Informational Interview Guide

Aug 8

for High School and College Students

What to Expect

Skip the guesswork and unlock a complete blueprint on informational interviews through this comprehensive guide for high school and college students. The advice covered is grounded in practical, real-world insights. (This guide is not major- or industry-specific.)

By the end of this guide, you should feel confident in your ability to:

✓ Find and reach out to professionals in your target fields
✓ Ask the right questions and lead conversations with confidence
✓ Leverage insights to grow your network and advance your career

No more guesswork. No more confusion. Just actionable tactics you can apply today.

Here’s what we’ll cover — feel free to start wherever makes the most sense for you:

What is an informational interview
Benefits of informational interviews
Who to reach out to
How to reach out to your target person
Executing the informational interview
Example questions to ask
Get your FREE informational interview workbook

What is an Informational Interview

An informational interview is a strategic conversation you initiate with a professional in your field of interest — it is not a job interview. Therefore, your goal is not to secure an offer, but to gather insights and advice about a role, company, or industry you’re considering.

Regardless of your major or career aspirations, someone else has likely walked the path you're interested in. Tap into their experiences and insights — there’s no need to figure it all out on your own.

When conducting informational interviews, remember that one person’s point of view is just that — a point of view. Everyone’s experiences are unique. To gain a well-rounded understanding of the role, company, or industry, you should aim to speak with multiple individuals and ask similar questions. This approach will provide a broader, more diversified picture.

Important: The outcome of an informational interview might be “This role/company/industry sounds fantastic!” or it might be “This doesn’t seem like a good fit for me.” — both are valuable outcomes. Each conversation helps clarify your career path and goals, and the sooner you start these discussions, the sooner you can take purposeful action toward your future.

Benefits of Informational Interviews

When approached with thoughtful preparation, informational interviews can offer numerous benefits to students. From insights to advice and inspiration, they can serve as a bridge between where you are and where you aspire to be.

Career Exploration

While assessments, job descriptions, and online resources like O*Net provide useful insights, speaking directly with someone in the field gives you a clearer, more accurate picture. Informational interviews offer firsthand perspectives on daily responsibilities, challenges, and rewards, revealing unspoken details that help you determine if a career aligns with your interests and skills.

Industry-Specific Advice and Feedback

If you have a specific role, organization, or industry in mind, informational interviews can provide highly relevant and actionable advice to get your foot in the door. Professionals in your target area can help you refine your application materials, offer tips on what their company values, and provide guidance that aligns with industry expectations, enhancing your chances of securing offers.

Networking

Informational interviews serve as a valuable networking tool. Making a positive impression during these conversations can put your name and brand in front of key people in your target organizations, potentially leading to future opportunities and further connections in your target areas.

Low-Stress Interview Practice

Informational interviews are an excellent way to practice your interviewing skills in a relaxed setting. Unlike formal job interviews, informational interviews are conversational and lower-pressure, allowing you to improve your ability to ask insightful questions, communicate effectively, and build rapport. This practice boosts your confidence and performance in real job interviews.

Confidence-Building

Engaging in informational interviews can significantly boost your confidence in professional settings. As you become more comfortable discussing your career goals and background with industry professionals, you'll find it easier to navigate formal job interviews. This familiarity with industry conversations and jargon reduces anxiety and improves your ability to engage meaningfully.

Who to Reach Out To

You have many options when it comes to choosing who to interview. While any conversation might yield useful information, being purposeful about your targets will maximize the value of your interactions. Below are some strategic choices.

Alumni from Your Institution

Alumni are the low-hanging fruit and often the most willing to help. You can find them on LinkedIn, or by reaching out to your career services, alumni engagement office, or professors for names of prominent alumni. Their shared connection with your institution often makes them more approachable and likely to offer advice.

Professionals in Your Target Roles, Organizations, and Industries

Interviewing professionals who are currently in the roles, organizations, or industries you’re interested in can give you invaluable insights into the day-to-day realities, challenges, and rewards of the field. These conversations help you understand what it takes to succeed in your desired career path and whether it aligns with your skills and interests. To find these individuals, use LinkedIn, company websites, industry networking events, or professional associations.

