8 answers
shatyra
Student
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
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What are three informational interview questions I can ask??
currently a job corps student searching for answers
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8 answers
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
750
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Shatyra, I understand that the prospect of an interview can be quite daunting for students and even some adults. However, I've compiled a list of powerful questions that you, as a Job Corps student, can utilize to gain insightful career information:
1. "What role did your education and early career experiences play in preparing you for your current position? Is there any additional skill or knowledge you wish you had acquired sooner?" This question can provide you with a wealth of information about the interviewee's career journey and the skills that have been pivotal to their success. As a Job Corps student, this understanding of the link between education, early work experiences, and long-term career growth can guide you in making informed decisions about your own educational and professional development.
2. "What major challenges and opportunities do you foresee in this industry over the next 5-10 years, and how can someone in my position best prepare for them?" This question shows your interest in the future of the industry and your dedication to long-term career planning. The response can offer valuable insights into potential specializations, emerging technologies, or skills you should concentrate on developing during your time at Job Corps and beyond.
3. "Could you outline a typical day in your role, including the types of problems you tackle and the individuals or departments you frequently work with?" This question gives you a practical glimpse into what a day in the interviewee's job or industry looks like. Knowing the daily realities of a job can help you assess if it matches your interests and strengths. Moreover, learning about cross-department collaborations can emphasize the need for a diverse skill set and the significance of teamwork in the workplace.
4. "What skills or attributes do you deem most valuable for success in this field, and how can I cultivate them?" This question can help you identify the key skills valued in the industry and guide you on how to develop them.
5. "Are there any professional associations, certifications, or continuing education programs you would suggest for someone entering this field?" This information can assist you in planning your professional growth beyond Job Corps.
6. "How has your role or industry evolved since you began, and what strategies have you employed to stay updated and adaptable?" This question offers insights into the dynamic nature of careers and the significance of continuous learning.
Tips for conducting a successful informational interview:
1. Do your homework about the person and their company. This enables you to ask more insightful questions and shows your genuine interest.
2. Be timely and professional. Approach this as you would a job interview, in terms of attire and conduct.
3. Plan your questions ahead of time, but remain adaptable. Let the conversation flow organically.
4. Carry a notebook and pen to jot down notes. This indicates that you value the information being imparted.
5. Be mindful of time. Honor the agreed-upon time limit, typically 20-30 minutes.
6. Practice active listening. Display interest through your body language and by asking pertinent follow-up questions.
7. Refrain from asking for a job outright. The aim is to gather information, not to request employment.
8. Send a thank-you note within 24 hours. Express your gratitude for their time and insights.
9. Keep the connection alive. If suitable, connect on LinkedIn or occasionally share relevant articles or updates.
10. Reflect on the conversation afterwards. Think about how the information aligns with your objectives and interests.
These questions are designed to draw out detailed, informative answers that can provide you with valuable insights for your career planning and skill development. Remember to listen attentively, jot down notes, and ask follow-up questions based on the responses you receive. Also, the objective of an informational interview is to acquire knowledge and broaden your professional network. Approach it with curiosity and an open mind, and it will likely prove to be a valuable step in your career exploration journey.
1. "What role did your education and early career experiences play in preparing you for your current position? Is there any additional skill or knowledge you wish you had acquired sooner?" This question can provide you with a wealth of information about the interviewee's career journey and the skills that have been pivotal to their success. As a Job Corps student, this understanding of the link between education, early work experiences, and long-term career growth can guide you in making informed decisions about your own educational and professional development.
2. "What major challenges and opportunities do you foresee in this industry over the next 5-10 years, and how can someone in my position best prepare for them?" This question shows your interest in the future of the industry and your dedication to long-term career planning. The response can offer valuable insights into potential specializations, emerging technologies, or skills you should concentrate on developing during your time at Job Corps and beyond.
3. "Could you outline a typical day in your role, including the types of problems you tackle and the individuals or departments you frequently work with?" This question gives you a practical glimpse into what a day in the interviewee's job or industry looks like. Knowing the daily realities of a job can help you assess if it matches your interests and strengths. Moreover, learning about cross-department collaborations can emphasize the need for a diverse skill set and the significance of teamwork in the workplace.
4. "What skills or attributes do you deem most valuable for success in this field, and how can I cultivate them?" This question can help you identify the key skills valued in the industry and guide you on how to develop them.
5. "Are there any professional associations, certifications, or continuing education programs you would suggest for someone entering this field?" This information can assist you in planning your professional growth beyond Job Corps.
6. "How has your role or industry evolved since you began, and what strategies have you employed to stay updated and adaptable?" This question offers insights into the dynamic nature of careers and the significance of continuous learning.
Tips for conducting a successful informational interview:
1. Do your homework about the person and their company. This enables you to ask more insightful questions and shows your genuine interest.
