What has been recommended to me is the 'back door" approach. mailing a resume with a "pain letter' to the department manager.

An informational interview is a way to get you noticed. It is really not set up as a job interview but as an interview to learn more about the company. It is a form of networking. How effective it is, I am not sure because it is something I never tried but heard about them in interview coaching classes. The way I was told to approach it was to contact the company and ask about the hiring manager in the area in which you would like to work. You then contact that person and see if he or she can arrange a meeting with you. You would not typically ask about employment but focus on company operations, what the company is like, that sort of thing. It is more about getting known, expressing interest in the company, and getting information (you may find it is not the type of company you may want to work for). How open managers and supervisors are to this, I do not know.

Informational interviews is just another method of "networking" so yes, if you're really interested in a company (not a specific position), then request one. However, this is still a new concept for many small/mid-level companies and they'll most likely look at it as a way to interview without having a position posted. Consequently, many may shy away from such a request. However, USE EVERY TOOL to land the next job. The best jobs aren't posted and if you're good at what you do, people will MAKE a position for you.

I don't know, sounds like sending flyers out and not personal, and I think someone who hires wants to know they aren't just another company. You know how HR asks, why do you think I would be the right person for this job? They might get the impression that one is acting as their own shill. When I had my own business, I received a lot of flyers / CVs from people that really wanted to work for 'me.' It was straight info, and I was expected to pick up the phone and say, thanks but we're not hiring right now and then listen to the Oh but oh but I've tried everyone else ... thus proving to me, they hit everyone up with a flyer. And they were perfect for everyone. That's why I use different CVs if I'm looking for a copyedit job etc, and put in the truth either I've not worked with that subject but it interests me or I do have experience.

Informational interviews are now something that a lot of employers really do not want to do because of their busy schedules. With the ability to look up the information on the internet and to research the company through Google it is almost unnecessary. Almost. If you are still very interested in the company as a prospective employer I say to definitely seek an informational interview, but be sure to do your homework on the company and the person you will be talking to first.

I say, given today's economy, apply to win or get out of the way. Too many professionals do not have jobs. The mentioned tactic slows down the process for people who need jobs.

John, I don't know anything about an informational interview, never heard of them, but I can tell you that years ago one of the best places to find a job was in the yellow pages. Now I know that really sounds ancient, but the idea was to go to the page or pages of the occupation that you wanted to pursue and call those companies. Not sure if this is a good idea now, but what you might find if you do this, are some names of companies that might pique your interest. Nothing beats a failure except for a try! Blessings to you.

Hi John: If you are not sure about the company, its mission statement and policies, products, meaning information that you can't glean from the company's website or through other resources, then it may be a good idea. The upside to informational interviews is that you can establish a rapport with the hiring manager or create a contact within the company. It's better to know your audience in order to tailor your resume and summary statement for the job your applying for with that firm or company. Hope this helps!

Hi John. Yes you should do it. Here's why it's not an actual job interview it more of a mock interview. Were the interviewer is like a mentor. This way when you are at a real interview you will be well prepared for all the questions and you information will be updated to what the company is looking for. God bless and good luck.

Given how hyper busy everyone seems to be these days, I'd be amazed if anyone would host you for an informational interview. Years ago, I was in graduate school writing for the university paper. We were doing a feature story on an area architect who had a very interesting story (that I've long since forgot). With my wife being an architect, I got the task of interviewing him. I wanted to be professional, but I also wanted to let him know that I was A. New to the area. B. My wife was an architect looking for work, and, C. Oh, yeah, I'm interested in doing a feature story on you. As it turned out he was great. Following the interview he told me that he didn't have a spot for my wife, but knew of a solid company that was looking for someone. My wife called, got the interview and landed a job that really spring-boarded her career.

So yes, based on my experience, I would say if you can get an informational interview and you aren't just scheming for a job, give it a try.