What should do if a prospective employer declines an informational interview?

Anonymous

March 29,2023 at 8:04PM UTC

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What should do if a prospective employer declines an informational interview?

Some employers have declined due to a flat-out refusal or lack of staff members, or feeling there’s no demonstrated interest or other reasons, or block an email and would direct or redirect an individual to a company's career page. This occurred during a virtual online career fair. What does this say about a job professional? What does this say about a prospective employer?

It is understood that an informational interview does not lead to a job interview or guarantees a job offer or a job interview.

What should a job professional do to move on from here?

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AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 8:54PM UTC
You simply thank them and move to your next targeted company.
I wouldn't spend too much time trying to decipher the meaning behind the refusal. There could be any number of reasons for it.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 9:17PM UTC
Agree that there could be many reasons, but do research the company, set up Google alerts (trends), etc. before asking for one. Have you commented/interacted with their social media posts, their LinkedIn page posts, etc.? Interest goes both ways.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 9:24PM UTC
I feel like public television and public radio career fairs are simply a disappointment since it goes nowhere. Other than serving the community and making a difference, they just want money through pledging and donating year-round. Seven years of going to public media fair is not working out, especially since it is strictly a virtual career fair. I as a job candidate will stop attending the fair because of these ongoing experiences that are leading nowhere and is not working.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 9:39PM UTC
The recruiting process typically doesn't allow that time for those type of conversations. It's not a reflection on a bad practice it's often is no added value to either party. Not to be rude. GREAT companies have great websites where anyone can learn about the companies values and traits. Job fairs on line have a minimal amount of time to get through so many people. It doesn't say anything bad about a professional, time is valuable. I often set up coffee & chats around this type of thing but it's usually driven by me not by the other party. ROI is time spent. You telling a professional what to do about setting up an 'informational interview' sounds ok, but not the best selling point. I get it, but it's tough to find fault with them saying no. I would say you should reach out to a head hunter instead and talk about a company or a recruiting firm to learn.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 10:57PM UTC
I'm not sure if I understand your goal on this. If they decline, what are your options?
I agree with the advice below that you move on.
Annetta MosesMarch 29,2023 at 11:06PM UTC
Informational interviews are for the person making the request. In my opinion, one of the best ways to obtain an informational interview is to network. I’m a busy professional. I am more inclined when a person I already know asks me to do an informational interview for a person in her network.
You didn’t mention your educational background. Some colleges have alumni databases and you may be able to find an alum that will give you an informational interview or connect you with someone in the company who will.
Good luck.
AnonymousMarch 30,2023 at 4:18PM UTC
I have no interest in my college alumni network. They didn't help me then, they will not help me now. There is no relation and I will never contact them ever again.
AnonymousApril 1,2023 at 12:29PM UTC
She gave you sound advice and you met it with a rude answer. That is foul and maybe you are not approaching alumni in the right way.
AnonymousMarch 30,2023 at 3:07AM UTC
It says that the employees are busy doing their jobs. Since by your own admission the informational interviews don't lead to a job interview, I don't really understand why you expect these folks to give up their time to talk to you. They don't owe you their time, it's not their job to help you get a job.
AnonymousMarch 30,2023 at 12:47PM UTC
I've never requested an informational interview. What do you hope to gain with an informational interview that isn't provided on the company's career page, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, etc.? Did the company invite people to schedule informational interviews?
Jacqueline CutlerMarch 31,2023 at 12:14PM UTC
It says that they are strapped for time. The career fair did what it should if potential candidates are now interested in the company. From there, it is up to the applicants to learn about the company from the career page you mentioned and stay on top of it. I understand your frustration, but most companies do not have the staff to chat with people unless they are interviewing for a specific position.
Dcre1977March 31,2023 at 1:09PM UTC
I have never given or recieved an informational interview. Honestly that is what career fairs are for. What are you trying to accomplish with them?
AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 1:16PM UTC
I'm also a little confused about what you requested. After the virtual online career fair, you contacted employers about having an informational interview, and they said no?
You should look at targeting individual people. Look at someone in the role you want, or who manages a team you want to work in, and find out what that person is up to. You could look at LinkedIn, Google search to see if that person has done any interviews, articles, podcasts, etc., and find a genuine reason to connect. Ask about something interesting in his/her work history, say you were interested in a topic the person spoke about, etc. Make that personal and specific connection, see what kind of reply you get, then ask if you can talk more about it. Flattery can open a lot of doors.
Best wishes!
Alina Easterday CallahanApril 1,2023 at 1:03PM UTC
Make sure you are reaching out to their recruiters. Other employees are likely to either be confused by the request or not have the time. But really the best thing to do is just apply. You can back out at any point.
Kelley LambApril 1,2023 at 8:57PM UTC
Go online and apply for a job you are interested in. Then ask all your questions if they show interest. I would not want to talk to someone who is just "checking out the company" call HR and ask them questions or go on glass door.
AnonymousApril 2,2023 at 6:06PM UTC
For some companies whether they are hiring or not attending those types of career fairs and other virtual or informational events is about branding. They are either super well planned with good strong follow up after or just a mess. Sounds like you have hit some messes and IMHO companies that just don't have it together are the places that you clearly should not pursue. Not everyone is neat and tidy and if the mess is not a place where you can be impactful don't push further in.