Questions to Ask When Job Shadowing
Thoughtful questions to maximize your job shadowing experience, understand daily responsibilities, career paths, and what it really takes to succeed.
1Can you walk me through what a typical day looks like in this role?
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Can you walk me through what a typical day looks like in this role?
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Why this works
Establishes realistic expectations about workflow and time allocation.
2What brought you to this career, and how did you get started?
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What brought you to this career, and how did you get started?
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Why this works
Reveals pathways into the field and motivations.
3What's the most rewarding part of your job?
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What's the most rewarding part of your job?
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Why this works
Highlights what keeps them engaged and passionate.
4What's the most challenging or stressful aspect of this work?
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What's the most challenging or stressful aspect of this work?
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Why this works
Surfaces realities that aren't visible from the outside.
5What skills are most important for success in this role?
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What skills are most important for success in this role?
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Why this works
Helps you identify gaps and prioritize learning.
6What does a successful outcome look like in your work?
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What does a successful outcome look like in your work?
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Why this works
Clarifies how performance is measured and what matters most.
7How much of your time is spent on [specific task] versus other responsibilities?
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How much of your time is spent on [specific task] versus other responsibilities?
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Why this works
Breaks down the role into concrete activities.
8What's something you wish you'd known before entering this field?
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What's something you wish you'd known before entering this field?
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Why this works
Offers insider perspective and lessons learned.
9How has this role or industry changed since you started?
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How has this role or industry changed since you started?
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Why this works
Shows trends and whether the field is evolving or stagnant.
10What does work-life balance look like in this position?
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What does work-life balance look like in this position?
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Why this works
Assesses sustainability and whether the job fits your lifestyle goals.
11What opportunities for advancement or growth exist in this field?
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What opportunities for advancement or growth exist in this field?
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Why this works
Reveals whether there's a clear career path or ceiling.
12How do you continue learning and staying current in your field?
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How do you continue learning and staying current in your field?
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Why this works
Shows whether continuous education is expected and how it's pursued.
13What's the team or organizational culture like here?
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What's the team or organizational culture like here?
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Why this works
Provides context on whether the environment is supportive or toxic.
14How much autonomy do you have in your work, and how are decisions made?
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How much autonomy do you have in your work, and how are decisions made?
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Why this works
Clarifies whether the role offers independence or is highly structured.
15What tools, technologies, or systems do you use daily?
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What tools, technologies, or systems do you use daily?
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Why this works
Identifies technical skills you may need to develop.
16How do you handle unexpected problems or crises?
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How do you handle unexpected problems or crises?
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Why this works
Shows problem-solving processes and whether the work is reactive or proactive.
17What advice would you give to someone starting out in this field?
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What advice would you give to someone starting out in this field?
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Why this works
Surfaces practical wisdom and common pitfalls to avoid.
18Are there any misconceptions people have about this job?
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Are there any misconceptions people have about this job?
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Why this works
Corrects unrealistic expectations and glamorized views.
19What does the hiring process look like, and what do employers look for?
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What does the hiring process look like, and what do employers look for?
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Why this works
Prepares you for job applications and interviews.
20Is there anything else I should know or any other questions I should ask?
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Is there anything else I should know or any other questions I should ask?
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Why this works
Invites them to share insights you may not have thought to request.
Maximizing Your Job Shadow
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.