INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS – 20 POWERFUL QUESTIONS

One of my clients just messaged me asking me for an some advice about an Informational Interview she will be conducting next week. Here’s what I shared with her.  What’s an Informational Interview? It’s an interview that the job seekers request from well-connected people or potential to employers.

1. How did you get your start?
2. Did your always know exactly what you wanted to do with your life?
3. What do you LOVE about what you do? What do you hate?
4. Looking back, what is a powerful lesson you have learned along the way?
5. What are your natural strengths? What do you struggle with?
6. Tell me a about a big win, a huge success story?
7. Tell me about any regrets you might have?
8. Can you tell me about a big risk?
9. What’s been most fulfilling about your work?
10. What doubts and obstacles have you encountered along the way?
11. In terms of getting a start, what wisdom can you impart to me?
12. What talents and skills are critical for me to be successful in your line of work?
13. What is a typical day like? Can you walk me though a whole day?
14. What’s the best part of your day? What energizes you?
15. What trends do you see in the future of your of work/business?
16. What attitudes and values do you believe are most important to be successful in your field?
17. What are some big and small mistakes you have made along the way and what did you learn from them?
18. If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
19.  Can you think of anyone I should meet?
20.  Any parting words of wisdom?

This post was written by Lisa Jacobson

Categorized in: General, Informational Interviews, insider job hunting info