If you are a career changer, applying for jobs via the traditional career website submission process is like trying to get found via your Wi-Fi signal in the middle of the Amazon.

Informational interviews are one of the most effective methods for landing your next job for two reasons. They are a great way to get in front of people to expand and nurture your network. And they also help you to actively fill the knowledge gap career changers often come across, especially the kinds of gaps that a formal education won’t fill but experience does. Here are some steps to get you started.