You’ve done it! You’ve reached out to a professional, arranged a time to chat, and now you’re sitting across from someone who actually works in the field you’re considering. But what should you ask them? The questions you choose can make the difference between a polite but surface-level conversation and a genuinely illuminating discussion that helps shape your future decisions.
The best informational interview questions are open-ended, encourage storytelling, and help you understand not just what someone does, but what it’s really like to do it. They should give you insights you simply can’t find in job descriptions or university course catalogues. Most importantly, they should help you figure out whether this career path aligns with your interests, values, and goals.
Here are ten proven questions that will help you make the most of your informational interview, along with why each one is so valuable and what kind of insights you can expect to gain.
“Can you walk me through what a typical day or week looks like in your role?”
This question is absolutely essential because it cuts through all the formal job descriptions and gives you the real picture of what this person actually does with their time. You’ll discover whether they spend most of their day in meetings or working independently, whether their schedule is predictable or constantly changing, and what kinds of tasks actually fill their working hours.
When someone describes their typical day, they’ll often reveal aspects of the job that aren’t immediately obvious. A marketing professional might mention that they spend a surprising amount of time analysing data rather than creating campaigns, or a teacher might explain how much of their evening is spent planning lessons and marking assignments. These details help you understand whether the reality of the job matches your expectations and interests.
This question also gives you insight into the work environment and culture. You’ll learn whether people in this field tend to work standard hours or if there are busy periods that require longer days. You might discover that collaboration is a huge part of the role, or conversely, that much of the work is done independently. All of this information helps you assess whether this career would suit your working style and lifestyle preferences.
“What do you enjoy most about your work? What do you find most challenging?”
This two-part question is incredibly revealing because it helps you understand both the highlights and the realities of any career. When someone talks about what they love about their job, you’ll get a sense of what motivates them and what aspects of the work are genuinely fulfilling. This can help you assess whether those same elements would appeal to you.
The second part about challenges is equally important because every job has difficult aspects, and it’s better to know about them upfront. Someone might mention that client deadlines create stress, that the work can be emotionally demanding, or that staying current with rapidly changing technology requires constant learning. Understanding these challenges helps you make a more informed decision about whether you’re prepared for the realities of this career.
Listen carefully to how they talk about both the positives and negatives. If someone struggles to think of things they enjoy but immediately lists multiple frustrations, that might tell you something about either the career itself or that particular workplace. Conversely, if they light up when discussing certain aspects of their work, pay attention to what specifically energises them.
“How did you end up in this career, and was it always your plan?”
Career paths are rarely as straightforward as they might appear from the outside, and this question often reveals fascinating stories about how people actually end up in their professions. You might discover that someone stumbled into their field by accident, changed careers multiple times, or took an unconventional route to get where they are.
These stories are valuable because they show you that there isn’t just one “right” way to enter most fields. Someone might have started with a completely different degree, worked in various industries before finding their passion, or discovered their calling through a part-time job or volunteer experience. This can be incredibly reassuring if you’re worried about making the “perfect” choice or following a linear path.
This question also often reveals turning points or key experiences that shaped someone’s career direction. They might mention a particular project that sparked their interest, a mentor who guided them, or a challenge that helped them realise what they really wanted to do. These insights can help you think about your own experiences and what might guide your decision-making process.
“What skills or qualities are most important for success in this field?”
While you can find lists of required skills in job descriptions, hearing about them from someone who actually does the work gives you a much richer understanding. They’ll often mention soft skills that don’t appear in formal requirements but are crucial for success, such as resilience, curiosity, or the ability to build relationships quickly.
This question helps you assess your own strengths and identify areas where you might need to develop. If someone emphasises that strong communication skills are essential, you can reflect on your own abilities in this area and consider how you might strengthen them. If they mention that attention to detail is crucial, you can think about whether this aligns with your natural working style.
Pay attention to both the technical skills they mention and the personal qualities. Someone might explain that while technical knowledge can be learned, success in their field really depends on being able to work well under pressure or being comfortable with ambiguity. These insights help you understand not just what you need to know, but what kind of person tends to thrive in this environment.
“What are the biggest misconceptions people have about your profession?”
This question is brilliant for uncovering the gap between perception and reality. Many careers have stereotypes or assumptions attached to them that don’t reflect the actual work involved. A lawyer might explain that their job involves far more research and writing than dramatic courtroom speeches, or a scientist might reveal that much of their time is spent on admin and grant applications rather than exciting discoveries.
Understanding these misconceptions helps you examine your own assumptions about the field. You might realise that some of your concerns about a particular career are based on outdated or inaccurate information. Alternatively, you might discover that aspects of the job you found appealing don’t actually represent the day-to-day reality.
This question often leads to really honest conversations about what the work is actually like. People enjoy setting the record straight about their professions, and you’ll often get valuable insights into the less glamorous but important aspects of their work. This helps you develop a more realistic and complete picture of what you’d be signing up for.
“How has the industry changed since you started working in it?”
