Possible Discussion Questions

Sample Questions

• How did you decide to work in this field? For this company?
• What is a typical workday like? A typical week? Year?
• Do you work under a lot of pressure? Is it expected?
• How many hours per week do you usually work? Is it common to take work home?
• Do you travel a lot?
• Will you be expected to relocate?
• Are there other responsibilities (such as civic or social obligations) that come with the territory?
• What is the best training or education to acquire?
• What was your background?
• What skills do you typically use? Is there an opportunity to develop more skills or take on additional responsibilities?
• Do you have an area of specialization? What?
• How did you decide in which area to specialize? What are the other areas?
• What are the most difficult problems/decisions/challenges you must face?
• Is the field growing? What are the various types of employers?
• How secure is employment?
• Do your skills and experience translate well into self-employment opportunities?
• Do you find that certain personality traits make it easier to do this work well? Which traits?
• What is it like to work here?
• What is the hiring process? Is that process standard procedure within the industry?
• What is the best way to find a job?
• If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
• Are there professional trade journals I should read? Which ones?
• Do you belong to any professional associations? Can nonmembers attend meeting?
• Would you mind reviewing my resume and making comments or suggestions?
• Can you recommend other people I might talk to?