Informational Interview Question Examples
TIARA stands for Trends, Insights, Advice, Resources, and Assignments. This framework involves asking questions about industry trends, gaining insights into the job or career path, receiving advice on how to break into the industry or succeed in the job, identifying resources for further learning or networking, and receiving assignments to help you gain experience or develop your skills. T.I.A.R.A. is an example of a framework you can use to organize your informational interview (more shared later in this guide.)
- What do you consider to be the biggest challenges facing this field currently?
- How do you see this field changing or evolving in response to new developments or trends?
- What do you think are some of the most exciting opportunities for growth or innovation in this field?
- Can you share any examples of successful or impactful projects or initiatives that have come out of this field in recent years?
- How do you see this field contributing to larger social or environmental issues?
- What kind of skills or experience do you think are most important for success in this field?
- How do you stay informed and up-to-date on the latest developments and trends in this field?
- Are there any common misconceptions or myths about this field that you would like to dispel?
- Can you share a time when you faced a major obstacle or setback in your work, and how you overcame it?
- If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about this field, what would it be and why?
- How do you think this field can better engage and involve underrepresented groups or marginalized communities?
- Can you share a particularly meaningful or inspiring experience you've had in this field, and what made it so impactful for you?
- What do you think are some of the biggest misconceptions or misunderstandings people have about this field?
- How do you think technology is changing the landscape of this field, and what are some potential benefits and drawbacks of these changes?
- Can you share any examples of interdisciplinary collaborations or partnerships that have been particularly successful in this field?
- How do you see this field potentially changing or adapting in response to major global challenges, such as climate change or social inequality?
- What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in this field?
- What are some common mistakes that people make when starting out in this field, and how can they be avoided?
- How important is networking and building relationships in this field, and what are some strategies for doing so effectively?
- Can you share any tips for staying motivated and focused on long-term goals in this field?
- How do you balance work-life responsibilities in this field, and what are some strategies for avoiding burnout?
- Can you recommend any professional development resources or opportunities that would be beneficial for someone looking to advance in this field?
- How do you handle difficult situations or conflicts in the workplace, and what advice do you have for others who may encounter similar challenges?
- Can you share any stories or examples of times when you took a risk or made a bold move in your career that paid off?
- Can you share a time when you had to think outside the box to solve a problem or achieve a goal in this field?
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in this field, and what resources do you rely on for ongoing learning?
- Can you share any examples of non-traditional career paths or roles in this field that people may not be aware of?
- How do you balance your own personal values and ethics with the demands and expectations of this field?
- Can you share any stories or examples of times when you failed or experienced setbacks in this field, and what you learned from those experiences?
- How important do you think it is to have a mentor or coach in this field, and what are some qualities you would look for in a mentor?
- Can you share any advice for how to navigate and succeed in a highly competitive or saturated market within this field?
- What do you think are some of the most exciting or promising areas of innovation or growth within this field, and why?
- What are some industry associations or professional organizations that you would recommend joining for someone looking to get more involved in this field?
- Are there any relevant publications or journals that you read regularly, and how do you stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments in this field?
- Can you recommend any conferences or events that would be beneficial for someone looking to network or learn more about this field?
- Are there any specific online communities or forums that you would recommend for networking or finding job opportunities in this field?
- Can you recommend any educational or training programs that would be beneficial for someone looking to develop new skills or knowledge in this field?
- Are there any specific tools or software programs that are commonly used in this field, and how can someone new to the field learn how to use them effectively?
- Can you recommend any mentors or coaches who have been particularly helpful in your own career, and what qualities would you look for in a mentor or coach?
- What other resources or opportunities do you think are important for someone starting out in this field to be aware of?
- Are there any lesser-known publications or blogs that you follow for insights or inspiration in this field?
- What is one resource that you think is particularly underrated or underutilized in this field?
- Have you ever attended an event or conference related to this field, and what was your experience like?
- What is one tool or resource that you wish you had access to when you were first starting out in this field?
- Are there any emerging technologies or trends that you think will significantly impact this field in the near future, and how are you staying informed about them?
- What is one book, article, or podcast that you think everyone in this field should read/listen to, and why?
- Are there any mentorship or networking programs that you have participated in, and what was your experience like?
- What is one piece of advice or resource that you wish someone had shared with you when you were just starting out in this field?
- What are your recommendations for me to keep learning after this meeting?
- What is a project or assignment that you are particularly proud of and why?
- Can you walk me through the process of completing a typical project in this field?
- Are there any challenges or obstacles that you typically encounter when working on a project, and how do you overcome them?
- What is the most complex or difficult project you have worked on in this field, and what did you learn from it?
- Are there any emerging trends or innovations in this field that are affecting the way projects are completed, and how are you adapting to these changes?
- How do you collaborate with team members or clients on projects, and what strategies have you found to be particularly effective?
- Are there any specific tools or software programs that are commonly used in this field to complete projects, and which ones do you find most useful?
- Can you describe a project or assignment that challenged your assumptions about this field, and how did it change your perspective?
- Are there any ethical considerations that you typically encounter when completing assignments in this field, and how do you navigate these challenges?
- Can you share an example of a project or assignment that required collaboration with individuals from different disciplines or backgrounds, and how did you navigate those differences?
- What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is interested in pursuing a career in this field related to assignments or projects?
- Can you describe a project or assignment that you wish you had approached differently in hindsight, and what would you do differently next time?
