Your hard work has paid off when an employer invites you to an interview—but the job isn’t yet yours.
If you’re looking for work, you’re aware of the time and effort it takes to catch an employer’s attention—from crafting a captivating CV to studying the company and tailoring a cover letter. Your hard work will be rewarded when an employer invites you to an interview. However, you do not yet have the job. This is how you should reply to a request for an interview.
1. Get back to you as soon as possible.
Send your response by email the same day or the following working day after getting the interview request. This necessitates that you stay on top of your email. Regularly check your emails, set up push alerts, and check your spam folder. A prompt response demonstrates that you’re responsive and sincerely interested; if you wait a week, you could have already missed the boat.
2. Adhere to the proper procedures.
Here are some general guidelines to follow when responding to an interview request:
Always treat others with respect. Thank the company for the chance and convey your excitement.
Bring it to a close. You don’t need to go through your credentials again in this email; keep it for the interview.
Keep your demeanour polished. Emojis, emoticons, and text/chat acronyms should all be avoided. Excessive use of exclamation points and all capitals should also be avoided.
Don’t be afraid to be formal. In most circumstances, the salutation should include the hiring manager’s title and last name (e.g., Mr., Ms., Dr.). If you know the recruiting manager well, you can use his or her first name.
Proofread. Before sending the email, double-check that it’s free of errors in all areas.
Everyone should be contacted. So that no one is left out of the email thread, select “Reply All.”
3. Check the details of the interview.
In your response, confirm the day, place, and time if the employer recommended an appointment time that you can accommodate. Whether you are unable to do so, provide many alternatives and ask the employer if one of them is suitable.
Verify specifics such as who will initiate the conversation and any software or apps you’ll need to install before the meeting using Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, or other video interviews.
4. Include your contact details.
Make it simple for the employer to discover your phone number and email address—the standard location is at the bottom of the email, below your name. Remove your present employer’s details from your email signature to avoid giving the idea that you’re utilising company resources to search a new employment.
Email Reactions Examples
When deciding how to answer to an interview invitation, keep in mind that the content of your message will be influenced by a number of factors, so tailor your response to the employer’s first message. Here are a few samples to give you an idea of what we’re talking about.
Sample 1: Confirm the interview date and time offered by the company.
Mr. Jones, I have a letter for you.
Thank you for inviting me to an interview with ABC Company for the post of account executive. I’m excited to talk about how I can help your sales team succeed.
The time of 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24 is ideal. Next week at corporate headquarters, I am looking forward to seeing you and your regional sales manager, Ms. Smith.
Sincerely,
555-555-5555 Betty Hampton
[email protected] is an example of an email address.
Offer a different day and time for the interview.
Mr. Jones, I have a letter for you.
Thank you for inviting me to an interview with ABC Company for the post of account executive. I’m excited to talk about how I can help your sales team succeed.
I am unable to meet at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24 due to a previous work engagement. Can we meet on Thursday, June 25 at 10:30 a.m.? If not, please give me a couple choices and I’ll try my best to work around your schedule.
This opportunity excites me, and I am looking forward to seeing you.
Sincerely,
555-555-5555 Betty Hampton
[email protected] is an example of an email address.
Sample #3: Turn down an invitation to an interview.
You can attend the meeting even if the job isn’t suited for you. After the interviewer gets to know you, you’ll be in the running for other, more suited employment. Here’s an example rejection letter if you still wish to refuse the interview.
Mr. Jones, I have a letter for you.
Thank you for inviting me to an interview with ABC Company for the post of account executive. I appreciate your interest in my qualifications, but I must politely reject. At this stage of my career, I’m looking for prospects at the manager level.
Please keep me in mind if a managerial role becomes available at your organisation.
I wish you well in your search for a replacement.
Sincerely,
555-555-5555 Betty Hampton
[email protected] is an example of an email address.
Increase Your Interviewing Opportunities
It’s critical to know how to reply to an interview request if you want employers to continue to be interested in you. When a potential employer asks to meet with you, it’s usually a positive indication, and the more interviews you have, the more alternatives you’ll have (and the more bargaining power you’ll have!). Could you use some assistance in gaining greater visibility? To get started, create a free Monster profile. You can make yourself known to recruiters, receive personalized job notifications, and much more.
