A great way to find out about an occupation is to talk to—or interview—someone who does it.

Information you gather first-hand from people in the field is generally the most up-to-date information available. Since it reflects current market realities, an information interview is one of the best ways to find out about trends, future prospects, and hot opportunities.

You can conduct an informational interview in person, by phone, or by email.

Informational interview questions

The person you talk with would probably expect the following questions. Think about these questions and rephrase them to best reflect your own personality and the occupation you’re considering:

• What do you do day-to-day in your occupation?
• What education or training does the occupation require?
• What skills does this occupation require?
• What credentials are most respected or most in demand?
• What personal qualities or abilities would help a person succeed in this occupation?
• How do people enter this field—both the usual and the unusual ways?
• How did you enter this field?
• What is challenging about this occupation? What is satisfying about it?
• What opportunities and challenges do you see for this occupation in the future?
• Would I be able to job shadow you to see if this is an occupation I might be interested in?
• Which professional, trade or industry associations should I contact?
• What publications should I read?

If you don’t know anyone working in the occupation you’re interested in:

• Ask the people in your network
• Connect with people in the occupation through professional, trade or industry associations

Before you approach someone to book an information interview or workplace visit, do your homework:

• Research the occupation you’re interested in online and in print.
• Find out about the industry your contact works in.
• Check out the organization your contact works for.

Preparing for an informational interview

• For help preparing for and arranging informational interviews, check out Tips for a Successful Informational Interview.
• Decide what information interview questions to ask.
• A successful information interview can lead to an opportunity to job shadow.

My contacts for informational interviews

Make a list of the people you would like to contact for an informational interview including the name, organization, email, and phone numbers.