Questions about a Specific Job or Employer
- What is a typical day like?
- What are your main challenges?
- What kinds of decisions do you handle?
- Would you describe your career path? What led you to your present position?
- What training or experience was necessary to get hired in your field or your position?
- What part of your job is most satisfying? Most challenging?
- Why did you decide to work for this organization?
- What do you like most about this organization?
- How does your organization differ from its competitors?
- How do you feel about your employer’s future and your future in your position?
- Are there opportunities for professional development?
- How does this organization utilize technology? (Use of e-mail, Internet, intranets, video conferencing, distance learning, e-commerce, etc.)
- How would you describe the working atmosphere and your coworkers?
- What is the basic philosophy of your organization? Is it focused most on people, service or products?
- What can you tell me about the corporate culture?
- Are there incentives or disincentives for staying in the same job?
- Is there flexibility related to dress, work hours, vacation schedule, place of residence, etc.?
- What work-related values are strongest in this type of work (security, high income, variety, independence)?
- What will be the next step in your career?
- Who is the department head or supervisor for this job? Where do you and your supervisor fit into the organizational structure?
- What qualifications make one successful in this type of position?
- Would you recommend other people with whom I should speak?
Questions about a Career Field
- What are the most desired skills, abilities, and personal qualities in this field?
- How receptive is this sector or career field to people who previously worked in other settings?
- What are the prerequisites for securing employment in this field?
- What are the most effective techniques for obtaining work in this field? (online applications, interviewing at conferences, etc.)
- What is the employment outlook for people in this field?
- Are there certain geographic areas where this type of work is more in demand?
- What are the salary ranges for various levels in this field? Is there a salary ceiling?
- What forces do you see affecting this field in the near future? New technology, changes in the economy, government regulation, etc.?
- What are the most important personal satisfactions and dissatisfactions connected with this occupation?
- What other jobs can you get with the same background?
- How does a person progress in this field? What is a typical career path in this field?
- With the information you have about my education, skills, and experience, what other fields or jobs would you suggest I research?
- If you could do things all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? Why? What would you change?
- What types of training do employers offer persons in this field?
- Are there any written materials you suggest I read? Which professional journals and organizations would help me learn more about this field?
- Do you have any special words of warning or encouragement as a result of your experience?
- These are my strongest assets (skills, areas of knowledge, personality traits and values):___________________________________. Where would they best fit in this field? Where might they fit in other fields?
- Are there any particular employers that I should target in my job search?
- [If it seems appropriate:] Would you mind taking a look at my resume?