A request for an interview is an exciting next step in your job search, but how you respond can affect how you are perceived.
To respond to an interview request: you need to reply quickly, prepare your reply, thank the sender, confirm the details, ask relevant follow-up questions, sign off professionally, proofread before sending, open and close with gratitude and enthusiasm.
Continue reading to discover effective ways to respond to an interview request and to see how to do so yourself.
Table of Contents
How To Respond To An Interview Request?
It’s exciting to hear back from the hiring manager after submitting your resume and cover letter for a job you find interesting. Your chance to make a great first impression on a recruiter or hiring manager is when you reply to an interview invitation email. Here is a step-by-step explanation of how to respond to a request for a job interview.
Reply Quickly
Even if it’s just a simple email confirming that you received their note, you should reply to the hiring manager within the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours of receiving the interview request. In order to secure the time slot that best suits your schedule, assume that the recruiters are interviewing additional candidates.
Prepare Your Reply
Before responding, carefully read (even more than once) the request for a job interview. To refresh your memory on the position, look at the job description. Include your full name, the job title, and “interview confirmation” in the subject line, which can make your thread more easily searchable. Check to see if the recruiter answered any of your unanswered questions in the email that was used to make the initial request if you have any.
Thank The Sender
Thank the hiring manager or recruiter for considering your application for the position and taking the time to schedule an interview before you begin writing your interview acceptance email. A wonderful way to express your respect for their time is with gratitude. (You’ll probably be enjoyable to work with, which is another indication.) Next, express your excitement for the job to further demonstrate your interest in it.
Confirm The Details
Some interview request emails already include important information, such as the interview’s time, date, and location (either in-person at an office building, via a video conference link, or by phone). Provide your own availability if the hiring manager did not specify any times for the interview. If they offered a date and time for the interview but you have a conflict, politely inform them that you are unavailable during that time and provide a few other possible times that work for you.
Ask Relevant Follow-up Questions
If it seems appropriate, enquire about other interview specifics like the size of the hiring panel, what other steps the hiring process entails, or if the company needs any additional information (like work samples or a phone number). Include any additional inquiries you may have about the business in the email. Inquire about any materials you might need to bring, such as a printed copy of your resume or CV, if your interview is on-site. If the interview requires you to appear in person, make sure you have a precise physical address. If the first email does not include the office address, confirm it.
Sign Off Professionally
Thank the hiring manager for their time once more at the conclusion of the email. Say how much you are looking forward to the upcoming interview. Sign off with a professional “best regards,” “sincerely,” or “thank you again,” followed by your name and email signature.
Proofread Before Sending
Your first impression may be negatively impacted by a careless email that demonstrates a lack of attention to detail. Check your response line by line, fix any typos, and grammar mistakes. Make sure your email is brief. Verify that you are sending the note to the correct email address before pressing the send button.
A phone call can also be used to confirm an interview. When speaking with the hiring manager in this situation, have a calendar open and accessible. You can accurately gauge your availability in this manner. Thank the caller for their time by being polite but succinct.
Open And Close With Gratitude And Enthusiasm
Not every applicant advances to the stage of the interview. Since you are a fortunate applicant, begin by thanking the team for the opportunity and expressing your excitement to finally meet them and further discuss your value to the team. You don’t have to go overboard.
Gratitude is a great way to let someone know you value their time and that you’ll be a pleasure to work with. It should show sincerity and enthusiasm for the position and can also aid in catching the recruiter’s attention.
Candidates who believe the organization they want to work for is fantastic are attractive to recruiters. Thankfulness will also demonstrate your continued interest in the position.
See more about
Template
Template #1
Email Subject: [Name of job or company] Position
Hi [Recruiter’s name],
I appreciate you getting in touch with me. I would love to interview for [position] and am available this week at [available days and times]. Any of those times are suitable for you?
I have provided a copy of my resume for your review in response to your request. Please let me know if there is anything else I can tell you before our meeting.
I’m excited to talk with you and go over the job in more detail. Once more, I appreciate your consideration.
Best,
[Your name]
INSIGHT
Here’s what to say in response to an interview request from a potential employer. Sending a response like this one will demonstrate your interest in and enthusiasm for the position if you’d like to continue with the interview. If the recruiter hasn’t already, you can show that you’re proactive by putting forth potential dates and times. Always express your gratitude to the recruiter for their time and consideration.
This template was useful, right? You’ll never again get stuck on an email if you bookmark it. And do tell your network about it! It assists us in keeping these templates free.
