It may seem counterintuitive, but when you're setting up an informational interview, make it clear to the person that you don't have expectations for a job. Instead, you're merely there to gather information. Your aim may be to get your name known and be remembered if there is an opening, but you don't want to hint at that at all. Even if you want to work at one specific company, it's good to interview at several competitors, according to Berger. I like to recommend they speak to a few people.
Temporary work is another way to break into the hidden market.
Temp work is probably better if you're merely trying to get into an industry in general, not a specific company. It would be difficult to tell a temp agency that you only want to work if it's for a certain firm. Once in, though, you'll be able to explore a wide variety of work. Flexibility will be important, said Berger, because you may not always be working in the exact area you would like. However, you may find that even if you're not in the division you desire, there are things you can learn and people you can meet who could help you along later in your career.