How to Accept a Job Interview

Finding the right job for your skills and interests can be an involved process. Typically, the process will begin with accepting a job interview, which can be done in several different ways.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Prepare for the Call

1. Budget at least 15 minutes to accept a job interview. Whether you are accepting the incoming call or returning a potential employer's call, you will want to conduct the call when you don't sound rushed or distracted. The call will likely only take a few minutes, but you want to leave a buffer of time in case your interviewer is chatty.

2. Keep pencil and paper close to the phone. You will need to take notes on the exact time, location and other details about your upcoming job interview.

3. Check your email or mailbox for job interview offers, as well. Some companies prefer these means as ways to communicate with job applicants.

Accept the Job Interview

4. Return the offer the same way you received it. For instance, if you were contacted by phone, call the employer back at the same number and speak to the same person when possible. If you were contacted by email, respond electronically.

5. Accept the job interview with kindness and brevity. Thank the employer for the opportunity and stay on the phone only long enough to gather all the information you need for the interview. This will show that you value his/her time.

6. Call to confirm the day before if you are offered an interview several days prior to the actual interview date. If you are offered the interview on short notice, there is no need to confirm.

Attend the Job Interview

7. Attend your interview in the appropriate attire for the workplace. Based on the requirements of the job, this could range from formal attire to business casual (slacks, button-down shirt, polo shirt) to blue jeans and a T-shirt.

8. Thank the employer for the opportunity to interview with him or her and be sure to follow up with a thank-you call, email or hand-written note within three days.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're offered a job interview at a Fortune 500 business, check out Internet sites for interview tips and information on employee job satisfaction. You can often find company rankings online from financial Web sites like Forbes Magazine (see Resources below).
• Online job search sites often provide helpful tips on job acceptance etiquette, as well.
• Remember that there is no need to answer questions about your race, marital status, sexual orientation, age or religion in an interview. These questions are prohibited by Federal law in the United States.

[AbbyNormal]

on 2/4/2009 Great article.