How to write a winning interview invitation email
Every candidate touch point matters in this day and age of reviews & employer branding. A good recruiting experience spans from the branding to the interview until the final onboarding process. However, with some employers giving little thought to interview etiquette, we decided to shed some light on what a good interview invitation email looks like.
- Salutations
Be formal throughout the communication but of course, use your company’s language and words that reflect your culture as well. Thank the candidate for taking the time to apply for this particular job in this particular company. We also recommend attaching the job description again or putting the link to the ad or full description at this stage.
2. Reiterate Interest
Every aspect of the interaction between you and the potential candidate should bring out the fact that you’re thankful that they’ve taken the time to apply to your company and even chosen you as an employer of choice. Speak a little about what you look forward to knowing more about the person. And reiterate how excited you are to meet them and learn more about them. This will go a long way in building up the candidate’s confidence before the big day. And the more confident they are, the easier it will be for you to get the necessary information you need from them.
3. Crucial Information
Remember to clearly state the date, day, and venue for the interview. As recruiters handling multiple positions at a go, it’s normal for you to mix things up so cross-check your details before clicking that send button. Directions should be well described for both the candidates using public transport and the ones driving. Tap into Google Maps for easier location descriptions as well.
4. Dive into the process
Where am I in the process? Am I in stage 1 or 4? What comes next? Paint a picture to the candidate about what to expect during the hiring process. Some companies even go as far as mentioning some questions that will be asked during the interview. Letting the team & candidates be aware of what’s to come as well makes it better for everyone to prepare ahead of time should they proceed.
5. What am I signing up for?
The hiring process usually leaves the candidate blinded to a lot. Be different by using this opportunity to shed some more light on what they can expect were they to be hired. You can put up a link to your YouTube video on culture or a day in the life. You can explain further how this role fits into the overall company's bottom line and structure. The more information they have, the better prepared they will be.
6. Questions?
For most recruiting processes, the interview is the first chance a candidate has to communicate with someone on the ‘inside’. You should thus provide avenues for clarifying questions or comments from the candidate. Can they respond to the email directly or can they contact you with a phone number?
7. Close
Sign off with the same positive energy and state how excited you are to meet the person and you wish them all the best. Finish off your communications with a formal company footer.
That’s some of our do’s and don’ts for the interview invitation email. Got any more tips? Comment below.
Still looking for more interview tips for recruiters? Check out https://medium.com/jobonics/time-to-brush-up-on-your-interview-etiquette-recruiters-guide-part-2-75fa31eecec3
