6 Email Templates for Responding to Interview Invitations

At some point in your job search, you’re going to be contacted for an interview. That’s great news! Interviewing is an important part of the process, and it’s where you can show the hiring manager why you’d be a great fit for the company. However, responding to the request for an interview isn’t always a simple yes or no answer. Sometimes you need to reschedule, or you’d like more information before you interview, or maybe something came up and you missed the interview after accepting.

Regardless of your answer, the important thing is to communicate your decision in a timely manner. Below are six interview email templates to help you respond in a variety of situations.

How to Accept an Interview Request by Email

Congratulations! You’ve been invited to interview and are ready to move forward in the next step of the hiring process. If you are planning on accepting the interview request, you’ll want to reply quickly and enthusiastically, ideally the same day as you receive the invitation. Begin your reply by thanking the hiring manager for the opportunity. Then you can either accept the time they suggest if it fits in your schedule, or offer alternative times for when you’ll be available.

Use this email template for accepting a job interview:

How to Ask for More Information Before Accepting an Interview

In some cases, you may be interested in accepting the interview request, but you have just a few questions about the position before fully committing. In this case, make sure you thank the hiring manager and note your interest in accepting up front, and then move on to asking your questions. You can end your email by thanking them again and reiterating your interest in the position. Here is a template you can use with some example questions:

How to Decline an Interview Request by Email

While being asked to interview can be an exciting development in your job search, there may be some cases where you aren’t interested in moving forward with that position. Maybe you received an offer at another company already, you were contacted by a recruiter, or you didn’t like the answers to your questions in your previous email asking for more information. The important thing to keep in mind when determining how to decline an interview request is to reply quickly and courteously to the hiring manager. If for some reason you change your mind, you don't want to have burned any bridges or "ghosted" them completely.

You can use this email template to decline an interview request:

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Reaching Out to the Employer to Reschedule the Interview

If you’ve already accepted the interview, but something comes up and you need to reschedule, don’t fret. Usually hiring managers know life can be unpredictable and are willing to accommodate changes. Be sure to send your email as soon as possible, though; don’t wait until the last minute to reschedule. You don’t need to go into much detail about why you need to reschedule if it’s personal, but a brief explanation will help the hiring manager understand. Express your regret at having to change the time and give them several options for when you’ll be available.

How to Cancel a Scheduled Interview

Canceling an already scheduled interview can sometimes be stressful or awkward, but if you keep a polite, professional tone and express your regret, you won’t damage the relationship. Like with all responses to an interview request, make sure you notify the hiring manager as soon as possible about your decision. It will make for a smoother experience and you’ll leave on more favorable terms. You can be brief in your cancellation email, but giving a reason for why you are deciding to cancel is common.

Contacting the Employer if You Missed the Interview

In the case of a missed interview, contacting the employer right away is crucial. The longer you wait, the less likely they are to be forgiving and offer a second chance. Apologize, first and foremost, and then give as full an explanation as you’re willing to share (if you’re still interested in the position, a simple “personal reasons” may not cut it), then give several options for when you’re available next. As long as you’re prompt with your reply and remain professional, there’s a good chance the employer will be willing to reschedule. (If you’re running late to an interview, we’ve got you covered, too.)

Use this email template for contacting an employer after missing an interview:

If you’re looking for how to respond to an interview request, these email templates are a great resource. As long as you respond in a timely manner and remain professional, most hiring managers will understand when something unexpected pops up and they’ll be willing to reschedule.

Be sure to save these email templates for the next time you’re asked to interview and check out our other interviewing tips and tricks on our Career Advice Resource Center.