1. What is the favorite part of your job?

Another open ended question focused on the person you are interviewing. It can draw out surprising and rewarding aspects of the job that you might not have considered.

2. How do you see this industry developing in the future?

This informational interview question can give you insights into skills you might need in the future. If you develop those skills now, you will be more competitive when looking for work in the industry.

3. How is your industry changing?

The job might be ideal for you now, but it might be changing in a direction that is not a good fit for your needs. It is important to find that out in the beginning of the career planning process, so you can make informed decisions about the career choices you will make.

4. May I use your name when I contact that person?

Your contact may give you the name of another person who you can interview, and when you mention your contact's name to the next person, your next interview will be that much easier to arrange.

5. How to close an informational interview?

Be considerate of your contact by being careful not to go over your allotted time without their encouragement. You may say something like, "Well, it looks like I have time for one last question". Your interviewee can then either end your interview with the question, or invite you to ask additional questions. One of the last questions you should always be prepared to ask is to request the names of additional people you can add to your network of contacts. This is especially important if your goal is to obtain more job leads and contacts in the field. Also, ask for a business card and inquire whether they would mind if you stayed in contact with them. Finally, thank the interviewee for their time, and always follow-up with a thank-you letter, either by mail or by e-mail.

6. List some final notes on asking good informational interview questions?

Here are some final notes on asking good informational interview questions:
☛ Type out a list of the informational interview questions you want to ask and bring it with you.
☛ Once you ask the first couple of questions, you probably will not need the list anymore. Typically, your interview will turn into more of a conversation, so you will not need the list to generate discussion, but you'll still have your list ready to ensure you get all of the information you need.
☛ It is fine to take notes during an informational interview. Just ask your contact for permission first to ensure he or she feels comfortable with that.
☛ Always bring your resume to an informational interview. It is not always appropriate to present your resume during this type of interview, but the conversation may naturally turn in that direction. If your contact asks to see your resume, that is a good sign and you will want to be prepared.
☛ Bring your own personal business cards to every informational interview. Your contact may not know about any job leads at the time, but something might come up in the near future, so you will want to ensure that he or she has all of your contact information. Providing a personal business card is the easiest, most professional way to ensure your contact has that information.

7. Is there anyone else I might talk to about this?

Always ask this informational interview question. If your contact knows about job openings, this question can prompt him or her to mention those opportunities.

8. May I have your business card?

Always ask for a business card at the end of the meeting so you have all of the information needed to contact this person in the future and to send a thank you note.

9. How does your background and experience compare with employer's expectations when hiring in this industry?

This question gives you the opportunity to present some of your qualifications to your contact and if your contact is aware of a job opening, it can prompt him or her to mention that opportunity if your qualifications are a good fit for the job.

10. What are employers typically looking for when hiring people in this line of work?

Another question that will help you determine how to ensure you are employable in the industry.

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