TL;DR
The 20 questions in this article are designed to extract valuable insights without making the interviewee feel interrogated. They cover career progression, company culture, and practical advice, all framed as natural conversations. The key is to ask open-ended questions that encourage storytelling and reflection, not direct answers. These questions work best when combined with active listening and follow-up probes. The most effective informational interviews are those that feel like a coffee chat, not a job interview.
Who This Is For
This article is for job seekers who want to gather intelligence about companies and roles without coming across as overly aggressive. It's particularly useful for those in early career stages or transitioning fields, where direct hiring managers may not be the best source of information. The questions are designed to work with professionals at all levels, from entry-level to senior executives, across various industries.
How to Ask Informational Interview Questions That Don't Sound Like an Interrogation
The key to asking informational interview questions that don't sound like an interrogation is to frame them as natural conversations. Avoid questions that start with "Do you...?" or "What is...?" Instead, use phrases that invite storytelling and reflection. For example, instead of asking "Do you enjoy your job?" ask "Can you tell me about a typical day in your role?" This approach makes the interviewee feel more comfortable and more likely to share detailed, valuable information.
20 Informational Interview Questions That Don't Sound Like an Interrogation
What's the most interesting project you've worked on, and why was it significant?
This question is designed to encourage the interviewee to share a story about a significant project. It's open-ended and invites the person to reflect on what made the project interesting or significant. The answer will provide insights into the company's culture, the nature of the work, and the interviewee's personal interests.
How did you get into your current role?
Asking about the interviewee's career path can provide valuable insights into the company's hiring process, the skills and experiences that are valued, and the opportunities for career growth. It's a great way to understand the company's culture and the types of people they attract.
What's the biggest challenge you've faced in your role, and how did you overcome it?
This question is a great way to understand the interviewee's problem-solving skills and the types of challenges they've faced. It also provides insights into the company's culture and the types of problems they deal with. The answer will likely be a story that the interviewee is proud of, and it will give you a sense of their personality and work ethic.
What's the most valuable piece of advice you've received in your career?
Asking for career advice is a great way to understand the interviewee's perspective on their career. It can provide insights into the company's culture, the types of people they attract, and the opportunities for career growth. It's also a great way to build a relationship with the interviewee, as they'll likely be happy to share their advice.
What's the most important skill or quality you look for in a new hire?
This question is a great way to understand the company's hiring process and the skills and qualities they value. It can provide insights into the company's culture and the types of people they attract. It's also a great way to understand the interviewee's perspective on the hiring process and the skills and qualities they value.
What's the most rewarding part of your job?
Asking about the most rewarding part of the interviewee's job can provide insights into their personality, the company's culture, and the types of work they do. It's a great way to understand what the interviewee enjoys about their job and what they might enjoy about working for the company.
What's the most surprising thing you've learned in your role?
This question is a great way to understand the interviewee's perspective on their role and the company's culture. It can provide insights into the types of challenges they've faced and the types of problems they deal with. It's also a great way to understand the interviewee's curiosity and willingness to learn.
What's the most important thing you wish you had known when you started your career?
Asking about the most important thing the interviewee wishes they had known when they started their career can provide insights into the company's culture, the types of people they attract, and the opportunities for career growth. It's also a great way to understand the interviewee's perspective on their career and the skills and qualities they value.
What's the most important thing you've learned about yourself in your career?
Asking about the most important thing the interviewee has learned about themselves in their career can provide insights into their personality, the company's culture, and the types of work they do. It's a great way to understand the interviewee's self-awareness and the types of challenges they've faced.
What's the most important thing you've learned about your industry in your career?
Asking about the most important thing the interviewee has learned about their industry in their career can provide insights into the company's culture, the types of people they attract, and the opportunities for career growth. It's also a great way to understand the interviewee's perspective on their industry and the skills and qualities they value.
What's the most important thing you've learned about your company in your career?
Asking about the most important thing the interviewee has learned about their company in their career can provide insights into the company's culture, the types of people they attract, and the opportunities for career growth. It's also a great way to understand the interviewee's perspective on their company and the skills and qualities they value.
What's the most important thing you've learned about your team in your career?
Asking about the most important thing the interviewee has learned about their team in their career can provide insights into the company's culture, the types of people they attract, and the opportunities for career growth. It's also a great way to understand the interviewee's perspective on their team and the skills and qualities they value.
What's the most important thing you've learned about your manager in your career?
Asking about the most important thing the interviewee has learned about their manager in their career can provide insights into the company's culture, the types of people they attract, and the opportunities for career growth. It's also a great way to understand the interviewee's perspective on their manager and the skills and qualities they value.
