The mistake I think a lot of people make with informational interviews is they place too much importance on them. In a perfect world you will be so impressive on your fact-gathering interview the company will want to hire you on the spot. Many a person goes in to the interview with that perspective in the back of their mind and I am afraid it comes across that way. My advice is, first and foremost, RELAX. The purpose of this meeting is to gain information and make a connection. You are not interviewing for a job. Remind yourself this is a favor being done for you by someone to help you learn more about a field and/or opportunities in the field. Buy the coffee for your meeting. Prior to meeting define 3 things you would like to learn and then create questions that will help you obtain that information. Do not wing it!!! Be naturally curious about the things you hear and ask follow-up questions. Remember, you are here to gain information. The “making a connection” part comes from being a likeable person. Approaching an informational interview with a relaxed attitude and a genuine sense of curiosity is likely to translate into success.