2. Be timely and professional. Approach this as you would a job interview, in terms of attire and conduct.
3. Plan your questions ahead of time, but remain adaptable. Let the conversation flow organically.
4. Carry a notebook and pen to jot down notes. This indicates that you value the information being imparted.
5. Be mindful of time. Honor the agreed-upon time limit, typically 20-30 minutes.
6. Practice active listening. Display interest through your body language and by asking pertinent follow-up questions.
7. Refrain from asking for a job outright. The aim is to gather information, not to request employment.
8. Send a thank-you note within 24 hours. Express your gratitude for their time and insights.
9. Keep the connection alive. If suitable, connect on LinkedIn or occasionally share relevant articles or updates.
10. Reflect on the conversation afterwards. Think about how the information aligns with your objectives and interests.
These questions are designed to draw out detailed, informative answers that can provide you with valuable insights for your career planning and skill development. Remember to listen attentively, jot down notes, and ask follow-up questions based on the responses you receive. Also, the objective of an informational interview is to acquire knowledge and broaden your professional network. Approach it with curiosity and an open mind, and it will likely prove to be a valuable step in your career exploration journey.
Alexandra ODaniel
Technology Sales
1
Answer
Annapolis, Maryland
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Shatyra! I've provided some additional questions you can ask during an information interview below:
What’s your career story?
- This open-ended question allows the interviewee to share their professional journey, including how they got into their current role and what motivated their career choices. It can provide insights into the path you might consider taking and highlight important experiences or decisions that shaped their career.
What do you find most rewarding and challenging about your job?
- This question helps you understand the highs and lows of the position and the industry. It can reveal what aspects of the job might align with your interests and what challenges you should be prepared for.
What skills or qualifications do you think are essential for success in this field?
- It can guide your own skill development and help you identify areas where you may need further training or experience
What’s your career story?
- This open-ended question allows the interviewee to share their professional journey, including how they got into their current role and what motivated their career choices. It can provide insights into the path you might consider taking and highlight important experiences or decisions that shaped their career.
What do you find most rewarding and challenging about your job?
- This question helps you understand the highs and lows of the position and the industry. It can reveal what aspects of the job might align with your interests and what challenges you should be prepared for.
What skills or qualifications do you think are essential for success in this field?
- It can guide your own skill development and help you identify areas where you may need further training or experience
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. It's a very good question. Before attending the interview, it needs, to do some research work on the company background and business development. You may have question to ask the interviewer and this also shows you have done preparation before the interview.
Below are the 3 generic questions you can consider:
1. What is business plan of the company in com 5 - 10 years?
2. What is the career path of this role?
3. What is your advice anything you can do more to exceed the expectations of this role if you have the offer?
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are the 3 generic questions you can consider:
1. What is business plan of the company in com 5 - 10 years?
2. What is the career path of this role?
3. What is your advice anything you can do more to exceed the expectations of this role if you have the offer?
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Matty Parry
Executive Trainer
9
Answers
Southfield, Michigan
Updated
Matty’s Answer
Hello Shatyra!
Here are some insightful queries that you might consider posing to gain a deeper insight into a potential employer.
1. Could you paint a picture of your organization's culture?
This will illuminate the overall mood and attitudes of the individuals within the company.
2. What are the organization's objectives for the upcoming year?
This will provide a glimpse into the company's priorities and the path they're embarking on.
3. What has been the most gratifying part of being a part of this organization?
This will reveal what values resonate with the people interviewing you.
Here are some insightful queries that you might consider posing to gain a deeper insight into a potential employer.
1. Could you paint a picture of your organization's culture?
This will illuminate the overall mood and attitudes of the individuals within the company.
2. What are the organization's objectives for the upcoming year?
This will provide a glimpse into the company's priorities and the path they're embarking on.
3. What has been the most gratifying part of being a part of this organization?
This will reveal what values resonate with the people interviewing you.
Leisha Rogers
Sr. Talent Acquisition Consultant
8
Answers
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Updated
Leisha’s Answer
What are the success factors for this role and how is success measured for this role?
What would my first 90 days look like if I was hired into this role?
Can you tell me about the team culture?
What is your favorite thing about working here?
What is your leadership style?
What are the next steps?
Leisha recommends the following next steps:
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
335
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
This is a terrific question, Shatyra, and I like the questions you have received so far. Others could include:
- Where do you see your industry going in the next few years?
This is a longer perspective than the upcoming year and may give you either trends for the market, insights into technological changes, general attitude toward the industry, including that particular company.
- What do you wish you knew earlier in your tenure at this company or in this industry?
Directly helpful if you join the company/industry and may be applicable more generally
- What distinguishes your company from others in your industry?
