do you do interviews even though you may not be interested?

If you shotgunned your resume and you get an interview, but not sure about the position, do you go with the interview or should I decline the request?

I'm currently looking for a job but I'm not sure if I even want the position on second thought

12 Comments
 

Getting real life interview experience is invaluable. You learn from your mistakes. Nothing better than being asked questions that will throw you off. It'll help you prepare for interviews that matter to you.

 

Dunno...I've never interviewed for a job I wasn't interested in. I guess it depends on your current cash flow situation? Can you afford to sit out & be picky about what comes your way? If yes, then more power to you...

All the world's indeed a stage, And we are merely players, Performers and portrayers, Each another's audience, Outside the gilded cage - Limelight (1981)
 

Interview and once you get an offer you can decline. If you're looking for a job in this competitive market you can't be picky, unless you have a stellar experience/CV/target school under your belt.

 

I asked this question to the CEO of a F50 firm that is a close family friend about 2 months back. He said "ALWAYS" go to "ALL" interviews. He said it is always good to meet new people whether you want the job or not because you never know your future situation or who you will run into one day.

Take advantage of an interview and connect with a new person, not only can it benefit you but it could benefit someone you know.

Frank Sinatra - "Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy."
 
yeahright

I asked this question to the CEO of a F50 firm that is a close family friend about 2 months back. He said "ALWAYS" go to "ALL" interviews. He said it is always good to meet new people whether you want the job or not because you never know your future situation or who you will run into one day.

Take advantage of an interview and connect with a new person, not only can it benefit you but it could benefit someone you know.

how do you connect with this new person? most of the time, the interview ends and that's that.

have you successfully maintained contact with your past interviewers? I feel that only if you get the offer but otherwise it might be best to move on

 

When I say connect I mearly mean have a discussion with someone and connect during a conversation, I don't mean it like connecting on Linkedin, but how do you know 100% you do not want the job? The answer is you never really know. You go with the intent of trying to get the job, if you don't then you don't and you got interview experience and learned about a different opportunity. If you do get the job, you can accept it because it turns out you do actually like it, or you can turn it down and stay in contact with the interviewer.

However, yes I have maintained contact with some past interviewers where I did not get the job. Depending on the reason, it is okay to stay in touch. Maybe one day they have an opening and ask you if you know anyone that might be interested or maybe one day they know of a role in what you do want to do. You never know how people will act down the road or how you will feel down the road. Always take a chance.

Frank Sinatra - "Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy."
 
Best Response

Quidem voluptatem voluptas quo ea consequatur et. Placeat ducimus officiis et pariatur repudiandae molestiae quis. Quas eaque expedita aspernatur temporibus. Odit repellendus doloremque sunt molestiae omnis sed. Accusantium ut harum esse velit.

Nihil incidunt rerum eum quia. Nisi enim at delectus quod. Et in iure magnam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (53) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (27) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”