The informational interview is underutilized by job seekers. Job seekers secure informational meetings in order to seek the advice of someone in their current or desired field. They also want to gain further references to other people who can advise them. Employers, are often open to these types of interviews, even when they do not have any job openings, because they like to stay on top of the list of available talent. The job seeker and employer exchange information and get to know each other better without reference to a job opening.
This can be a great interview method, if you have checked and applied to all job listings in the area. This will give you something more to do. Sometimes you will be denied an informational interview, but it was well worth the chance and most likely the manager will keep your resume/information.
Good Luck