Is it OK to... Ignore Alumni Outreach?

Ok Kelly -

I got this email from someone I went to college with but haven't spoken to in 8 years: 'Hey! I saw you work at [Company X]. I'm job hunting and would love to grab coffee to pick your brain about opportunities there. When works for you?'

We weren't close in college and I have zero insight into whether they'd be a good fit.

How do I respond without burning bridges but also without wasting my time?

Awkward Alumni

Dear Awkward Alumni,

It’s more than OK to not drop everything because someone from your past wants to “pick your brain.” Especially when the connection is thin, the ask is vague, and the benefit appears to flow only one way.

But you ghosting them is not the answer, either.

Try this:

“Hi [Name], thanks for reaching out. I’m not involved in hiring at [Company X] and don’t have insight into current openings beyond the company's careers page [insert link]. My understanding is it's updated regularly, so I suspect it has everything you need to know to apply for open roles. You might also check out sites like Glassdoor or The Muse for industry insight, if you haven't done so already. Sorry I can't offer up much more on opportunities at [Company X]. ”

You’ve acknowledged the outreach, offered a useful suggestion, and kept your time intact.

Maintaining a network doesn’t mean bending to every demand. It means being intentional — even in how you say no.

OK?

K.