An important part of your job search will be having Informational Interviews where you will be able to meet with potential employers and leaders in your industry in a more relaxed conversational approach to learn about their company and the culture. In this approach you learn about potential companies and can ask for advice without making yourself look weak.
One job seeker I am familiar with identified the person in his own industry that he admired the most and that had the job he would like to get someday. He set up a meeting with this individual and told him that he admired his work and would like someday to have a job like his, and then asked for advice on the steps to take in his upcoming job change and career that would lead him in the right direction.
In an informational interview, job seekers can be unemployed, or else employed considering new options. They use the interview to gather information on the field and on specific companies where they might want to work.
When an informational interview is set up it important to go prepared knowing in advance what it is you want to learn about and what questions you want to ask.
Learn who the right person to talk to is first, and then learn as much as you can about that person and the role that person has in the organization. Check their LinkedIn profile before the meeting. Do some research on the industry and company.
Look professional when you meet. Leave a business card. If you’re not employed have a professional business card with your name and contact information made up at the local printer. They are not expensive.
Make an appointment. Keep your meeting short and remember to smile. Restate your objective of just learning and seeking information. Follow up expressing your gratitude with a thank you note
Some Questions that can be asked
What are your, or the target jobs, main responsibilities?
What Skills are the most import in the job of interest