Career Center

Sample Networking and Informational Interviewing Questions

Below, you'll find some questions to help you brainstorm what you want to talk about.

Why did this type of work interest you and how did you get started?
What jobs and experiences have led you to your present position?
What are the responsibilities in your job? What does a typical day or week look like for you? What percentage of your time is spent on which responsibilities?
What kinds of problems do you deal with? What kinds of decisions do you make?
What knowledge, skills, abilities, and other qualifications are desirable for this job?
What do you view as the critical skills for a position in this field?
What is your favorite and least favorite element of your job?

What are typical entry-level jobs in this field?
What is the typical pattern of career development in this field?
What are the trends and hot issues in this field? What journals or web sites do you read to keep up with trends and developments in your field?

What obligations does your work place upon you, outside of the ordinary workweek? What are your working hours like?
How often do people in this field change jobs?
How much flexibility do you have in terms of dress, schedule, vacation, etc.?

How did UVM prepare you for this work? What kind of background is necessary to enter this field?
How can I acquire the required skills? Are there courses, or experiences, paid or otherwise, which you would recommend?
If you were to hire someone to work with you today, what factors would be most important in your hiring decision and why?
Is a graduate degree recommended? Are there specific programs that are valued in this field?
What other related types of work should I consider and research?

Given my education and experience, would I be a competitive candidate for entry-level positions in this field?
How do you suggest that I break into this field?
How can I identify both advertised and unadvertised vacancies in this field?
Can you suggest anyone else whom I can contact for additional information? May I use your name when I contact them?

Is this an appropriate resume for the jobs I will be seeking?
If an employer received this resume, how do you think she or he would react to it?
How might I best improve the form and content of my resume?