Faculty and Staff with Expertise in your Target Area

Faculty and staff members with expertise in your area of interest can offer deep insights into the industry, emerging trends, and potential career paths. They can also connect you with industry professionals and alumni who might be beneficial for your career exploration. Faculty are often well-connected and can provide a unique academic perspective that complements the practical knowledge you’ll gain from industry professionals.

Side note: Don't limit your outreach efforts only to faculty and staff whose classes you've taken. Your campus hosts hundreds of experts from various fields, each offering unique knowledge, industry insights, and valuable connections. Conducting informational interviews with those who you might’ve not met in the classroom lets you tap into insights beyond your immediate academic experience.

How to Reach Out to Your Target Person

Identifying your target person(s) is great; however, they have not yet agreed to speak with you. Your next priority is to craft an outreach message that actually secures the informational interview.

Reaching out to professionals you might have never met before can be intimidating. Fortunately, there are certain best practices you can follow as you craft your messages.

Purposeful Outreach

Unless you have interacted with the person before, your outreach note is the first impression you give. Therefore, you want to be purposeful about its contents.

Before drafting your note, you should engage in research about the person’s background, education, career path, and other relevant information through LinkedIn, Google, company bio, and any other sources you can find. Your goal is to gain an understanding of their background so that you can personalize your outreach note.

Look for details such as:

• Career accomplishments (e.g., industry awards)
• Common ground (e.g., alumni from your university)
• Expertise in your target field (e.g., investment banking)
• Personal projects (e.g., hosting a podcast about a topic of interest)

As you go through your research, pay attention to the purpose of your outreach – in other words, why you are reaching out to them specifically.

“I want to ask for an informational interview “ is not good enough.

Reflect on why you are asking to interview them specifically. Do they work in your target role or organization? Did someone you know recommend you reach out to this person? Is it something else?

Including these types of details in your outreach note shows that your outreach is purposeful, considerate, and tailored. This increases the likelihood of a positive response.

Now that you have identified a person you want to interview and have a good understanding of why you want to interview them, it’s time to craft the note.

Example Outreach Templates

There are three parts to an effective outreach note:

Introduction + common ground
Purpose for your outreach
Call to Action (CTA)

Your CTA should be a clear, reasonable request – emphasis on request, not a demand. In our case, this would be a request for an informational interview. When asking for a meeting, provide your availability either by listing available dates/times or by providing a scheduling link.

Email template: Email is typically the preferred method for outreach, because the average person checks their inbox several times a day. Therefore, to maximize your chances of getting your outreach seen and responded to, try to send it via email. You can find email addresses from company websites, LinkedIn profiles (through the Contact Info section), personal websites, your institution’s alumni office, or through mutual connections.

Side note: If you have a mutual connection, it is beneficial to name drop them in your email. This is a so-called “warm introduction.” A simple sentence such as “My mentor, Jane Doe, recommended that I reach out to you regarding [topic]!” will do.

Let’s break it down:

Introduction + common ground (i.e., Michigan State affinity)
Purpose for outreach (i.e., learn about financial services path)
Call to Action (i.e., asking for a virtual call)

Side note: Instead of listing your availability, you can also provide a link to a scheduling tool (e.g., Calendly). If you choose to do this, ensure that the tool is synced with your main calendar and shows your availability accurately.

LinkedIn template: If you are unable to find an email address (or otherwise prefer to use LinkedIn), you will need to be mindful of an obstacle many non-Premium users face on LinkedIn when making connections – the monthly limit of 5 connection notes (200 characters each). This means you will have to be selective about who to use them for (and how to condense your message to 200 characters).

(If you are a Premium user or already connected to the person, your outreach will be much easier.)

One way to find who might be worth sending a connection request to is checking the Activity section – if they are active on the platform, they are likely to see your note. If they have no activity, you cannot be sure if they check their profiles regularly.

You can use the template below as an example for the requests that you choose to add a note to.

