Master the Art of Asking Career Changing Questions

Ever wonder how Priyanka Chopra transitioned from being a Bollywood superstar to a Hollywood sensation? Or how Bill Gates transformed his vision into a huge empire from scratch? Honestly, it’s not a matter of luck or talent. They made it happen by asking the right questions and establishing connections with the right people.

Informational interviews are your secret weapons. They give you insights into different industries, career options, and companies, and they assist you in making connections that could improve your career. But the coolest thing is, that is not a job interview. Do not make an effort to put yourself out there it’s about expanding your connections and networking.

In this blog, we will dig in on how to ace those interviews, learn from the experts, and avoid those beginner mistakes.

Ready? Let’s Go.

What is an Informational Interview?

An informational interview is a casual conversation where you can learn more from someone about their job or career path. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from someone who is experienced in the area and has been through various challenges that you would want to hear about and learn from.

For instance, consider Shah Rukh Khan. Before him being known as the King of Bollywood, he was involved in theatre and films. He learned from directors, actors, and other industry legends. Informational interviews are an excellent way to learn some very valuable perspectives. 

Why Should You Care About Informational Interviews?

Here’s a breakdown using an example. When Priyanka Chopra made her move to Hollywood, she approached it with careful consideration. She connected with producers, directors, and acting coaches to grasp what it would require to achieve international success. 

• Understand the realities of a career path beyond the job description.
• Expand your network—you never know who might open doors for you later.
• Gain confidence by practising professional conversations in a relaxed setting.

Picture Credits: BetterUp

How to Set Up an Informational Interview?

1. Pick the Right People

Find professionals in roles or industries that inspire you. Use LinkedIn, alumni networks, or even social media to connect. Want to break into fashion? Seek out someone who’s made it big, like a creative director at a top brand.

2. Send a Friendly Message

Keep it polite but relatable. Make it clear why you’re reaching out.

Example Message:

Hi Amit, I’m Anuj, and I’ve been following your work in XYZ Company. I’m exploring similar opportunities and would love to learn from your journey. Would you be open to a quick 20-minute chat?

3. Get Organised with Tools

Use Calendly or Google Calendar to schedule the meeting and avoid back-and-forth emails. Prepping? Tools like Notion or Otter.ai can help you organise notes and record conversations for later review (with permission, of course).

Questions to Ask: Unlocking Their Playbook

1. “What inspired you to pursue this career?”

People love sharing their origin stories. Take Elon Musk: his childhood fascination with space and technology drove him to launch SpaceX. Knowing someone’s “why” can help you uncover your own.

2. “What does your typical day look like?”

Get a realistic sense of the role. Not every job is as glamorous as it seems—just ask any startup founder juggling ten roles at once!

3. “What challenges have you faced in your career?”

Hearing about obstacles is as important as hearing about wins. Oprah didn’t become Oprah without overcoming rejection and setbacks. Their answers might just prepare you for your hurdles.

4. “What’s a skill you think everyone in this industry should have?”

Practical advice is gold. For example, Virat Kohli might say mental toughness is just as important as physical fitness in cricket—a lesson that applies to many fields.

5. “What trends do you see shaping this industry?”

Forward-thinking questions show you’re not just interested in the present but also invested in the future. Think about how tech enthusiasts who asked this question in the early 2000s probably got in on the social media boom.

Picture Credits: BetterUp

Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best of us slip up sometimes. Avoid these common mistakes:

1. Don’t Ask for a Job

Don’t be that person. The fastest way to shut things down is to turn the conversation into a job request. Focus on learning and building a relationship.

2. Not Doing Your Homework

Imagine going to Elon Musk and asking, “What does Tesla make?” Prep by researching their career, company, and industry. Show that you respect their time.

3. Oversharing About Yourself

This isn’t a therapy session. Keep the spotlight on them—ask questions, listen actively, and save your life story for later.

4. Don’t Forget to Follow Up

A simple thank-you message can work wonders. Mention something specific you learned to make it personal and memorable.

Example Thank-You:

Hi Amit, thank you for sharing your insights on digital communication. I loved hearing about the tools you mentioned, and it gave me a lot to think about as I explore this path. Hope to stay in touch

Unlock Your Future

An informational interview isn’t just a conversation—it’s your chance to get insider access to your dream career and make meaningful connections. But even the best tools and questions won’t work unless you’re prepared to put in the effort.

If you’re unsure how to get started, let Mentoria’s experts help. With our Job-Ready Package, we’ll guide you on crafting impactful questions, building connections, and creating a career strategy tailored to your goals. From personalised CV help to insider tips, we’ve got your back.
Your career journey starts here—go make it legendary!