Informational Interviews are great opportunities to learn about jobs and careers.
For athletes, informational interviews can help you learn about an industry or a specific role, especially if you haven’t had many opportunities to secure internships or jobs during your playing days. Additionally, these types of meetings serve as networking opportunities, giving you one-on-one time with people who can help you along in your career.
If you’ve locked in a few minutes to meet with a person in the career field you’re interested in, use your time wisely. Prepare a bunch of questions to help you learn more about them, thier job, and the industry. Below are a few questions that you can ask to help you maximize your time.
18 Questions Athletes Should Ask During an Informational Interview
- What does your typical workday look like?
- What parts of your job do you find most challenging?
- What types of tasks do you enjoy most?
- How did you secure your current role?
- What are the most important steps I can take to prepare me for a role like yours?
- Are there any developments or industry trends that could affect opportunities at your company?
- Would my background as an athlete help me succeed in this role?
- Do you have any co-workers who are former athletes?
- What skills do you feel set you apart in this industry?
- Do you feel like your major helped you secure this role?
- What is the average salary range for this role?
- How do most people enter into this industry?
- What types of decisions do you make in your role?
- Considering my background, would I be a good fit in this company and/or profession?
- Is there somebody else I should speak with to learn more about this industry?
- What does your work/life balance look like?
- What is one thing you wish you knew before you started working in this industry?
- Can we stay in touch?