The same approach applies as in your email outreach:

Introduction + common ground
Purpose
CTA

If you are out of connection notes for the month, you can check if your target person has an Open Profile, which allows you to send a direct message even without connecting with them. It is up to the user to decide if they activate an Open Profile, so there are no guarantees.

Side note: Premium users can choose to activate an “Open Profile” on LinkedIn, allowing anyone to DM them without connecting. To check if someone has an Open Profile, simply click on the Message button on top of their profile to see if you are able to send a free message.

Important: If you choose to use LinkedIn as your primary outreach platform (which many students do, given the difficulty of finding your target persons’ email addresses online), you should optimize your LinkedIn profile before you send any outreach notes.

Why? Because the other person will view your profile after receiving your note, and at that time you want to ensure your profile is providing an up-to-date image of your brand.

If you want to learn how to use LinkedIn to search for target people for informational interviews, get a full breakdown of ways to reach them, and brand yourself for your target careers, check out our LinkedIn Profile Guide, which provides a detailed breakdown of how you can optimize every section in your profile to build your brand on LinkedIn as a college student.

Outreach Template Considerations

The examples above are battle-tested and easy to apply.

Do they guarantee a response? No. Are they the only way to approach your outreach? No.

However, they should give you some ideas and inspiration for your own outreach efforts. That said, the best way to learn what works is to go ahead and start sending out notes, then assessing which types of notes are most effective in getting a response.

Executing the Informational Interview

You have now identified your target person, researched them, and sent them a request for an informational interview. All this hard work has resulted in an interview with them in a couple of weeks!

But… the work doesn’t end there.

If you want to make the most of your interviews, you need to take purposeful steps before, during, and after the interaction. Nothing to worry – you can follow the outline below.

Before the Informational Interview

There are a handful of actions you should take before the interview. These will ensure that you feel confident, comfortable, and prepared when you step into the meeting or call.

Clarify your end goal: Ask yourself, “What am I hoping to learn from this person?”

This might be:

• Career advice in relation to a specific role
• Information about their organization
• Industry insights

Or, it might be something else. Take the time to understand where this specific person can add value to you.

Conduct thorough research: You have already done some research before your outreach – now it’s time to do some more.

Research their:

• Background (e.g., education, career path, side projects, etc.)
• Role (e.g., main responsibilities, challenges, etc.)
• Organization (e.g., values, mission, products and services, competitors, etc.)
• Industry (e.g., trends, new laws and regulations, innovations, etc.)

You can do this by using Google, ChatGPT/Perplexity AI, LinkedIn, or any other online source.

Thorough research allows you to ask meaningful questions that lead to helpful answers (and avoid questions that could easily be answered through a quick online search), while showing your preparedness which signals appreciation and respect for the interviewee’s time.

Prepare an introduction: Craft a brief introduction that summarizes your background and career aspirations, the reason(s) you reached out specifically to them, and any common ground that you might have found. Practice delivering it confidently to set a positive tone for the conversation.

An example introduction below (tweak this to fit your “voice”):

"Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me – I really appreciate it! As I shared in my intro email, I'm a junior finance major at Michigan State, and I’m interested in a career in financial services.

I researched your background and quickly became curious about the work you’re doing at Wells Fargo Securities, especially with your focus on investment banking, which is an area of financial services I’m really interested in.

I also noticed we both have an interest in Michigan State football, which made me even more excited to connect! I'm really eager to learn more about your journey and perspectives through some questions I’ve prepared."

This sets a purposeful tone for the conversation and shows that you are well prepared for your time together.

Side note: The bit about Michigan State football is a more personal detail, which can open the door for some non-career related small talk before you dive into the actual questions. Infusing a little personality in the introduction through details like this can create a more relaxed environment.

Prepare thoughtful questions: The value you gain from an informational interview is directly correlated with the quality of your questions. Thoughtful questions not only lead to better insights but also show the interviewee that you have put in the effort to prepare. This builds a positive impression and can make them more likely to go an extra mile to help you.

Example questions are found later in this guide.

