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Questions to Ask Contacts

Here is a list of sample questions to ask during a conversation with an alum or other contact:
 
  1. How did you choose this career field?
  2. What has been your career path?
  3. What was your educational background?
  4. On a typical day in this position, what do you do?
  5. What training, education, licenses are required for this type of work?
  6. What kinds of prior experience are absolutely essential?
  7. What types of employment would you recommend if I want to pursue this career?
  8. What personal qualities or abilities are important to being successful in this job?
  9. What are the toughest problems you have to deal with?
  10. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

  1. What opportunities for advancement are there in this field?
  2. If you were to leave this kind of work, what would drive you away?
  3. If things develop as you would like, what does the future hold for your career?
  4. Does your work become more interesting as you stay longer?
  5. What entry-level opportunities offer the most ability to learn a great deal?
  6. What is the typical salary range for these positions?
  7. How do people find out about these jobs?
  8. How do you see this field changing in the future?
  9. Is there a demand for people in this occupation?
  10. What work obligations do you have, outside the regular work week?

  1. What special advice would you give a person entering this field?
  2. What kind of advice do you have for someone making a mid-career transition to your field?
  3. If you were to hire someone to work with you today, which of the following would be most important in your hiring decision and why: Educational credentials? Past work experience? Personality/personal attributes? Specific skills/talents?
  4. Which professional journals and organizations would help me learn more about this field?
  5. What is the average length of time employees stay with the organization?
  6. What type of formal or on-the-job training does the organization provide?
  7. How does the organization compare/differ with its competitors?
  8. With the information you have about my education, skills, and experience, what other fields would you suggest I research further before making a final decision?
  9. What is your opinion of my background/resume? Do you see any problem areas/weaknesses?
  10. Who do you know that might be willing to speak with me as well? May I use your name when contacting him/her?