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Use the list of questions below as a guide.  Compose questions of your own to fit the circumstances of the occupation or organization you are investigating.  In the format below, the topic of the question is stated first, followed by a number of questions you could use to open the subject you want discussed.

1. Job search techniques used.

• How did you find your job?
• How did you get into this occupation/organization?
• What steps did you take to get where you are now?
• What methods did you use to find work in the occupation you are in now?

• How did you become interested in this occupation/organization?
• What attracted you to this particular occupation/organization?

• What entry level jobs might qualify a person for this occupational field?
• What is the progression of jobs from the beginning to the top?

• What does the company expect you to do on the job?
• What responsibilities and duties do you have in your work?
• What is your level of freedom to solve problems and take action on the job?
• What characteristics should a person look for in a job such as the one you have?
• How does your work contribute to the organization's overall goals or mission? 

• What products are manufactured (or services are provided) by the organization?
• Who are your customers?
• Who are your competitors?
• What is your rank or standing with your competitors in the industry?

• What special knowledge, skills, training, or experience did you have or need for this job?
• What essential abilities are needed to do your job well?

• What preparation, education, training, or background is required for entrance into this field of work?
• Are particular degrees or licenses required to enter this occupation?

• What do you like least/most about your job? 
• What is there about this occupation/organization that gives you personal satisfaction?
• What values are expressed by this occupation/organization?

• Tell me about your working conditions, e.g., physical, environmental, sensory, stress. 
• What basic assumptions and beliefs are shared and supported by most people in your division or organization?
• What practices and ceremonies mean a lot to those working here and to the organization?
• Who are the heroes or exemplary figures in this organization, and what do they stand for?
• What is the guiding philosophy of the organization?

• What personal traits, values, and interests are necessary or helpful to succeed and advance in this occupation/organization?
• What personal qualities do administrators and supervisors look for in their employees here?

• What strengths set this occupation/organization apart from others?
• What are the best things you can say about this occupation/organization?

• What are the major frustrations, annoyances, or sources of dissatisfaction in the occupation/organization?
• What problems, both internal and external, cause dissatisfaction in the job or workplace?

• How much time do you spend at work?
• Is the amount of the time spent on the job due more to the nature of the occupation or to the nature of the particular organization?
• Does your working time affect the amount of time you can spend with your family?
• How do people dress for work here?
• Is the work mostly indoors or outdoors?
• What is the noise level?
• Does the physical layout of the building(s) make the organization's work environment pleasant?
• Describe the morale of the people who work for the organization and give some reasons for their attitude.

• What are the beginning, average, and top salaries or wages in this occupation?
• How does your organization pay in comparison to other organizations in the same industry?
• What fringe benefits are offered?
• (DO NOT ASK: What is your salary?)

• How would you describe the decision making style of this organization?
• Who makes the decisions on how the work will be done in your department?

• What are the lines of authority in your company?
• Ask for an organizational chart.
• To whom do you report?
• Whom do you supervise?

• Is there a "career path" in your field?
• What opportunities exist for advancement, promotion, or change of jobs within the organization?
• Where could I expect to be in this organization after five years with a good work record?

• Describe a typical day at work in your occupation and in this kind of organization.
• Can you leave your job behind after work, or is it the kind of job you take home with you? Explain.

• What other occupations are closely related to this one?
• Would you need the same skills and aptitudes for them?
• Are any related occupations represented in this organization?

• Could you suggest any temporary, part-time, or summer work experience that would help a person get ready for your occupation?
• What courses in school or college were especially helpful to you in preparing for this occupation?

• What do you see in the future for this occupation/organization?
• Will there be a continued demand for it?
• Is the occupation/organization growing or declining in numbers of workers?
• How secure will employment be in this occupation/organization?

• Has the work changed recently due to technology, marketplace, competition, etc.? 
• What changes do you think are coming for this occupation/organization over the next few years?
• How can a person prepare for those changes?

• What potential and downside do you see for this field in the future? 
• Are there any special problems, concerns, situations, circumstances, or challenges of which a person should be aware when considering this occupation/organization?
• How would you try to solve these problems or face these challenges?

• What other advice or information can you give to a person considering, preparing for, or coming into this occupation or organization?
• Because you know this occupation/organization better than I do, what other questions should I be asking about it?

• Is it all right to contact you for another interview if I need more information and advice in the future?
• In case I need more advice and information in the future, could I make another appointment to talk with you?

• Can you suggest anyone else I can talk with about this field?
• May I mention your name as the person that referred me?
• Would you be willing to write a letter of introduction for me (or make an introduction for me over the telephone)?

(Never conclude an information interview without trying to obtain the names of other people in the same or similar occupations/ organizations with whom you could conduct another information interview.)