I still remember the countless interviews I conducted as a corporate recruiter, where candidates would ask generic, unimpressive questions that failed to showcase their genuine interest in the company or role. It’s a common myth that Informational Interview Questions are all about asking bland, safe queries that won’t rock the boat. But the truth is, the right questions can make all the difference in leaving a lasting impression and potentially landing your dream job.
In this article, I’ll share my insider knowledge on how to craft and ask Informational Interview Questions that will actually get you noticed. You’ll learn how to dig deeper and ask thoughtful, probing questions that demonstrate your passion and understanding of the company and position. I’ll provide you with practical advice and real-life examples to help you prepare for your next informational interview, so you can confidently ask questions that will leave a lasting impression and bring you one step closer to achieving your career goals.
Table of Contents
Project Overview
Total Time: 1 hour to 2 hours
Estimated Cost: Free – $0 (assuming virtual or in-person meetings with no travel)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Tools Required
- Computer or Smartphone ((for research and communication))
- Notebook and Pen ((for taking notes))
Supplies & Materials
- None ((informational interviews typically require no physical supplies))
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. First, do your research on the company and the role you’re interested in, so you can come up with thoughtful and relevant questions to ask during the informational interview. This will not only show your interest in the company but also demonstrate your level of preparation and engagement. Start by reviewing the company’s website, social media, and recent news articles to get a sense of their current projects, challenges, and values.
- 2. Next, make a list of potential questions to ask during the interview, categorizing them into topics such as company culture, job responsibilities, career development, and industry trends. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you cover all the key areas you’re interested in. Some examples of questions to get you started might include: “What are the biggest challenges facing the company/department right now?” or “Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with?
- 3. Then, prioritize your questions based on your goals and what you hope to achieve from the informational interview. If you’re looking to transition into a new role, you may want to focus on questions related to job responsibilities and required skills. If you’re looking to advance within your current company, you may want to focus on questions related to career development and growth opportunities.
- 4. Now, it’s time to reach out to your network and see if you can get an introduction to someone at the company who would be willing to do an informational interview with you. This could be a friend of a friend, a colleague, or even a connection on LinkedIn. Make sure to personalize your message and explain why you’re interested in speaking with them specifically.
- 5. Once you’ve secured an informational interview, prepare an elevator pitch that briefly introduces yourself, explains your background and interests, and states the purpose of the meeting. This should be no more than 1-2 minutes long and should be practiced ahead of time so that you feel confident and comfortable delivering it.
- 6. During the informational interview, take detailed notes on what the person shares with you, including their insights, advice, and any actionable tips they provide. This will not only show that you’re engaged and interested in what they have to say, but it will also help you remember important details later on.
- 7. After the informational interview, be sure to send a thank-you note or email to the person you spoke with, expressing your gratitude for their time and reiterating your interest in the company and role. This is a crucial step in building a relationship and leaving a positive impression, and it’s often overlooked by job seekers. Make sure to include any specific details or follow-up actions you discussed during the meeting.
Ace Informational Interviews
To truly ace informational interviews, you need to think beyond just the questions you’re asking. It’s about creating a conversation that flows naturally and leaves a lasting impression. One of the common pitfalls to avoid is turning the interview into an interrogation, where you’re firing off questions without really listening to the answers. Instead, focus on building a dialogue that allows you to learn more about the company and the role, while also showcasing your skills and interests.
As you prepare for the interview, consider questions to ask a career mentor that will help you gain valuable insights into the industry and the company culture. This could include topics such as career transition conversation starters or industry trends that are shaping the future of the company. By asking thoughtful and relevant questions, you can demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the field, which can make a significant difference in how you’re perceived by the interviewer.
As you’re preparing for your informational interviews, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of the company culture and current industry trends. I always recommend doing some in-depth research on the company’s website, social media, and review sites to get a sense of their values and mission. Additionally, you can find some really valuable resources online, such as sextreff thüringen, which can provide you with insights into the local job market and industry events. By being well-informed and proactive, you can ask more targeted questions during the interview and show your genuine interest in the company, which can definitely make a positive impression on the interviewer.
