☛ Dress neatly and appropriately, as you would for a job interview.

☛ Arrive on time or a few minutes early.

☛ Restate that your objective is to get information and advice, not a job.

☛ Give a brief overview of yourself and your education and/or work background.

☛ Be prepared to direct the interview, but also let the conversation flow naturally, and encourage the interviewee to do most of the talking.

☛ Listen well and show genuine interest in what the person has to say.

☛ Take notes if you would like.

☛ Respect the person's time. Keep the appointment length within the time span that you requested.

☛ Ask the person if you may contact him or her again in the future with other questions.

☛ Always ask for names of other people to talk to for additional information or a different perspective.