During the Informational Interview

Keep these tactics in mind as you go through your interview.

Take the lead on the conversation: If you were the one to request the conversation, be prepared to lead it. Guide the conversation from the introductions to the questions to the conclusion. To help you do this, you can prepare a brief agenda that outlines the main talking points you wish to cover.

Important: Leading conversations with experienced professionals can feel intimidating. But confidence isn’t built through theory and preparation alone – you need to take action and practice. Each informational interview you conduct will help you become more confident and comfortable in taking the lead.

Ask your questions, then listen intently: Familiarize yourself with your questions* ahead of time so that you can ask them confidently. Listen actively and use positive body language (e.g., eye contact, nodding) to show that you are engaged. Ask follow-up questions where relevant.

Take notes: Taking notes helps you remember key insights and shows the interviewee you are engaged and value their thoughts. Focus on key points, advice, and any action items mentioned during the conversation.

Adapt as needed: While you should have an agenda in mind before the conversation, be prepared to adapt where needed. Some questions might lead to longer answers than you expected, while others may lead to topics that you didn’t anticipate. Be mindful of how these impact the conversation to ensure you remain respectful of the interviewee’s time.

End with purpose: End the conversation by expressing gratitude, summarizing key takeaways, and asking:

• Is there anyone else you recommend I should connect with?
• Would you be OK if I reconnect with you in a couple of months to share my progress?

Side note: Only ask the second question if you found value in the conversation and would like to maintain a connection with the interviewee.

After the Informational Interview

Now that the interview is done, it’s time to take it easy, right?

Not so fast… there are a few post-interview actions to keep in mind.

Follow up promptly: A timely follow-up reinforces your professionalism and keeps the connection warm. Send a thank-you email referencing key points from the conversation and expressing your appreciation for their time.

Side note: Handwritten notes have their time and place, but in general an email is a better option because it allows the recipient to respond more easily.

Your note can be short and needs to only cover three items:

• Thank them for their time
• Recap key lessons you learned
• List the action items you will work on

An example is found below:

Reflect on the Session: After each conversation, you want to reflect on your key lessons learned, how those lessons might impact your career goals, and what you can do differently in future informational interviews.

Take action based on advice received: If the conversation validated your desire to pursue a specific field, you should evaluate and take action based on the advice you received. If the conversation raises questions about whether a specific career is the right fit for you, you should take a moment to reflect on your goals before applying any advice.

Side note: As a reminder, advice received from different people will likely differ. Evaluate its relevance and suitability to your situation before you apply it. If you need help doing so, reach out to your career services office to discuss your reflections with a career advisor.

Maintain the connection: If you found the conversation valuable, stay in touch by providing periodic updates on your progress, sharing relevant content (e.g., industry-specific articles), and offering assistance where appropriate (e.g., making introductions to beneficial contacts).

Schedule the next conversation: If your interviewee indicated openness to meeting with you again (and you are interested in doing so), you should mark a date on your calendar a couple of months out to remind you to reach back out to them. This way you can remember to schedule the next conversation within a reasonable time frame.

You should also look to schedule additional informational interviews with other people, as relevant.

Example Questions to Ask

On paper, informational interviews are a golden opportunity for students to gain knowledge. However, many interviews fall short of expectations for one simple reason – poor questions that lead to vague answers.

To avoid this, prepare a set of tailored questions ahead of time. You do not want to wing it and try to come up with questions in the moment (with the exception of follow-up questions that touch on something that was said). Also, do NOT ask questions that you can easily find the answer to through a quick search on Google, LinkedIn, ChatGPT, etc.

These include questions such as:

• ”What roles have you held in your career?”
• ”Who are your company’s competitors?”
• ”What does your company do?”

So what kind of questions should you ask, then?

Below, you can find 50+ powerful questions to ask during informational interviews. The questions are split into different categories that help you focus on key themes.

Important: Your goal is not to ask every question on the list. Instead, research each area and choose the questions that are most relevant to your situation and that will provide you with insights you can act upon.

Let’s dive in.