After the interview, it’s essential to follow up with a thank-you note or email, expressing your gratitude for the interviewer’s time and reiterating your interest in the company. You can use an email template for requesting an informational interview as a starting point, but be sure to customize it to fit your own voice and style. By taking the time to send a thoughtful follow-up message, you can keep the conversation going and potentially open up new opportunities for yourself in the future.
Ask Questions That Get You Hired
To truly ace an informational interview, you need to ask questions that not only show your interest in the company and role but also demonstrate your value as a potential candidate. I always tell my clients to ditch the generic questions and instead focus on asking insightful, thought-provoking ones that showcase their skills and knowledge. For example, asking about the company’s biggest challenges and how you can contribute to solving them can make a lasting impression.
By asking the right questions, you can position yourself as a problem-solver and a valuable asset to the organization. Remember, the goal is to show how you can add value, not just to learn more about the company. So, come prepared with questions that highlight your expertise and enthusiasm, and you’ll be one step closer to getting hired.
Avoid Common Info Interview Mistakes
To really nail an informational interview, you need to know what not to do. I’ve seen countless professionals unknowingly sabotage their chances with simple mistakes. Don’t be that person. Avoid asking generic questions that can be answered by a quick Google search – it’s a surefire way to seem unprepared and uninterested. Instead, dig deeper and ask thoughtful, specific questions that show you’ve done your homework.
Remember, an informational interview is a two-way conversation, not an interrogation. Don’t dominate the conversation with your own stories or try to sell yourself too hard. Listen actively and respond thoughtfully to what the other person is sharing. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can build a genuine connection and make a lasting impression that will help you stand out in a crowded job market.
Nail the Conversation: 5 Insider Tips for Informational Interview Questions
- Research the company’s current challenges and ask targeted questions that show you’re invested in their success
- Prepare a mix of open-ended and specific questions to keep the conversation engaging and informative
- Ask about the company culture, team dynamics, and growth opportunities to get a sense of whether you’d be a good fit
- Don’t be afraid to ask about the interviewer’s own career path and what advice they’d give to someone looking to break into the industry
- Use the informational interview as an opportunity to ask about potential job openings or upcoming projects, and express your interest in exploring opportunities with the company
Key Takeaways to Nail Your Informational Interviews
Prepare thoughtful, company-specific questions to ask during the interview, showcasing your genuine interest in the role and organization
Steer clear of common mistakes like asking generic questions or failing to send a thank-you note, which can make or break your chances of getting hired
Use the informational interview as an opportunity to build a meaningful connection with the interviewer, and don’t be afraid to negotiate or discuss potential job opportunities that may arise from the meeting
The Power of Insightful Questions
Asking the right questions in an informational interview is not just about gathering information, it’s about showcasing your interest, intelligence, and initiative – it’s about turning a casual conversation into a career catalyst.
Morgan Wells
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of informational interviews is a game-changer for your career. By avoiding common mistakes, such as not researching the company beforehand, and asking questions that get you hired, like inquiring about the company culture and future projects, you can make a lasting impression on potential employers. Remember to follow up with a thank-you note to show your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and reiterate your interest in the company. By incorporating these strategies into your job search, you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream job.
As you move forward with your career, keep in mind that informational interviews are not just about gathering information, but also about building relationships and making connections in your industry. By being strategic and prepared, you can turn these interviews into opportunities that can launch your career to new heights. Don’t be afraid to take the initiative and reach out to people in your desired field – you never know where it might lead. With persistence, dedication, and the right approach, you can achieve your career goals and find success in your chosen profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important things to ask during an informational interview to make a lasting impression?
To make a lasting impression, ask questions that dive deeper into the company culture and role, such as ‘What are the biggest challenges facing the team right now?’ or ‘Can you tell me about a recent project you worked on?’ These show you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity and willing to do your homework.
How can I tailor my questions to the specific company and role I'm interested in?
To tailor your questions, study the company’s website, social media, and recent news articles. Look for pain points, goals, and initiatives, then craft questions that show you’re invested in understanding their specific challenges and how you can contribute to solving them.
Are there any questions that I should absolutely avoid asking during an informational interview?
Honesty, yes, there are questions to avoid. Steer clear of ones that can be easily answered by researching the company website, like “What does your company do?” or “What are your company’s values?” Also, avoid asking about salary or benefits too early – it can come across as presumptuous. Instead, focus on thoughtful, insightful questions that show you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organization.
