How to Confirm a Scheduled Job Interview

Confirming a scheduled job interview involves more than simply picking up the phone and calling. Since you are dealing directly with the company that may become your future place of work, there are some rules of etiquette that should be followed. Knowing what to say and what is off limits can make a big difference on how your first face-to-face interview goes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Use the phone to confirm a scheduled job interview. Email can be unreliable (it can get caught in the spam filter or go unanswered if the office is too busy) and a fax is too intrusive. A quick phone call is simpler for both sides and much more professional.

2. Be polite. While this may seem obvious, you'd be surprised how many people forget to say good morning and please. Let the person on the phone know you would appreciate it if she could confirm your appointment, and then thank her for her time. Chances are she will let her boss know you called and how well (or not) you expressed yourself on the phone.

3. Keep the conversation short. This is not the time to ask questions about the job or to get into a lengthy conversation. It's fine to ask for a confirmation of the address, but avoid asking for directions, what bus to take or how bad the parking is in the area. These are things you need to research on your own.

4. Talk to the secretary. If you have both a private and a company number, use the company one. Not only does it sound more professional, but you certainly don't want to have your first conversation with a prospective employer over the phone.

5. Call a day in advance, near the end of the business day. If something unexpected comes up, it will likely be known by this time. Don't call 3 days in advance (too early to know) or the same day, as it makes you appear disorganized.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't call more than once. If you have reason to believe that the interview may be canceled, let the secretary know that you are willing to reschedule, and then remind her of your phone number.
• Always arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled job interview. Arriving too early gives the impression of being too eager, and arriving late almost guarantees that you won't get the job.

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