About the Person

Questions in this section are great for building a genuine connection and establishing trust. Every person loves talking about their own journey, so asking about their motivations, challenges, and routines gives them a chance to share their story. This helps you connect on a more personal level and also provides valuable insights that go beyond just their professional skills.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

Listen for specific motivations such as personal interests, guidance from mentors, and the actionable steps they took to enter the field, like relevant courses, internships, or networking efforts. These insights can guide you in shaping your own approach to assessing the appeal of the field and breaking into it.

2. What qualities, skills, or routines do you believe have contributed most to your success?

Listen for actionable habits, routines, or abilities you can adopt, develop, or improve to accelerate your own competitiveness. These insights can guide your own efforts and highlight areas you need to focus on to build a foundation for your career success.

3. What are some of the biggest challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Listen for challenges like skill gaps, role transitions, or mindsets (e.g., imposter syndrome), and the strategies they used to overcome them. These insights can help you anticipate and address similar challenges in your own career.

4. How have you managed role transitions in your career, and what did you learn from each?

Listen for the specific strategies like upskilling, seeking mentorship, or adjusting expectations. These insights can help you prepare for similar transitions by identifying key actions and lessons learned that are crucial for success in new roles.

5. What do you do outside of work to maintain a healthy balance between your career and life?

Listen for activities like hobbies, exercise, or spending time with family, and how these help them recharge. These insights can offer ideas for maintaining your own work-life balance and avoiding burnout while still progressing in your career.

6. What role have mentors or role models played in your career development, and how did you find them?

Listen for impact like providing guidance, opening doors, or offering feedback, and pay attention to how they found these mentors – whether through networking, formal programs, or personal connections. These insights can guide your approach to building your own support network.

7. How do you set and achieve your professional goals, and how often do you reassess them?

Listen for battle-tested goal-setting methods, tips for tracking progress, and tactics for assessing and adjusting them. These insights can help you create a flexible yet focused approach to your own career planning.

8. If you were to have a second career after this one, what would it be and why would you pursue it?

Listen for the factors that would influence their decision, such as personal interests, market trends, or skills they wish to explore further. These insights can provide insight into their personal values, lessons they’ve learned in their career, and potential career paths you may want to consider in the future.

9. What habits or routines do you follow to maintain productivity and manage your workload effectively?

Listen for habits like time-blocking, prioritization techniques, or daily routines. These insights can help you adopt similar practices to improve your own efficiency and better manage competing demands.

10. If you could go back in time, what career advice would you give your younger self?

Listen for reflections on decisions they wish they had made differently, such as pursuing different opportunities or developing certain skills earlier. These insights can provide you with valuable guidance on potential missteps to avoid and areas where you should focus more attention early in your career.

About the Role

Questions about the role are crucial for gaining a deeper understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations of a position. They help you assess whether the role aligns with your skills, interests, and long-term career goals. Additionally, these questions provide insights into how to excel in the role, the challenges to expect, and how to prepare for success in the field.

11. What kind of decisions do you make on a daily basis, and how do you approach decision-making under pressure?

Listen for the frameworks, tools, or strategies they use to prioritize and make informed choices, and pay attention to the types of situations that cause stress in their role. These insights highlight the challenges you might face in the field and whether this career aligns with your strengths and preferences.

12. What are the most challenging aspects of your job and how do you combat them?

Listen for technical, interpersonal, and regulatory challenges they face, and take note of any skills, knowledge, or strategies they rely on to overcome these challenges. These insights give you a clearer idea of the difficulties you may encounter in this career and the skills you’ll need to develop to be successful.

13. How do you measure success in your role?

Listen for key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to evaluate success in their role and expectations and goals they need to meet in their role. Pay attention to whether success is measured through quantitative data (like sales numbers or project outcomes) or qualitative factors (like team collaboration or customer satisfaction). These insights help you understand how success is defined in their role and what expectations and goals you would need to meet if you pursue this career.

