3 Excellent Q&As to Discuss During an Informational Interview

In today's edition, let’s dive into a mock informational interview featuring three key questions and their insightful answers. 

Whether you're an experienced or aspiring professional, these questions and answers will provide guidance as you participate in your next informational interview.

Question 1: "How did your career journey unfold, and what key experiences shaped your success in [target industry]?"

Why this is a good question:

Asking this question during your informational interview provides insight into the person’s career trajectory and gives them a chance to talk candidly about the key experiences that shaped their success. 

Answer 1: "My journey in [target industry] began with a curiosity for the field since [time or date], which soon led me to pursue relevant schooling and gain hands-on experience through internships. 

It was a pivotal internship project early in my career about [description of project] that truly shaped my success. With the support of an excellent supervisor-turned-mentor, I gained practical experience by [description of your experience] and decided to stick with this career path after realizing how much I enjoyed what I was doing."

Why this is a good answer:

Providing an honest, personal answer (as the person being interviewed) helps give some context about your background and shows the interviewer that finding a role like yours is achievable.

Question 2: "What are some emerging trends or developments in [target industry] that professionals should be aware of?"

Why this is a good question:

Asking this question will help you (as the interviewer) learn valuable insights about current industry trends from the person you’re interviewing and get firsthand advice about how to stay on top of them. 

Answer 2: "One exciting trend we're witnessing in our industry is the rapid integration of [name and description of trend]. Its definitely revolutionized processes and enhanced our workflow efficiency in many aspects.  

Additionally, there’s a growing focus on [name of another trend] best practices, which is a significant development to keep an eye on. Staying updated on these trends and being adaptable are going to be necessary for professionals in our field.

As for trends, I usually stay up-to-date by reading up on these resources [name of resource] and [name of resource]. I also join monthly webinars and have completed online courses like [name of course] to upskill and become more knowledgable in my role."

Why this is a good answer:

If you’re the one being interviewed, this answer is great because it showcases your commitment to continuous learning and provides your peer with specific resources and activities for professional development.

Question 3: "What advice would you give to someone starting their career journey in [target industry]?"

Why this is a good question:

This question allows the person you’re interviewing to provide helpful advice that’s unique to their situation, rather than just common knowledge that you can find online.

Answer 3: "For anyone starting their career journey in [target industry], I’d advise them to be proactive in seeking learning opportunities and building a strong professional network. 

Building relationships and seeking guidance from experienced professionals using platforms like LinkedIn or [name of platform] can open doors to new beginnings. Additionally, cultivating curiosity, embracing continuous learning, and being adaptable are essential traits for success in our industry."

Why this is a good answer:

If you’re the interviewer, this type of answer gives you the chance to share relevant recommendations and advice that can help a person immensely in their career. This answer also emphasizes the importance of proactivity, networking, and personal qualities like curiosity and adaptability, which are key for anyone venturing into their desired career path.

Overall, by asking the right questions and providing well-thought-out answers during informational interviews, you can set yourself on the path toward forming impactful professional relationships. 

Good luck and stay tuned for more helpful content in our upcoming editions!

Eva Chan is a Career Coach and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) at Resume Genius. With a background in education management, she offers tailored coaching to a wide spectrum of clients, from interns to top-tier executives.