One of the options for furthering your network is to conduct informational interviews with professionals who work in your field of interest, or who hold the job you aspire to someday. This can be a way to get to know a contact better, and get their advice on steps you could take to become more marketable as a candidate in the field. You may decide to interview someone you already have connected with at an event, or perhaps you can be introduced to someone through a mutual connection. These interviews can take place over a cup of coffee, over the phone, in someone’s office, or over lunch. If you end up scheduling the meeting over coffee or a meal, you should pick up the tab!
Try to learn more about the person’s background, how they got into the field, and their current job responsibilities. The goal is to get tips and advice for critical qualifications, and ways to obtain these, as well as better understanding the job market for this type of work.
Potential questions to ask. — * Source Berkeley Career Center
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 do you think I should consider looking 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?
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?
What is the profile of the person most recently hired at my level?
What are the most effective strategies for seeking a position in 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?
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?