14. What skills are essential for success in your role and how could an early career professional start to develop them?

Listen for specific technical abilities, certifications, or tools they use, as well as interpersonal skills like communication, problem-solving, or leadership. Pay attention to whether they suggest formal education, hands-on experience, mentorship, or self-study as the best ways to develop these skills. These insights give you actionable steps on how to build your skill set to align with the role.

15. Can you walk me through a typical day in your role, including both routine tasks and unexpected challenges?

Listen for the balance between predictable daily tasks and the unexpected situations that arise. Pay attention to how they manage these challenges and whether they use particular strategies, tools, or support systems to adapt. These insights will give you a clearer idea of the workload, and the type of problem-solving or adaptability needed in the role.

16. How do you prioritize your tasks when managing multiple projects with tight deadlines?

Listen for time management techniques, tools, or specific frameworks they rely on. Pay attention to whether they mention delegation or collaboration with others, as this can provide insight into how the role balances individual tasks versus teamwork. These insights will help you understand how multitasking is handled and whether it aligns with your strengths or challenges.

17. Can you share an example of a recent project you worked on and the impact it had on the organization?

Listen for details on the project’s scope, objectives, and the specific role they played in it. Focus on how they describe measuring success or outcomes, such as through data, feedback, or company-wide impact. Pay attention to the challenges they faced and how they overcame them, as these insights can give you a sense of what to expect in similar roles and whether you are ready for such tasks.

18. What tools or technologies do you rely on most to perform your job effectively?

Listen for the key tools and technologies they use regularly and how these tools streamline their workflow or enhance their decision-making. Pay attention to their recommendations for developing proficiency with these tools, including any specific training, certifications, or resources they suggest. These insights will help you understand the technical skills and development strategies needed for success in the role.

19. How does your role contribute to the overall goals of the organization?

Listen for how the role aligns with the broader mission and strategic objectives of the organization. Pay attention to the specific outcomes or deliverables the person is responsible for and how their work impacts the company's success. These insights give you an idea of how your future role might contribute to organizational goals and help you understand the value of your contributions in a team context.

20. What advice would you give to someone aspiring to take on a similar role in the future?

Listen for key skills, experiences, or qualities the person believes are essential for success in the role. Pay attention to the advice regarding preparation, challenges to expect, and opportunities to stand out. These insights can help you focus your efforts on developing the right competencies and understanding the path to success in that specific role.

About the Organization

Questions about the organization are key for understanding its culture, values, and vision, helping you determine if it's a place where you’d thrive. They provide insight into the company’s priorities, how it supports employees, and how it stays competitive in the industry. This information will help you assess whether the organization aligns with your personal and professional goals, and how your role could contribute to its broader success.

21. How does the organization stay competitive in the market, and what strategies are used to drive innovation?

Listen for approaches like market research, technology adoption, or partnerships. Pay attention to the specific strategies the company employs to foster innovation, including how they encourage creativity and stay ahead of industry trends. These insights will help you understand the organization's adaptability and its focus on continuous improvement, which is important for future growth opportunities.

22. How are the organization’s core values reflected in daily operations?

Listen for examples of how the organization upholds and promotes its core values in their daily operations, and how employees embody the values in their work. These insights give you an idea whether the organization’s work culture aligns with your preferences.

23. How does the company support employees’ professional development and growth?

Listen for the specific programs or resources the company offers to support employee development, such as training, mentorship, or career advancement opportunities. These insights will give you an idea of how you can grow within the organization and the types of opportunities available to further your career.

24. What are some of the biggest challenges facing the organization right now?

Listen for challenges like market competition, internal inefficiencies, or changing customer demands, and pay attention to how the company is addressing these challenges and what strategies are being put in place. These insights will give you a better understanding of the organization's priorities and how these challenges may impact your role if you join.

25. How does your department collaborate with other teams within the company?

Listen for tactics interactions like regular meetings, cross-functional projects, or collaborative tools, and focus on the level of communication and coordination required to achieve company-wide goals. These insights will help you understand the importance of teamwork and how different departments work together to drive the company's success.

