Exploring Careers & Opportunities

Select questions that are appropriate for your target career field and stage of decision-making or search for opportunities. Use some of the following questions or come up with your own.

Questions to Ask: Informational Interview
Questions to Ask: Networking for Opportunities

Questions To Ask: Informational Interview

• What are your main responsibilities as a...?

• What is a typical day (or week) like for you?

•  What do you like most about your work?

• What do you like least about your work?

• What kinds of problems do you deal with?

• What kinds of decisions do you make?

• How does your position fit within the organization/career field/industry?

• How does your job affect your general lifestyle?

• What current issues and trends in the field should I know about/be aware of?

• What are some common career paths in this field?

• What kinds of accomplishments tend to be valued and rewarded in this field?

• What related fields would you recommend I also look into?

• How did you become interested in this field?

• How did you begin your career?

• How do most people get into this field? What are common entry-level jobs?

• What steps would you recommend I take to prepare to enter this field?

• How relevant is your undergraduate major to your work?

• What kind of education, training, or background does your job require?

• What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in your job/this field?

• Can you recommend trade journals, magazines or professional associations which would be helpful for my professional development?

• If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? If not, what would you change?

• I’ve read that the entry-level salary range for this field is usually in the range of ______? Does this fit with what you’ve seen? (Don’t ask about the person’s actual salary.)

• What advice would you give someone who is considering this type of job (or field)?

• Can you suggest anyone else I could contact for additional information?

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Questions to Ask: Networking for Opportunities

• What do you like most about working at this organization?

• What kinds of projects do interns and entry level hires get involved in?

• What is the profile of the person most recently hired at my level?

• How long do people tend to stay at the organization?

• What do you/hiring managers look for in candidates?

• What skills and experience are most important?

• Can you tell me about the hiring process you went through? OR Can you tell me about the hiring process -- what does it involve?

• Do you anticipate any openings coming up?

• What are the most effective strategies for seeking a position in this field?

• Can you recommend anyone else here or elsewhere to contact for insights or advice for the internship/job search?

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