Networking is the key to getting to where you want to be. In the job search, the networking meeting is also known as an informational interview. The informational interview is a wonderful way to get your foot in the door at a company or in an industry.

There are three goals for the networking meeting:

1. Learn about the industry or job.
2. Make a favorable impression on the person with whom you are meeting.
3. Get names of other people with whom you can meet.

Remember, even though it’s an informational interview, you are being evaluated. As a result, you want to leave a favorable impression. You should approach this informational interview as you would an actual interview, except you’ll be asking most of the questions.

Here’s how to prepare:

1. Wear a business suit.
2. Show up on time - meaning five to ten minutes early.
3. Bring several copies of your resume.
4. Leave your schedule open after the meeting in case they want you to meet more people.
5. Have a list of about ten to twenty great questions to ask and not simple things that you can find out on their website. These can be business questions or more personal questions.

Here are a few ideas for questions:

Business:

* How has the economy affected your business?
* Where do you see the company in ten years?
* What are your future growth areas?
* What are you doing to attract more customers via the Internet?
* Have you off shored any of your business?

Personal:

* Tell me about your career path.
* What’s a typical day like?
* What makes someone successful here?
* What do you like most about your job?
* What is your biggest challenge?

When you meet, spend a few minutes talking and ask a bunch of questions. Hopefully, you leave with a good sense of what the field is all about, and you leave a favorable impression - not a bad combination. Make sure you send a thank you note after the meeting, and keep in touch throughout your job search.

You’ll find that after a few of these meetings, you’ll really get the hang of it, and it will be a lot of fun! Two out of three people get a job through networking, so these networking meetings are priceless in your job search.