26. What attracted you to this organization, and how has your perception of it changed over time?

Listen for factors like culture, mission, or growth opportunities, and pay attention to how their view of the company has evolved based on their experiences and the organization's actions. These insights can give you an idea of what you might expect from the company over time and help you assess if it aligns with your own values and goals.

27. What sets this company apart from its competitors in the industry?

Listen for unique aspects of the company's culture, approach, or offerings that distinguish it from competitors. Focus on any innovations, values, or strategies that contribute to its competitive advantage. These insights will help you understand the company's position in the market and what makes it stand out in the eyes of employees.

28. What recent initiatives or projects has the company undertaken that you’re particularly excited about?

Listen for the company’s current priorities and innovative projects, and pay attention to the impact of these projects, both internally (for employees) and externally (for customers or stakeholders), and how they might influence your potential role within the company. These insights will give you a sense of the organization’s direction and the kind of exciting opportunities that may arise in the future.

29. How does leadership engage with employees and communicate company goals?

Listen for interactions like regular meetings, feedback sessions, or other channels of communication. Focus on how leadership ensures employees understand and are aligned with the company's goals. These insights will give you insight into the organization's communication culture and how transparent leadership is about strategic objectives.

30. When you think about the colleagues you have seen thrive in this organization, what qualities come to mind?

Listen for specific traits or behaviors that have contributed to others’ success in the organization, and pay attention to how the company values or rewards these qualities and whether they align with your strengths or aspirations. These insights will give you an idea of the type of person who excels in the environment and help you assess if you have or can develop those qualities for success in the organization.

About the Industry

Questions about the industry help you understand the bigger picture of the field you're considering. They reveal trends, challenges, and opportunities, offering insight into what to expect in your future career and how to stay competitive. These questions also help you identify key skills and knowledge areas to focus on and guide you in making informed decisions about your professional growth.

31. What trends do you see shaping the future of this industry?

Listen for the emerging technologies, market shifts, or evolving consumer behaviors that are expected to impact the industry. Pay attention to how these trends could influence job roles and skill requirements, as well as potential opportunities for growth and innovation. These insights will help you understand how the industry is evolving and prepare you for future developments.

32. What are the biggest challenges currently facing this industry?

Listen for disruptions like regulatory changes, technological advancements, or market dynamics, and pay attention to how these challenges are being addressed or mitigated, as it will provide insight into potential career risks and the skills needed to navigate them. These insights will give you a clear picture of the industry's evolving landscape and what may shape your future role within it.

33. How do regulations impact the way companies in this industry operate?

Listen for the specific regulations that govern the industry and how they influence business operations, from compliance processes to strategic decisions. Focus on how companies adjust their practices to stay compliant, as this can provide insight into the industry's legal landscape and potential career challenges. These insights give you a sense of the regulatory dynamics in the space and will help you assess the complexity and responsibilities of working in this field.

34. What innovations or technologies are having the most significant impact on the industry?

Listen for the emerging technologies or innovations that are transforming the industry, and how companies or individual employees are leveraging them to gain a competitive edge. Pay attention to how these innovations are affecting current practices and creating new opportunities or challenges. These insights will help you understand the industry's direction and where future career opportunities might arise.

35. How do companies in this industry stay competitive in a rapidly changing market?

Listen for strategies companies use to adapt to changes, such as innovation, market analysis, and partnerships. Focus on the role of agility and adaptability in maintaining a competitive edge, and how businesses respond to disruptions or shifts in consumer behavior. These insights will help you understand how organizations in the industry navigate challenges and sustain growth in a dynamic environment.

36. What skills, knowledge, or experiences are becoming increasingly important for professionals in this industry?

Listen for emerging skills, technologies, and industry knowledge that are gaining importance in the field. Pay attention to any shifts in required expertise due to technological advancements, market trends, or regulatory changes. These insights will help you identify areas of focus for developing your career in the industry and highlight the types of qualifications that will keep you competitive.

37. How do you stay informed about news, new development, and trends in this industry?

Listen for formal channels like publications, online platforms, or events, and informal channels like conversations with colleagues. Pay attention to whether they rely on formal channels like research reports or informal channels like conversations with colleagues. These insights will provide you with practical ideas on how you can stay informed and ahead in the industry.

