews. http://tinyurl.com/l54lrh )
Pick out a handful of questions for your information gathering interview. Ask about those things most important to you and your career exploration, letting the conversation flow naturally, while making sure you get the information you require.
1. What do you do in a typical day? Job duties and responsibilities?
2. What do you like the most about your work? What do you find the most rewarding? How do you feel when you’re at your job?
3. What do you like the least? What do you find the most challenging?
4. How did you get started in this career? How long have you worked in the job?
5. What education is necessary? Is there on-the-job training?
6. What work experience/background is necessary and/or useful to do this job? What did you do prior?
7. Knowing what you know now, would you have done anything differently before entering the field?
8. What skills and personal attributes are necessary in this occupation?
9. Are there opportunities for advancement?
10. What hours do you work? Do you work shift work? Overtime?
11. Is this type of work f/t, p/t, contract, seasonal, etc?
12. What type of people do you work with? How is the working atmosphere?
13. Are there high times/low times? Busy times/slow times?
14. Is there much turnover of staff in this type of work?
15. What does your company do? What services does it provide? Goal?
16. Would you advise others to enter this career at this time? Why or why not?
17. What, in your opinion, is the job outlook in this career area? What will affect its growth or decline?
18. What are other specialities/areas in this occupation? (Ask for referrals if appropriate.)
19. Where else could I find people involved in this field and in places I might not have thought of? What other settings or industries do (ie. bookkeepers) work in? (Ask for referrals if appropriate.)
20. What is the entry level position in this career? Starting wage typically? Average wage? Maximum wage? Other benefits?
21. How is the hiring done? (ie. direct application, internal, associations, web, etc.)
22. Can you suggest any volunteer activities related to this type of work?
23. Would you mind if I contacted you in future? (ie. for resume review/evaluation)
Notes:
• It is acceptable and appropriate to ask permission to take notes through the process of conducting your information interview. This information will be extremely useful as you start compiling and assessing it from your varied sources.
• Also, make sure to obtain and keep all contact information; name of person interviewed, job title, name of company, address, phone number, email, website, etc.
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