Initiating and participating in informational interviews is one of the most critical aspects of the job search process. It is important for many reasons, including:

• Learning about a job or career in a given industry area
• Revealing to your friends and colleagues that you are seeking employment
• Gaining experience in explaining the skills and knowedge you bring to the table
• Becoming more knowledgeable about the types of jobs in the marketplace, skill and experience requirements, and compensation (salary + fringe benefits)
• Gaining insight into the players in the civilian workworld, both at the company level and the individual level
• Having the opportunity to show your resume to others and to solicit feedback

Becoming active in associations is an excellent way to ramp-up your informational interviewing opportunities. Use Google.com to search for appropriate associations based on your career interests.