Informational interviews may lead to job shadowing. When you job shadow, you spend a working day with a specific person in a career field of interest. You can observe the work environments and responsibilities that are associated with different types of careers. 

Job shadowing is a great way to provide you with the real picture of what a job is like from day to day. This gives you the opportunity to see whether or not you would enjoy a job or one very similar. Ideally you will find out either a field is a perfect fit for you, or perhaps not suited to you at all.

Below find questions that are appropriate to ask during a job shadowing experience: 

Introduction

• How did you become interested in this type of work?
• Why did you choose this career?
• How did you get your job with this company?

Qualifications

• What type of education and/or training were required for this job?
• Did you have to interview, test complete and internship or apprenticeship for this position?
• What kind of experience was required for this job?
• What personality traits are important for this job?
• What kind of technical knowledge is required for this job?

Duties

• How many hours do you work in a typical week?
• Are certain times of the month or year busier than others?
• What things are you required to do as part of your job?
• Are you required to supervise other employees as part of your job?
• Do you take work home?
• Do you work a shift or on a fixed schedule? What choices do you have in making  your schedule?

Salary and Benefits

• What are the salary ranges for different levels in this field?
• What types of benefits are offered to you for your job?
• What is the opportunity for advancement in this area?

Personal Satisfaction

• What do you like best about your job?
• What do you like least about your job?
• How does your job affect your time away from work?
• What are the job opportunities for this area of work?
• What kind of personal satisfaction do you get from your job?

Miscellaneous

• What advice would you give a student interested in this career?
• What changes do you see in this area within the next five years? Ten years?

IMPORTANT! Always remember to send a thank you note to
the person you spent time shadowing. This person will become part 
of your network and could be helpful in your job search.