When you’re job hunting, all you want is to land a job interview with a potential boss. So it may seem silly to request an informational interview instead. But informational interviews are actually a great way to get your foot in the door—and get a job. Here’s why.

You get to network. Job hunting is all about who you know, and who they know. But when you’re networking with your own contacts, those job leads can run dry—fast. Having an informational interview not only puts you in front of a potential boss, but it also gives you the opportunity to connect with a new set of people. And if your meeting went really well, your interviewer can open new doors for you.

You get to practice your interviewing skills. After working for so many years with the same company, your job interviewing skills are sure to be shaky. That’s why having an informational interview can be very helpful. Knowing that you’re not interviewing for an actual job can help you relax and build up your confidence. It allows you to answer interview questions without the added pressure.

You gain insight into a career field. Let’s say that you’ve been working for the last few years as a marketing executive, but what you really want to do is work in non-profit. Before committing to a career, you can test the waters by having an informational interview with key players in that field. It also allows you to dig deeper and discover if the career that you want will truly be a fit for you. For example, you can find out if you can work remotely or have a flexible schedule in order to improve your work life balance.

You go to the top of the hiring list. For any job opening, a hiring manager will have to peruse many resumes before choosing candidates to meet for an interview. Having already met with (and left a positive and professional impression on) a hiring manager or a potential boss automatically puts your resume at the top of the application pile.

It allows you to find a potential mentor. If you’re entering a new career field, you’ll need some guidance. During your informational interview, you may establish a rapport with the CEO or another staffer. Creating this connection allows you the opportunity to find out the inside track on your potential job. You should follow up your interview with a note of thanks, and an offer to take her out to lunch. You never know—you might just be having a Cobb salad with your new boss.

The next time you’re clicking through job listings, reach out to companies that you’re interested in and see if you can score an informational interview. It might just be the first step to your next career.

Jennifer Parris writes about career topics for FlexJobs.com. Working Mother Media and FlexJobs have partnered to help workingmother.com readers find flexible work solutions – such as telecommuting, freelance, part-time and flexible schedule jobs –  for themselves. Learn more here.