How to respond to an interview request (email examples)

Receiving an interview request is exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking if you are not sure how to reply. Whether you want to accept the invitation, ask for a different time, or decline politely, knowing how to respond to an interview request is an important step in the hiring process.

A well-written reply shows professionalism, enthusiasm, and good communication skills. It sets the tone for your relationship with the employer and helps confirm the practical details so the interview runs smoothly.

In this guide, we’ll explain why your response matters, how to write a clear and polite email, and provide email examples for different situations. You’ll also find common mistakes to avoid, quick tips to help you feel confident, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Why employers value a strong response

When a company reaches out to schedule an interview, they are investing time and interest in you as a potential employee. Your response is their first real glimpse of how you communicate professionally. A clear, timely and polite reply helps confirm that you are organised, reliable and genuinely interested in the role.

Responding well also shows that you pay attention to details and can handle professional correspondence, two soft skills that apply to nearly every job. In competitive roles, this small interaction could set you apart from other applicants who reply in a rushed or careless way.

How to respond to an interview request

Your response does not need to be long or overly formal, but it should be respectful, well-structured, and error-free.

Here are the five key steps to follow.

1. Check the details carefully

Before replying, read the interview request thoroughly. Check the proposed date, time, location (or video link), and whether you need to prepare anything. If anything is unclear or missing, you can ask politely for clarification in your reply.

2. Reply promptly and professionally

Aim to respond within 24 hours if possible. Even if you need time to check your calendar, a quick note to say “Thanks, I’ll confirm shortly” is better than waiting several days. Use a professional tone, and always address the hiring manager or recruiter by name if it’s been provided.

3. Use a clear subject line

Make it easy for the recipient to know what your email is about. For example:

• Interview Confirmation – [Your Name]
• Re: Interview for [Job Title] Avoid vague subject lines like “Hi” or “Replying to your message.”
   

4. Confirm or suggest a time

If the interview time works for you, confirm it clearly in writing. If it does not, politely ask if there is flexibility and suggest one or two alternatives that work for your schedule. Keep your message courteous and cooperative.

5. Proofread before sending

Spelling or grammar errors in your reply can undermine a positive first impression. Take a moment to read your email out loud or run it through a spelling tool. Check that your tone sounds polite and that your message is easy to understand.

Email examples for responding to an interview request

Below are sample emails you can use and adapt depending on your situation.

Example 1: Accepting the interview

Subject: Interview Confirmation – Alex Smith

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

Thank you for inviting me to interview for the [Job Title] position. I’m pleased to confirm that I will be available on [Date] at [Time], and I look forward to speaking with you then.

Please let me know if there’s anything specific I should prepare ahead of time.

Best regards, Alex Smith

Why it works: This email is short, polite, and confirms all the key details. It also opens the door to ask about next steps or preparation.

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Example 2: Asking to reschedule

Subject: Request to Reschedule Interview – Alex Smith

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

Thank you very much for the interview invitation. I’m excited about the opportunity to speak with you about the [Job Title] position. Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment at the proposed time on [Date].

Would it be possible to reschedule for [Alternative Date and Time] or [Second Option]? I’ll make myself available at your convenience and apologise for any inconvenience.

Best regards, Alex Smith

Why it works: The tone remains positive and flexible. It clearly communicates availability without sounding demanding.

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Example 3: Declining politely

Subject: Re: Interview Invitation – Alex Smith

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

Thank you for considering me for the [Job Title] role and for reaching out to schedule an interview. After careful thought, I’ve decided to withdraw my application as I have accepted another opportunity.

I truly appreciate your time and wish you and your team all the best in your hiring process.

Kind regards, Alex Smith

Why it works: This message closes the loop politely and keeps the relationship respectful. It leaves a positive impression, even if you're no longer interested.

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Example 4: Asking for more details

Subject: Re: Interview Details – Alex Smith

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

Thank you for your invitation to interview for the [Job Title] position. I’m happy to confirm my interest and availability for [Proposed Date and Time].

Could you please let me know whether the interview will take place in person or via video call? I’d also appreciate any details on the format or who I’ll be speaking with so I can prepare appropriately.

Looking forward to our conversation.

Best regards, Alex Smith

Why it works: This email confirms availability but also shows initiative and readiness to prepare thoroughly.

Common mistakes to avoid

Replying to an interview request might seem simple, but many candidates make small errors that can leave a poor impression. Here are a few things to avoid:

Waiting too long to reply

Taking several days to respond can make you seem disorganised or uninterested. Even a short message acknowledging the invitation is better than silence.

Being too casual

Avoid greetings like “Hey” or closing with “Cheers” unless you know the recruiter well. Keep your tone polite and semi-formal.

Forgetting to check the time zone

If the interview is remote and across time zones, confirm whether the time suggested is in your zone or theirs. Misunderstandings here are common and avoidable.

Using poor formatting or typos

Make sure your message is easy to read. Use full sentences, capital letters where appropriate, and a professional email signature if you have one.

Not asking questions when something is unclear

If you’re unsure about the format, location, or what to bring, it’s absolutely fine to ask. Just do it politely and briefly.

Final tips for replying with confidence

Replying to an interview invitation is one of those small but important professional skills that can set the tone for your entire application. While it may seem simple, the way you respond can have a lasting impact on how the employer views you as a candidate. A thoughtful, well-written reply shows that you’re organised, considerate and serious about the opportunity.

Here are some last tips to help you feel prepared and confident when writing your response:

Reply within one business day if possible

Timeliness shows that you are attentive and respectful of the employer’s schedule. If you are unable to confirm right away, it’s still a good idea to acknowledge the email promptly and let them know you’ll respond soon with full availability.

Use the same email thread

Keep the conversation easy to follow by clicking “Reply” instead of starting a new message. This helps maintain context and keeps everything in one place, especially if multiple people are copied in the email.

Keep your tone respectful and upbeat

Even if you're feeling nervous, aim to sound confident, polite, and positive. A warm tone creates a professional but friendly impression and can set the stage for a smooth interaction throughout the hiring process.

Confirm the correct role and company

If you’ve applied to more than one job, make sure you're replying to the correct opportunity. Double-check the job title, company name ,and interview details before you respond so there’s no confusion or miscommunication.

Always thank the person who invited you

A simple thank you goes a long way. It shows appreciation and professionalism, and it helps build rapport with the person arranging the interview.

If you follow these tips, you’ll start the interview process on the right foot and show that you’re someone who takes communication seriously. It’s a small moment, but one that speaks volumes about how you’ll work with others and represent yourself in a professional setting.