Information interview

http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/infointerviews/a/infointerview.htm

http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-481-Getting-Ahead-How-Does-an-Informational-Interview-Work/

http://www.wisebread.com/the-informational-interview-what-not-to-say-and-more

http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/professional-networking/informational-interviewing/article.aspx

An informational interview is not the same as a job interview. It’s an opportunity to find out more about a particular career or company. These sorts of interviews can be valuable for anyone, not just those looking for a new job. You might consider this approach if:

• You’re a recent graduate exploring possible career opportunities.
• You have an established career, but would like to discover what it might be like to work for another company.
• You feel as if you’ve done as much as you can in your current job and are interested in changing fields.

By meeting with somebody experienced in the field you’re considering, you can find out more about what the work is really like, about how much it pays, and about the drawbacks.

     You now need to gather more in-depth information. Your best source of this information are people who have firsthand knowledge of the occupations in which you are interested. Identify who they are and conduct informational interviews with them。

     You can initiate contact with an interesting individual in several ways. Whether you already know the professional, have a personal recommendation, or are cold-calling, consider sending an email or formal letter sharing your resume, expressing interest in meeting face-to-face or over the phone, and learning from their experience. Make sure to convey your goal is to gather information that will stimulate your job search and build professional relationships.