The following are some questions you may wish to consider asking when networking with individuals or potential employers.
- What are your primary job responsibilities?
- What experience did you have to get your job?
- How long have you worked here?
- What is your own background and experience?
- What is a typical work day like?
- How long is your work day?
- How much variety is there in your work?
- How much training/supervision do or did you receive?
- How much client contact do you have?
- How much contact and what kinds of interactions do you have with individuals or groups outside the office or organization?
- Does your job require that you travel?
- What do you like/dislike most about your work?
- What are the toughest problems and decisions you handle?
- What do you wish you had known about your position/the field before you started?
- What type of professional and personal skills does it take to succeed at this type of work?
- What is the size and makeup of your organization?
- What is a typical starting salary for someone with my experience?
- What is the salary ceiling for an experienced lawyer?
- What do you see as the major issues/ trends in the field today?
- What books or journals would you recommend that I read?
- Which professional associations should I join?
- Do you recommend that I enroll in any particular classes (clinical or otherwise)?
- What opportunities for advancement are there in this organization or in the field?
- What would be a typical next career move for someone in your position?
- What recommendations do you have for me regarding a job search strategy?
- What other people do you recommend that I talk with? May I tell them that you referred me to them?