Template #2
Email Subject: [Name of job or company] Position
Hi [Recruiter’s name],
I appreciate the opportunity to interview for [position]. To further discuss the position, I’d be happy to join a video call. If you have any availability this week on [specified days and times], I’m available.
I’ve affixed a copy of my resume and the contact information for my references as per your request. If you have any additional queries or if I can help you with any information, kindly let me know.
I’m eager to talk to you about this position. I want to thank you once more for contacting me.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
INSIGHT
When the recruiter requests a video interview, this template is helpful. It’s beneficial to mention that the interview will be conducted via video in your response. The recruiter will probably let you know which video chat program they prefer to use, but if they don’t, you can suggest Skype or Zoom and give your contact information or the meeting room ID.
Was this template helpful to you? You’ll never again get stuck on an email if you bookmark it. Also, please spread the word to your network! It assists us in keeping these templates free.
Template #3
Email Subject: [Name of job or company] Position
Hi [Recruiter’s name],
I appreciate your thought. I’d love to talk about [position] with you over the phone. XXX-XXX-XXXX is my phone number. What days and times do you have available?
As you requested, I have provided the contact information for each of my references. If there is anything else I can tell you before our meeting, kindly let me know.
I value your interest in me as a candidate and look forward to speaking with you!
Warm regards,
[Your name]
INSIGHT
This email template is helpful when the recruiter wants to conduct the interview over the phone, much like Template #2. In most cases, unless they specifically ask you to call them, it will be them who will call you. In your response, mention that you are aware that the interview will be conducted over the phone and give them your number for their convenience.
Was this template helpful to you? Never again will you be stuck on an email if you bookmark it. Also, please spread the word to your network! It assists us in keeping these templates free.
Template #4
Email Subject: (no subject since this is a LinkedIn message)
Hi [Recruiter’s name],
It’s nice to hear from you. I would be delighted to schedule an interview for the [position]. On [dates and times], I am free. When would be the best time for you?
My resume and some examples of my prior work are attached. If you have any inquiries or need any additional information, kindly let me know.
Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to meeting you. I appreciate you taking the time to read this.
Best regards,
[Your name]
INSIGHT
Respond to the interview request you receive via LinkedIn messaging in the same way you would an email. Although sending a message via LinkedIn can seem more casual than sending an email, not all potential employers will agree. No matter what, it’s best to respond to the request with tact and professionalism.
Was this template helpful to you? You’ll never again get stuck on an email if you bookmark it. And do tell your network about it! This aids in maintaining the cost-free nature of these templates.
Template #5
Email Subject: [Name of job or company] Position
Hi [Recruiter’s name],
I appreciate you getting in touch with me regarding [position]. As you requested, I will call you in the morning tomorrow to arrange an interview.
I’m eager to talk to you. If there is anything else I can do to help, kindly let me know.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
INSIGHT
You might assume that sending an email is unnecessary when you are asked to call the recruiter to schedule an interview because you will be doing so anyhow. In this case, it’s still polite to send a message to follow up to let them know you’re still interested in the position and will contact them to schedule an interview.
This template was useful, right? Never again will you be stuck on an email if you bookmark it. Please spread the word to your network as well! It enables us to continue providing these templates without charge.
What Is An Interview Request?
An email requesting an interview is one that is sent to a job applicant following a review of their resume. A job seeker who receives an interview request is informed of the date, time, and location of the interview.
Emails are a popular method used by recruiters and hiring managers to request interviews. As a result, choosing the appropriate response can affect how your potential employer is perceived.
What To Do When I Forget My Interview Time?
To get confirmation, give your interviewer a call. Instead of stating that you don’t remember the time, you could say “I’m scheduled for an interview with you and I am calling to confirm the date and time,” or “On October 9, I will be speaking with you at 10 a.m., I believe.” Use the latter if you are unsure but believe you know the time. The best chance you have of getting the right date and time is from your contact. You could also ask this question by email. If you would rather not speak with the interviewer, confirm your appointment with the office receptionist. He might be able to check the time with the interviewer on your behalf or have access to their schedule.
The Bottom Line
Impressions are important when searching for a job. You begin by updating and polishing your resume, investigating each potential employer, and customizing your cover letter to your application. Every interaction you have with the recruiter counts.
AD
Even though an email to a recruiter may seem insignificant, realize that it could mean the difference between getting the job you’ve been eyeing and not.
The exchange of information begins when you respond to an interview request. In order to increase your chances of moving forward with the hiring process, make sure you establish a positive tone right away.
As soon as you land an interview, you must get ready to talk about your salary expectations and respond to frequently asked questions. Make sure it matters if you receive an interview request because it can be an exciting next step in your job search.
Many thanks for reading.