QUESTIONS FOR PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF YOUR CAREER FIELD
Personal Advice Questions
- What are some of the best things about the decisions you've made in your career? How did you do it?
- If you were a college graduate again and had to do it all over again, what would you do different? What would you do the same?
- What educational preparation do you feel would be the best?
- What kinds of experiences, paid employment, internships, or volunteer, do you most strongly recommend?
- Is there anything I should be asking that I've forgotten?
Referral Questions - Ask for referrals
- Based on our conversation today, what other people do you believe I should talk to?
- Can you name a few people who might be willing to see me? May I have permission to use your name when I call or contact them?
- Can I check back with you in a few weeks to let you know what happens as I follow up on the information you've shared with me today?
- You mentioned ------ could you suggest someone in that field or department that I may speak with?
SUGGESTED QUESTIONS FOR PEOPLE IN YOUR CAREER FIELD
Nature of the Work Questions
- What are the specific duties and responsibilities?
- Describe a typical day/week?
- What are the toughest problems you deal with?
- What part of this work do you find most rewarding?
Work Qualification Questions
- What kind of training, education, or course work is required?
- What skills or talents are most essential in this career?
- What personal qualities are important?
- What kinds of prior experiences are absolutely essential?
- How did you prepare yourself for this work?
- How did you decide on this career?
- What was your college major?
- What preparation is necessary for this career?
Working Condition Questions
- What type of setting, hours, atmosphere, etc. can be expected?
- What obligations does this type of work place upon you outside of the ordinary work week?
- How much flexibility do you have in terms of hours of work, dress, vacation, etc.?
Work Entry Questions
- What types of employers hire people in this field? Where are they located?
- How do I find out about internships/job openings in this field?
Work Advancement Questions
- What additional training or qualifications are necessary for advancement?
- What are some of the job possibilities for experienced workers in this field?
- Is turnover high in this field?
- Do people normally move to another company/organization or do they move up in the company/organization?
Employment Outlook Questions
- How rapidly is this career field growing?
- If the work you do was suddenly eliminated, what different kinds of work do you feel you could do?
- How would you describe or estimate future prospects?
- What are some new developments in the field that you find interesting?
- What is the employment outlook for this field?
Salary Questions - Do not ask them for their salary
- What is the average starting salary?
- What are the salaries for experienced workers?
- How much do salaries vary in this career according to the employer, region, or industry?
Career Contacts Directory
What is "Career Contacts"? |
Steps To Successful Networking / Informational Interviewing
Sample Phone Script |
Sample Email |
Sample Questions
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