How to react to an interview invitation

Congratulations! You have received a job interview invitation in your mailbox. This means that the employer or recruiter has seen something in your CV or profile and wants to give you the chance to present your skills and experience. In other words, you have already passed the first round of selection. How do you proceed?

Robert Walters shares some tips for responding appropriately and professionally to a job interview invitation.  

Respond promptly 

It is important to respond to a job interview invitation as soon as possible. This shows that you are genuinely interested in the vacancy. Ideally, you should send your response within 24 hours. If you wait longer, you risk coming across as more nonchalant or less enthusiastic than candidates who responded before you.  

Confirm the appointment 

Make sure you confirm the date, time and location of the interview in your e-mail. This will make it immediately clear to the interviewer that you agree to the proposed appointment. If there are any other details you need to know, such as who you have an appointment with or what to bring, be sure to ask. 

Be grateful  

Express your appreciation for the invitation to the interview. This way, you will build a positive relationship with the employer or recruiter. Feel free to show your enthusiasm, but keep your tone professional. Avoid using exclamation marks or informal words such as "super" or "cool". Sentences such as "Thank you very much for this opportunity" and "I look forward to meeting you" make your happiness about the invitation clear but remain respectful. 

Check your e-mail 

A mistake happens quickly, so be sure to thoroughly check your e-mail for typos and grammatical errors before sending it.

Pay extra attention to the spelling of your interviewer's name. This way, you will make a good impression and show attention to detail. 

Be prepared

Once you have confirmed the details, it is time to prepare for the interview. Research the company and role you will be interviewing for, think about frequently asked questions and rehearse your answers. Remember that the interview invitation is only the first step in the recruitment process. Make sure you put your best foot forward throughout the process to improve your chances of getting the job.  

Still not interested? 

You may of course wish to withdraw from the application process. You may have found another job in the meantime, or you may have changed your mind about the position. If you do not wish to accept the invitation, let the interviewer know as soon as possible. Formulate a respectful and honest answer. By withdrawing your application in a professional manner, you leave the door open for possible future opportunities. After all, you never know when this employer or recruiter will cross your path again.

Find out more?

Check out our other tips and advice to develop your career. Ready to start your job search? View our latest jobs.