Red flag if they cannot answer this.
I have added a link below to informational interview questions from Indeed.com.
Good luck!
Indeed.com - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/questions-to-ask-during-an-informational-interview
- Where do you see your industry going in the next few years?
This is a longer perspective than the upcoming year and may give you either trends for the market, insights into technological changes, general attitude toward the industry, including that particular company.
- What do you wish you knew earlier in your tenure at this company or in this industry?
Directly helpful if you join the company/industry and may be applicable more generally
- What distinguishes your company from others in your industry?
Red flag if they cannot answer this.
I have added a link below to informational interview questions from Indeed.com.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Shatyra,
Three Critical Questions to Pose During an Informational Interview
In the course of an informational interview, it's crucial to pose inquiries that will yield valuable insights into the sector, the role, and the interviewee's personal experiences. Here are three potent questions you might want to consider:
1. Could you narrate your professional journey and how you arrived at your present position?
This query invites the interviewee to recount their personal story, including their educational background, past roles, and any decisive moments that steered their career choices. Grasping their journey can offer you insights into possible career paths and the skills or experiences that could be beneficial for your career growth.
2. What are the key skills or qualifications required for success in this industry?
This question enables you to get a more precise understanding of what employers seek in candidates for that particular industry or role. The interviewee might underscore both hard skills (technical proficiencies) and soft skills (interpersonal abilities, teamwork) that are vital for success. This data can assist you in pinpointing areas where you might need to concentrate your learning or career development.
3. What aspects of your job do you find most rewarding, and what are some obstacles you encounter?
This query offers a balanced perspective of the job by spotlighting both its positive features and potential hurdles. Knowing what the interviewee finds gratifying can provide you insight into what makes a role satisfying, while discussing obstacles can equip you with realistic expectations if you decide to follow a similar path. It also initiates a conversation about work-life equilibrium and job contentment.
These questions not only show your interest in the interviewee's experiences but also assist you in collecting practical information that can steer your own career choices.
Top 3 Trusted Sources Utilized in Responding to this Question:
1. National Career Development Association (NCDA)
The NCDA offers resources and guidelines on effective career development practices, including how to proficiently conduct informational interviews.
2. Harvard Business Review (HBR)
HBR provides articles on career growth and networking strategies, including best practices for informational interviews and questions to pose during these sessions.
3. The Balance Careers
This site provides extensive advice on various facets of career planning and job hunting, including tips on conducting informational interviews and recommended questions to pose.
Likelihood the answer is accurate: 95%
May You Be Abundantly Blessed!
James.
Three Critical Questions to Pose During an Informational Interview
In the course of an informational interview, it's crucial to pose inquiries that will yield valuable insights into the sector, the role, and the interviewee's personal experiences. Here are three potent questions you might want to consider:
1. Could you narrate your professional journey and how you arrived at your present position?
This query invites the interviewee to recount their personal story, including their educational background, past roles, and any decisive moments that steered their career choices. Grasping their journey can offer you insights into possible career paths and the skills or experiences that could be beneficial for your career growth.
2. What are the key skills or qualifications required for success in this industry?
This question enables you to get a more precise understanding of what employers seek in candidates for that particular industry or role. The interviewee might underscore both hard skills (technical proficiencies) and soft skills (interpersonal abilities, teamwork) that are vital for success. This data can assist you in pinpointing areas where you might need to concentrate your learning or career development.
3. What aspects of your job do you find most rewarding, and what are some obstacles you encounter?
This query offers a balanced perspective of the job by spotlighting both its positive features and potential hurdles. Knowing what the interviewee finds gratifying can provide you insight into what makes a role satisfying, while discussing obstacles can equip you with realistic expectations if you decide to follow a similar path. It also initiates a conversation about work-life equilibrium and job contentment.
These questions not only show your interest in the interviewee's experiences but also assist you in collecting practical information that can steer your own career choices.
Top 3 Trusted Sources Utilized in Responding to this Question:
1. National Career Development Association (NCDA)
The NCDA offers resources and guidelines on effective career development practices, including how to proficiently conduct informational interviews.
2. Harvard Business Review (HBR)
HBR provides articles on career growth and networking strategies, including best practices for informational interviews and questions to pose during these sessions.
3. The Balance Careers
This site provides extensive advice on various facets of career planning and job hunting, including tips on conducting informational interviews and recommended questions to pose.
Likelihood the answer is accurate: 95%
May You Be Abundantly Blessed!
James.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
607
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
What is something you wish you’d known before going into the field you are in?
Tell me about your career path and how it has led you to where you are?
What are your ultimate career ambitions and how does your current work support the path to ultimately take?
Tell me about your career path and how it has led you to where you are?
What are your ultimate career ambitions and how does your current work support the path to ultimately take?