Good career day questions for students to ask are open-ended and get the speaker talking about real experiences: “What does a normal day look like for you?”, “What did you study to get this job?”, “What is the hardest part of your work?”, “What do you wish you had known at my age?” and “What skills from school do you use most?” Questions that start with what, how and why get far better answers than yes-or-no questions.
Below are questions sorted by topic and by age group, plus tips to help students prepare.
Questions About the Job Itself
- What does a typical day at work look like for you?
- What tools or equipment do you use?
- Who do you work with, and do you work alone or on a team?
- What is your favorite part of your job?
- What is the hardest or most stressful part?
- What surprised you most when you started?
- How does your work help other people or your community?
Questions About Getting the Job
- How did you become interested in this career?
- What did you study at school, college or in training?
- Did you need a license, apprenticeship or special qualification?
- What was your first job, and how did it lead to this one?
- Did you ever change careers? Why?
- Is there more than one way into this job?
Questions About Skills and School
- Which school subjects do you use the most in your work?
- What skills matter most in your job: math, writing, working with people, creativity?
- What can students do now to prepare for a job like yours?
- Are there clubs, hobbies or volunteer activities that would help?
- How do you keep learning now that you’re working?
Questions About Advice and the Future
- What do you wish you had known when you were my age?
- What advice would you give someone who wants to do your job?
- How has your job changed since you started? How do you think it will change?
- What kinds of people are happiest in this career?
- If you weren’t doing this job, what would you do?
Questions for Younger Students (Kindergarten to Grade 2)
- What do you wear to work?
- What is your favorite thing to do at work?
- Do you work in the daytime or at night?
- Do you get to help people? How?
- Can you show us one of your tools?
Questions for Older Students (Middle and High School)
- What does career progression look like in your field?
- What is the work-life balance like?
- Is this field growing, and where are the jobs?
- What would you look for when hiring someone for an entry-level role?
- Can students job-shadow or intern in your field?
Salary questions are best asked politely and generally (“What is the typical pay range for someone starting out?”) rather than asking the speaker what they personally earn.
Tips for Students Asking Questions
- Prepare two or three questions before the speaker arrives, and write them down.
- Listen first. If the speaker already answered your question, ask a follow-up instead.
- Use open questions starting with what, how or why.
- Be respectful. Avoid very personal questions about money, age or family.
- Say thank you, and consider writing a thank-you note afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many questions should each student prepare? Two or three is enough for a short visit.
- What is a good first question? “What does a normal day look like for you?” works with any job.
- Is it OK to ask about salary? Ask about typical pay ranges in general, not the speaker’s own pay.
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Career Day Questions for Students to Ask Speakers (By Age)