How to Write an Email to Accept an Invitation to Interview

Congratulations! You’ve been invited to interview. The next thing to do is decide if you’re going to decline the invitation to interview or accept. If you’re reading this article, it means you’ve chosen the latter. Read on as we discuss everything you need to know to accept an invitation to interview.  

There are many ways an interview invitation request is sent. If you communicated with the recruiter on phone, they can say this. But, more often than not, it is followed by an email. If you’re using Google meet, all you need to do is click “Yes” to accept the invitation. While that’s enough to secure and accept the invitation to interview, it is also advisable to send an email as well. 

Sending an email to accept the invitation to interview does a few things, some of which include ensuring you have the right time, the correct venue (for an in-person interview), confirming your availability, and also speaking to your professionalism. 

Tips to Accept an Invitation to Interview

Before writing the reply to an interview email, there are things you must know. In this section of this article, we’re going to discuss everything you need to know when accepting an invitation to interview. 

1. “Reply All” unless stated otherwise 

When the interview invitation comes via email, make sure to check if anyone else other than the hiring manager is copied in the email. If they are, ensure to choose the “Reply all”. This way, you ensure you don’t miss out on anybody. An exception to this rule is if you’re instructed to send in your acceptance to another email address. So, make sure to read the interview invitation thoroughly. 

2. Address the recipient by their name

Do not make the mistake of addressing your email to “Whomever it may concern,” Look at the name of the person that sent the interview invitation email and address your interview acceptance email to them. 

3. Clarify the platform or the venue. 

Most interviews now happen over video interview platforms. If a link isn’t attached to the interview email, make sure to request this in your email. If you have an in-person interview, also make sure to confirm the address. If you’re unsure how to get there, state this in your interview acceptance email as well. 

4. Choose Date

If you have been offered more than one date for the interview, choose the date that is most convenient for you. Do not hastily make this decision. In the event that you’re not offered options on the dates, you can propose another time.

When going for an interview, it is important that you’re prepared and comfortable with the time. Most candidates find it difficult to propose another time if the already stipulated one isn’t convenient for them. But this should be the case. If you do propose a different time, ensure it is not very far from the already proposed time. This means a day or two before or after the proposed time works fine. A week after does not. 

5. Ask any questions pertaining to the job or the interview. 

If you’re unsure of anything, ensure to ask questions in your email accepting the invitation. As long as your questions are related to the role you’re applying for and aren’t unreasonable, it’s okay to ask. 

6. Do your research.

Whenever you’re in an interview, one of the first questions you’re going to be asked is, “What do you know about…” This is an opportunity to score extra points with your potential employer, hence it is essential to do your due diligence. Do not walk into your interview unarmed. 

7. Ask the employer if there’s anything they expect you to come along with. 
   This is the most common in an in-person interview. They may expect you to bring some documents but may fail to mention this in the email. So, if there’re documents you’re likely to present in your interviews, ensure to ask them in your email accepting the invitation.

How to Write an Email Accepting Invitation to Interview

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you accept an invitation to interview. 

1. The Subject Line: The subject line is one of the most important aspects of your email. This tells the recipient what to expect before they even open the email. So, when writing subject lines, remember to be succinct and leave nothing out. A simple, “Interview Confirmation for Content Marketer – Jim”

If you’re simply replying to the email you were sent, then it is completely fine to ignore this part of the email. 

2. Address the email to the right recipient. 
3. The body: Your email should start with you expressing your gratitude. An example of this is, “Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the position of…” 
4. Confirm date and time: If this is not an online interview or you weren’t sent a calendar invite, it is important to confirm the date and time of the interview. 
5. Confirm the documents you’re to come with: If this is an in-person interview, you may be required to come with some documents such as copies of your CV, a means of identification, your SSN, etc. Ensure to inquire beforehand if you’re to submit any of these. 
6. Close your email: You should close your email with your contact information. If you don’t have a signature including all of this information, then you can include this in your email. Also, remember to express your enthusiasm as you close the email. An example of this is, “Looking forward to speaking with you and learning more about this opportunity.” 

Sample Email Accepting an Invitation to Interview

Subject: Interview Confirmation for Content Marketer - Jim Dear Mr. Samuel, Thank you very much for the opportunity to interview for the position of Content Marketer. I am interested in learning more about this opportunity and learning more about your company on Friday, the 17th of September at 9 AM.   I understand that our video conferencing platform is Zoom and the login details will be sent to me a day before the interview. If possible, I would like to know the names of the person I'll be speaking with and the duration of the interview.   If there's any information you need before the interview, please do not hesitate to let me know. Thank you for your time.   Best Regards, Jim Blessed 

Sample Email Accepting Invitation to Interview Two

Subject: Interview Confirmation for Graphics Designer - Jimmy  Dear Mr. Tunde,   I am writing this email to confirm my availability for the 24th of June, 2022. I am excited to interview for the position of graphics designer at Design Inc. I am looking forward to learning more about this position and about the company.   I am also confirming that this interview will take place in your head office located at 19 Lamp Avenue, Boston and the stipulated time is 10 AM. If any of this information is inaccurate, please let me know.   If there’s anything you’d like me to come with to the interview, kindly let me know beforehand. Thank you for your time and I look forward to chatting with you.   Best Regards, Jimmy Corden 

Sample Email Accepting Invitation to Interview – Propose Alternate Time

Subject: Interview Confirmation - Sharon Dear Mr. Simon,   Thank you for offering me the opportunity to interview for the position of account manager at XYZ Enterprise. I look forward to talking with you and learning more about this opportunity.   Due to prior work arrangements, I am unavailable at 9 AM on Monday, August 18. Would it be possible to reschedule to 9 AM on Tuesday, August 19? If this is possible, please let me know. If not, please let me know when next will be convenient.   I am looking forward to meeting with you.   Sincerely, Sharon Pearson 

Conclusion

Before responding to accept an interview, make sure the time works for you. Also, do not go into an interview unprepared. We’ve included a list of samples to help you write your interview acceptance emails. 

The post How to Write an Email to Accept an Invitation to Interview appeared first on Woculus.

Ayo Oyedotun is a professional blogger and freelance writer. He reads, writes and talks about business. You can follow him on Twitter @Ayo_Oyedotun[http://twitter.com/#!/Ayo_Oyedotun] or read Business Owners’ Bible[http://woculus.com/].