Every industry evolves, and understanding these changes gives you insight into where the field might be heading in the future. Someone who’s been working for several years can provide perspective on how technology has impacted their work, how client expectations have changed, or how new regulations have affected their industry.
This question is particularly valuable because it helps you understand whether this is a growing field with expanding opportunities, or whether certain aspects of the work might become automated or obsolete. You might learn about emerging specialisations within the field that could be interesting to pursue, or discover that some traditional career paths are becoming less common.
The answer to this question can also reveal how adaptable professionals in this field need to be. If someone describes constant changes and the need to continuously learn new skills, you’ll know that this career requires flexibility and a commitment to ongoing professional development. This information helps you assess whether this kind of dynamic environment appeals to you or feels overwhelming.
“What advice would you give to someone just starting to consider this field?”
This question invites the person to step into a mentoring role and share their wisdom about entering the profession. The advice they give often reflects what they wish they had known when they were starting out, making it particularly valuable for someone in your position.
You might receive practical advice about which courses to take, what kind of work experience to seek, or how to build relevant skills while you’re still studying. They might suggest professional organisations to join, books to read, or specific areas within the field that are particularly promising for new entrants.
Sometimes the advice is more strategic, such as suggestions about how to network effectively, what to look for in your first job, or how to position yourself for career growth. This kind of insider knowledge is incredibly valuable and can help you avoid common pitfalls or make more strategic decisions about your education and early career steps.
“Are there related careers I should also be exploring?”
This question often leads to discoveries about career paths you hadn’t previously considered. Most professionals work alongside people in related fields and have insights into adjacent careers that might appeal to someone with similar interests. They might mention specialisations within their own field that you weren’t aware of, or suggest completely different careers that require similar skills or interests.
These suggestions can significantly expand your exploration and help you avoid tunnel vision. You might learn about careers that offer different work environments, better work-life balance, or more growth opportunities while still utilising your core interests and strengths. Sometimes these related fields are less competitive to enter or offer more diverse career paths.
This question also helps you understand how different roles connect within an industry. You might discover that there are various ways to be involved in an area you’re passionate about, from hands-on technical roles to management, research, policy work, or consulting positions. This broader perspective can be incredibly valuable for your decision-making process.
“What’s the work-life balance like in this field?”
Work-life balance means different things to different people, but understanding the typical expectations and pressures in a field helps you assess whether it aligns with your personal values and lifestyle goals. Some careers involve predictable hours and clear boundaries between work and personal time, while others require flexibility, travel, or intensive periods of work.
When someone answers this question, pay attention to both the formal policies and the informal culture. They might mention that while their company offers flexible working arrangements, there’s an unspoken expectation that people check emails in the evening. Or they might explain that while the hours can be long during certain projects, there are also quieter periods that allow for better balance.
This question often reveals information about career progression and whether advancing in the field requires sacrificing personal time. Some professions have a culture of long hours, particularly in the early stages of careers, while others prioritise sustainable working practices. Understanding these expectations helps you make decisions that align with your personal priorities and life goals.
“If you were starting over today, what would you do differently?”
This question often produces the most candid and valuable advice because it encourages reflection and honesty. People might share mistakes they made, opportunities they missed, or knowledge they wish they had gained earlier in their careers. This hindsight perspective can be incredibly valuable for someone just starting their exploration.
The answers often reveal important insights about career development and decision-making. Someone might mention that they wish they had been more strategic about building certain skills, taken more risks early in their career, or focused more on building professional relationships. They might suggest taking advantage of opportunities that weren’t available when they were starting out.
Sometimes this question reveals regrets about work-life balance, such as wishing they had set better boundaries or prioritised personal relationships more highly. These insights can help you think about what success means to you and how to structure your career in a way that aligns with your broader life goals.
Making the most of these questions
Remember that these questions are starting points for deeper conversations. The most valuable insights often come from follow-up questions based on their responses. If someone mentions a particular challenge they face, ask how they deal with it. If they describe an aspect of their work that sounds interesting, explore it further.
Also consider which questions are most relevant to your stage of exploration. If you’re just starting to learn about a field, focus on questions that help you understand the basics. If you’re further along in your research, you might want to dig deeper into specific aspects that matter most to you.
Most importantly, listen actively and let the conversation flow naturally. While it’s good to have these questions prepared, don’t feel like you need to ask all of them or stick rigidly to your list. The best informational interviews often take unexpected but valuable directions based on what resonates most with both you and the person you’re speaking with.
Your next conversation awaits
Armed with these questions, you’re ready to have meaningful, insightful conversations with professionals in any field that interests you. Remember, each conversation is an opportunity to learn something valuable about both the career you’re considering and about professional life more generally.
The key is to approach each conversation with genuine curiosity and openness to learning. You might discover that a career you thought you wanted isn’t quite right for you, or you might uncover exciting possibilities you hadn’t previously considered. Either way, you’ll be making more informed decisions about your future.
Explore more resources to learn about your potential future career on our website here.
