The news that an employer has invited you for an interview is breathtaking. If you have been jobless for some time or desperately need to change careers, an invitation to participate in an interview will be more than welcome. However, you might not know how you respond to the interview request will make or break your opportunity. To enable you to make an outstanding first impression on your would-be employer, consider the following tips.
Timing
Timing is the key to making a favorable impression. After you receive the interview request, wait for a few hours before you respond. Your response should not show desperation, and you should exhibit composure in your writing. When responding, match the same communication medium the employer used. If they sent it through the mail, respond through the same. While at it, follow all the instructions they had requested.
Tone
Be careful when responding. Your response should not be casual because you are dealing with a respectable professional. In your response, use the official name of the person who sent you the request and the formality they used when sending you the request. The person you are sending the response to will be handling several other responses. So, you should use a subject line that will catch their attention.
Details
In your response, start by introducing yourself and explain the specific position you are requesting. After that, indicate the unique features that make you stand out from the other candidates. In the details that you provide, ensure that you have met all the requirements.
Indicate the exact day and time you will be available for the interview, confirm the interview location and your dress code. Besides, you need to confirm all the documents you need to carry with you on the interview day. If you live in a different state or country, ensure that you confirm the time zones. In conclusion, review your contact information and close the interview request using a professional and impressive comment to impress the employer.
Follow up on confirmation
After responding to the interview request, wait for the employer to call you up for the interview. However, if there is no response after 48 hours, use the same communication medium to send a follow-up message. In your message, use a gentle tone, ask your employee whether they received your mail, and indicate the exact date you sent your interview request-response. You might be afraid that sending up a follow-up message will irritate the employer, but some employers are impressed by persistent job seekers. And, this might be the push that will earn you the interview opportunity.
Declining the invitation
You might opt to attend the interview to determine what the position entails even if you are not interested in the advertised position. However, if you are not ready to work at the vacant position, inform the employer immediately. That will save the employer the time of going through your details and responding to your interview response. Besides, they will not consider you amongst the shortlisted interviewees.
When declining your interview invitation, start by thanking the person who sent you the interview request. Then, write positive comments about the company that sent you the invitation. Then, conclude by offering your apology and informing the management why you took that decision.
