Most people go after a new job the way we have always done it. They find an advertised opening, send a resume, and wait. They might also throw in a few job fairs. The end result is that they end up talking to HR, if anyone at all. This is a entirely frustrating and even humiliating experience for most of us. But, some have found ways to pierce behind the veil of job ads and HR using tools such as informational interviews. (I have been known to also call these reverse interviews). But the problem is, most people show signs of desperation in their attempt at an informational interview, and basically get pushed back into the HR pile. Courtesy of Flickr/Creative Commons | Eli Christman[/featured-image] Click to Listen What is an Informational Interview?In the purest sense, an informational interview is not really an interview at all. Instead, it is a learning experience. I would call them strategic networking instead. The goal is to learn about an industry, company, or person so that you can discern a few key things:Does this industry or company seem like a good fit for me?What skills might I need to acquire?What are the big issues in this industry? This company?What is the future of this industry? This company?Who else should I be networking with in this industry or company?As you can tell from this list, it has nothing to do with a job. Instead, you are trying to learn something. Most often informational interviews are used when people want to break into something new, are in a new city, or want to learn how to expand their view of their own industry.Get my list of MUST ask interview questions!..How to Request an Informational InterviewTo request an informational interview, you need to do these steps:What is it that seems interesting to me? What industry, company, or career field? If you do not know the how of this, go through the exercise How to Find Your Calling below.Who is doing it now and doing it successfully?Who do I know that knows them?Once you know the person, request a meeting with them either in person or over the phone so that you can ask them some questions. Even though I am calling this an informational interview, I would NEVER use those words when requesting a meeting. Instead, tell them you are trying to learn about the industry or the company and would like to get their perspective.I will cover in detail how to ask for such meetings and even what to do in the meeting in my online course Networking for Introverts.Get my list of MUST ask interview questions!4 Common Mistakes People Make in an Informational Interview RequestI have advised thousands to connect with people and find opportunities with informational interviews or strategic networking. Yet, over and over I see blunders made. Most of these are made because the one requesting an interview cannot get their head out of doing things the same way they have always done them. They want to reach out and get a job interview. That is one of the reasons I hate the term informational interview - but that is what people call it.To make it clear, here is an email that represents the typical WRONG approach.Hi John,Sam Smith suggested I contact you  for an informational interview. I’m very interested in working in your industry and for your company in particular. I would like to get a few minutes of your time to ask you some questions. I’ve attached my resume so you can learn about my background. Thanks for your time and your help. I have been out of work for about 3 months now and really need to make some things happen. Looking forward to hearing back.JeffDo you see any mistakes in that email? If not, look below for the common blunders then come back to the email.1. You look and talk like you are looking for a jobThe email above is way too typical. Starts out well but then I can begin to smell desperation.