Preparing a list of thoughtful questions ahead of time is one of the best ways that you can show your contact that you are a professional. Research the contact's career field, industry, and organization to generate a list of informed questions that you would genuinely like to have answered. Here is a small list to get you started.
Career Field
- What are the entry-level positions in the field?
- What background (education, training, experience) is required to enter this field?
- Are there alternative methods to gain entrance into the career field, such as internships, volunteer activities, or part-time work?
- What is another occupation, other than your own, which you think a person like yourself would find satisfying?
- What do you consider to be the growth areas in this field?
- What are current issues or trends within the industry?
- Would you suggest graduate school, and when?
Organization
- What formal or on-the-job training does the organization provide?
- Considering my skills, and academic background, where do you see me fitting into organizations similar to this one?
- What is a typical career path within this organization?
Lifestyle and Work Environment
- What takes place during a typical work week?
- What obligations does your job place upon you outside the normal work week?
- How much flexibility do you have in terms of dress, hours of work, vacation schedule?
- What do you find most rewarding about your work?
Job Search
- How does one learn about job opportunities in this field?
- If you were entering the job market today, how would you plan your job search?
- Who else might you suggest as additional contacts to learn more about this field? May I have your permission to use your name when I contact them?