38. What are some common misconceptions about the industry that you have encountered?

Listen for any myths or misunderstandings that are prevalent in the industry, especially those that might affect how newcomers or the public view it. Focus on the clarification or insights provided to debunk these misconceptions. These insights will help you better understand the reality of working in the industry and prepare for potential challenges or surprises.

39. What is the most exciting part about working in this industry?

Listen for the aspects of the industry that the person finds most engaging or rewarding, such as specific challenges, opportunities for growth, or innovations. Pay attention to how they describe the impact their work has, whether on individuals, organizations, or the broader market. These insights will help you identify the potential fulfillment and excitement you could find in the industry.

40. What professional organizations or industry groups should someone new to the field join to stay informed and connected?

Listen for specific professional organizations, conferences, or networking groups that are valuable for someone entering the field. Pay attention to how these groups help individuals stay informed about industry trends, expand their network, and develop their careers. This insight will guide you in identifying key communities that can offer support and growth opportunities as you build your professional presence.

Research-Based Questions

Research-based questions help you demonstrate your proactiveness, knowledge, and research ahead of the interview. This approach not only helps you gather valuable information but also leaves a strong impression on the interviewer, highlighting your commitment to making an informed decision about your career.

41. I see you transitioned from [previous role/industry] to [current role/industry]. Why did you choose to make that change, and how did you go about the actual application and transition process?

Listen for how personal growth, interests, or opportunities shaped the individual’s career path. These insights will help you understand how transitions are made and what qualities or experiences may be important in your own journey if you consider a similar transition or end goal.

42. I read an article about your company’s [merger/restructuring/other news]. How has this impacted your work and the overall company environment?

Listen for how organizational changes have affected their role and the broader work culture. These insights can give you a sense of how such changes might impact you in the future.

43. I’ve read about increasing competition in your industry from [specific competitors]. How is your organization positioning itself to stay ahead?

Listen for the company’s strategic responses to competition. These insights can provide insights into the industry’s dynamics and how companies adapt to external pressures.

44. I noticed you’ve been published in [journal/publication]. Can you share the process of getting your work published and how it has impacted your career?

Listen for the challenges and rewards of getting published, and the practical actions that it takes to get published. These insights can give you a sense of the importance of thought leadership and recognition in the industry.

45. I’ve followed the recent introduction of [specific law or regulation]. How do you anticipate this will affect your industry, and what changes is your company making to adapt?

Listen for insights into how regulations shape operational decisions and strategic planning. These insights will provide a clearer understanding of industry compliance and adaptation.

Bonus Questions

Two questions you should ask at the end of every informational interview.

51. Is there anyone else you recommend I should connect with?

Listen for suggestions of key contacts inside or outside of the organization or industry to help you expand your network strategically. These insights can provide you with more targeted advice from others who may influence hiring decisions or provide mentorship opportunities.

52. Would you mind if I reach out to schedule a follow-up conversation for us in a few weeks’ time?

Use this question only if you have found value in the conversation and want to continue the relationship. If you do schedule further conversations, ensure that you complete any action items they might encourage you to complete (e.g., studying up on a specific topic or connecting with a specific person) – this shows that you value their thoughts and incentivizes them to continue helping you.

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Conclusion

Informational Interviews are an immensely powerful tool for students when used right.

This guide has covered a number of tactics students can apply to their informational interviews immediately.

However, informational interviews are an art and a science. To yield maximum value out of them, actively reflect on your past interviews and adjust your approach accordingly to your future interviews.

PS. To receive further personalized 1:1 career fair coaching that can address questions specific to your unique situation, you can check out our coaching services here.

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This guide is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While the strategies and advice provided aim to assist students in their internship and job search, The Strategic Student LLC does not guarantee employment or any specific job outcomes as a result of using this guide. Success depends on individual effort, qualifications, and other factors beyond the scope of this guide.

Lasse Palomaki