Sample Questions

The Career Forum is a great opportunity to talk with employer representatives about their organizations and employment opportunities. Be prepared to ask questions! Don't be uncomfortable approaching the recruiters. They will be eager to talk with you and answer any questions you may have. Here is a list of suggested questions to help you get started:

• What is the typical career path for X position?
• Why did you choose this company?
• What is a typical career path for someone coming in at my level?
• What kind of training program does your firm have? Formal? Informal? Short term? Long term?
• How is performance evaluated? How often?
• Effects of work environment/demands on personal time? Much overtime required? How many hours
  per week do you work? Do you work weekends?
• How would you describe your job?
• What is a day like in this position?
• What do you like/dislike most about your job?
• How much client contact do you have?
• How much contact do you have with others inside your firm?
• What degree of task variety would a person see in their first year?
• How much freedom do you have in terms of deciding what you want to work on and how to plan the project? How much does this change with experience?
• What is your company's policy on continuing education? For example, will they reimburse you for
  classes taken towards higher education?
• Is relocation/travel typically required in this career field?
  Where does your organization have offices within the U.S.? Worldwide?
• How easy/difficult is it to transfer to another location?
• What type of formal education is required for entry-level, mid-level, upper-level, positions?
• How did you begin your career? If you had anything to do differently, what would it be?
• Do people filling this type of position work in a structured or non-structured environment?
• What professional societies or associations should I join?
• Which professional publications in this field should I read?
• Can you give me a rough idea of salary levels in your industry or firm after five years?
• Do you have flexibility in your job so that you think it is possible to balance parenthood with your career?
• What important changes are occurring in your field now? How will they affect the career of someone
  like me just starting out in your field?
• If you're a UW alum, what opportunities did you take advantage of while on-campus to help you prepare for your job?