Learning Outcomes
In this lesson, you will learn to:
- Understand how to respond of a job interview
- Develop the ability to write a email using the present simple tense
- Write an email to respond a job application
1. How to respond to your job application
Getting a response from an employer is a highlight of the job search.
When an employer responds to your job application with an interview request, you want to get back to the quickly and with enthusiasm, if you get applied through Indeed, emails from employers will have the subject line "Response to application on Indeed." Be sure to check your email settings spam folders so you won't miss their messages,
2. Steps to respond an interview request
To respond to an interview request:
Follow the steps below:
- Start your email by thanking the hiring manager for their consideration.
- If you're interested in the position, provide your availability along with your phone number.
- If you are not interested, respond politely with a short explanatory message.
- Keep your tone professional and upbeat.
- Avoid emojis, emoticons and slang
- Proofread your messages types before you hit send
1. How to respond when an employer requests an interview
In this case you should send your response the same day. This shows enthusiasm for the role and respect for the employer's time.
Begin the interview confirmation email with a note of thanks. If possible, agree to the employer's suggested day and time. However, if you are currently working and your schedule is not flexible most employers will accommodate your situation. In the next slide, there is a sample email to consider if an employer contacts you requesting an interview.
Example:
Dear Ms. Alvi, Thank you for your consideration and the invitation to interview for the Sales role at A Company. I am available this Monday at 8:00 am, and I look forward to meeting with you to discuss this position in more detail.
Please let me know if I can provide any additional information prior to our meeting on Monday morning at your offices.
Sincerely,
Rama A.
Phone: (62) 821-1234
2. How to Respond if an employer asks yo to call to schedule an interview
Another type of email you might receive from an employer is a request to call the employer’s offices to schedule an interview. Even though the employer wants you to call, you could also consider sending a brief confirmation email.
Here’s an example:
Dear Ms. Melisa, T
Thank you for considering me for the Social Media Manager role at Z Company. Per your request, I will call you tomorrow morning to arrange for an interview.
I look forward to speaking with you. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information.
Sincerely,
Julia Jone
Phone: (021) 440-1234
3. How to respond if you an employer asks you to follow-up questions
Finally, an employer might email you with follow-up questions. These questions are essentially a preliminary interview, so respond with professionalism and detail:
When asked company-related questions:
Provide specific, detailed responses. research company information (including corporate blogs and social media channels), and adapt the language you find there into your own words.
When asked about your pay or salary requirements:
Employers ask this question because they want to know if your expectations are aligned with what they can offer. You have a few options when answering this question. One is to delay talking about pay until you know more about the job. An example response could be: “I’m looking for a competitive offer that includes benefits and other kinds of compensation. I’d like to know more about the specifics of what this job requires first.” Another option is to provide a range instead of one number. If you’re only interested in this job if it pays a specific amount, be honest. This can help you and the employer determine if this is a match early on.
When asked questions about your own career path:
Align information from your resume with the job description to make natural connections. Be sure that your enthusiasm for the position and the industry is apparent.
When asked about skills you don’t have Be truthful:
Instead, discuss transferable skills, proof of adaptability, ability to acquire new skills quickly, and a willingness to learn. In today’s job market, it’s rare that candidates have all the listed qualifications, so don’t be intimidated or discouraged. Instead, provide examples that show you can learn and grow as an employee. The following template provides sample opening and closing statements you can use when replying to an employer who asks follow-up questions in an email. This strategy can help move the process to the interview scheduling stage:
Example:
Dear Mr. Billy, Thank you so much for considering me for the Social Media Manager role at XYZ Company. I’ve outlined responses to your questions below.
[INSERT YOUR SPECIFIC ANSWERS]
I appreciate the opportunity to provide this additional information, and I look forward to speaking with you and members of your team soon.
Sincerely,
Rama A.
Phone: (512) 999-1234
4. How to respond if an employer asks you to email to shedule an interview
Employers sometimes request that you email another individual to schedule an interview. This will likely be someone you have not contacted in the job application process. In this case, you must write two emails: a reply to the employer’s email and another to the person arranging the interview. Again, it’s important to respond promptly to the employer and remain brief in your reply. In the second email, you’ll need to provide context for the reason you’re writing. Here are two templates to help you navigate both situations:
To the employer
Dear Ms. Alvi,
Thank you for considering me for the Education Manager role at XYZ School. Per your request, I will email Melisa to arrange for an interview. I look forward to speaking with you and additional members of your team.
Please let me know if I can provide any further information in the meantime.
Sincerely,
Rama A.
Phone: (555) 999-1234
To the person arranging the interview
Dear Ms. Melisa,
I received an email today from Alvi requesting that I contact you to schedule an interview for the Education Manager role at XYZ School. At your convenience, please let me know when you have openings in your schedule.
I am excited to learn more about the opportunities at XYZ School and look forward to discussing the role in greater detail.
Sincerely,
Rama A.
Phone: (555) 999-1234