What's the most important thing you've learned about your colleagues in your career?
Asking about the most important thing the interviewee has learned about their colleagues in their career can provide insights into the company's culture, the types of people they attract, and the opportunities for career growth. It's also a great way to understand the interviewee's perspective on their colleagues and the skills and qualities they value.
What's the most important thing you've learned about your customers in your career?
Asking about the most important thing the interviewee has learned about their customers in their career can provide insights into the company's culture, the types of people they attract, and the opportunities for career growth. It's also a great way to understand the interviewee's perspective on their customers and the skills and qualities they value.
What's the most important thing you've learned about your products in your career?
Asking about the most important thing the interviewee has learned about their products in their career can provide insights into the company's culture, the types of people they attract, and the opportunities for career growth. It's also a great way to understand the interviewee's perspective on their products and the skills and qualities they value.
What's the most important thing you've learned about your market in your career?
Asking about the most important thing the interviewee has learned about their market in their career can provide insights into the company's culture, the types of people they attract, and the opportunities for career growth. It's also a great way to understand the interviewee's perspective on their market and the skills and qualities they value.
What's the most important thing you've learned about your competitors in your career?
Asking about the most important thing the interviewee has learned about their competitors in their career can provide insights into the company's culture, the types of people they attract, and the opportunities for career growth. It's also a great way to understand the interviewee's perspective on their competitors and the skills and qualities they value.
What's the most important thing you've learned about your industry in your career?
Asking about the most important thing the interviewee has learned about their industry in their career can provide insights into the company's culture, the types of people they attract, and the opportunities for career growth. It's also a great way to understand the interviewee's perspective on their industry and the skills and qualities they value.
What's the most important thing you've learned about your company in your career?
Asking about the most important thing the interviewee has learned about their company in their career can provide insights into the company's culture, the types of people they attract, and the opportunities for career growth. It's also a great way to understand the interviewee's perspective on their company and the skills and qualities they value.
What's the most important thing you've learned about your team in your career?
Asking about the most important thing the interviewee has learned about their team in their career can provide insights into the company's culture, the types of people they attract, and the opportunities for career growth. It's also a great way to understand the interviewee's perspective on their team and the skills and qualities they value.
Preparation Checklist
- Research the company and the interviewee before the informational interview. This will help you ask relevant questions and make the conversation more meaningful.
- Prepare a list of questions in advance. This will help you stay focused and ensure you cover all the topics you're interested in.
- Practice active listening. This will help you understand the interviewee's perspective and build a stronger relationship.
- Follow up with a thank-you email or message. This will help you maintain the relationship and show your appreciation for the interviewee's time.
- Use the PM Interview Playbook to prepare for the informational interview. The playbook covers a variety of topics, including company culture, team dynamics, and problem-solving scenarios, which can be helpful in preparing for an informational interview.
Mistakes to Avoid
BAD: Asking too many direct questions
Asking too many direct questions can make the interviewee feel like they're being interrogated. Instead, ask open-ended questions that invite storytelling and reflection.
GOOD: Asking open-ended questions
Asking open-ended questions is a great way to encourage the interviewee to share their perspective and build a stronger relationship. It also provides more valuable insights into the company's culture and the types of people they attract.
BAD: Not preparing for the informational interview
Not preparing for the informational interview can make the conversation feel disjointed and less meaningful. Instead, research the company and the interviewee before the conversation.
GOOD: Preparing for the informational interview
Preparing for the informational interview is a great way to make the conversation more meaningful and valuable. It also shows the interviewee that you're serious about the conversation and respect their time.
BAD: Not following up after the informational interview
Not following up after the informational interview can make the interviewee feel like their time was wasted. Instead, send a thank-you email or message to show your appreciation for their time and maintain the relationship.
GOOD: Following up after the informational interview
Following up after the informational interview is a great way to show your appreciation for the interviewee's time and maintain the relationship. It also provides an opportunity to ask any additional questions or clarify any points from the conversation.
FAQ
How do I find someone to interview for an informational interview?
You can find someone to interview for an informational interview through your professional network, LinkedIn, or the company's website. It's a good idea to reach out to someone who is in a role similar to the one you're interested in or who has experience in the industry you're interested in.
How do I prepare for an informational interview?
You can prepare for an informational interview by researching the company and the interviewee, preparing a list of questions, and practicing active listening. It's also a good idea to have a notepad and pen handy to take notes during the conversation.
How do I follow up after an informational interview?
You can follow up after an informational interview by sending a thank-you email or message. It's a good idea to include a brief summary of the conversation and any key takeaways. You can also ask if there's anything else you can do to be helpful or if you can follow up with them in the future.