Successful candidate experience is a result of transparent and consistent communication. According to a Career Builder survey, 81 percent of candidates reported that continuous updates from employers would improve their experiences significantly.
Today, most recruiters use email templates to keep in touch with their candidates – especially those that the recruiters are interested in during the recruitment process. In this blog, Rakuna is going to share with you the top 20 most time-saving interview invitation email samples, along with email templates for other scheduling processes that every recruiter should have. Let’s get started!
5 Essential Crafting Tips for Interview Invitation Emails to Attract Top Talent
Want to start your email on the right foot? Creating an engaging and informative interview invitation email is crucial in grabbing the interest of your talent. Here are five essential tips to ensure your emails stand out and make a positive impression:
1. Use the Right Language, Tone, and Voice
- Maintain Consistency: Choose a consistent tone and language style that reflects your company’s culture. A conversational, welcoming tone helps candidates feel at ease and engaged.
- Assign Consistent Contacts: To avoid confusion, have specific team members handle different candidate groups throughout the process.
2. Craft Clear and Informative Emails
- Provide Key Details:
- What: Outline the main discussion topics and craft a subject line that clearly invites the candidate to interview with your company, (and don’t forget to include your company name.)
- Where: Share the interview location, including maps, directions, and public transport options for easy access.
- Who: Mention the names and roles of the interviewers so candidates know who they’ll be meeting.
- How: Clarify the interview format (e.g., video call, in-person) and any necessary links or location details.
- What to Bring: List any required materials, like work samples or ID, so candidates come prepared.
- Duration: Provide an estimated time for the interview to help candidates plan accordingly.
- Add Context: Briefly explain the purpose of reaching out and what the candidate can expect in the interview.
3. Respond Promptly
- Timely Follow-Ups: Prompt responses keep candidates engaged and prevent delays in the hiring process.
- Automated Updates: Use automated emails to inform candidates of their status and keep them connected with your team.
4. Proofread Carefully
Proofread your email to avoid errors. Accurate grammar and spelling reflect well on your company and help maintain a professional image.
5. Include the Job Description
Attach a link to the job description. This helps candidates recall the role and prepare thoroughly for the interview.
6. Personalize the Greeting and Content
While crafting the email, writers should reference their candidates’ specific applications or resumes, showing that they’re mindful of the talent’s unique backgrounds and skills.
7. Set Clear Next Steps
- Outline the Follow-Up Process: Let candidates know what happens after the interview (e.g., when they can expect to hear back and who will follow up with them).
- Prepare for Q&A: Encourage candidates to come with any questions they may have, reinforcing a sense of openness and communication.
8. Use a Mobile-Friendly Format
- Simplify Layouts and Links: Ensure your email format is compatible with mobile devices for candidates checking on the go. You can use URL-shortening apps to shorten links or embed them under a keyword.
- Use Short Paragraphs: Keep sentences and paragraphs short for easy reading on small screens.
Sourcing & Interview Invitation Email Template
Interview Invitation Email Sample: In-Person Interview
An in-person interview invite email provides candidates with essential details to ensure a smooth on-site interview experience. Key elements to include are the interview location, date, time, and any specific instructions, such as dress code or items to bring. This email should also offer contact information for assistance on the day of the interview, helping candidates feel prepared and welcomed.
Interview Invitation Email Sample: Video Call Interview
A video call interview invite email prepares candidates for their virtual interview by providing the necessary meeting link, date, and time. It’s helpful to include platform-specific details, such as download links or login instructions, along with any preparatory guidance, like recommended attire or topics of discussion.
Interview Invitation Email Sample: Digital Interview
A digital interview invite email is used to inform candidates about an upcoming interview format that typically involves responding to pre-recorded questions.
Interview Invitation Email Sample: Phone Interview
A phone interview invite email is sent to confirm the date and time for a phone interview, ensuring the candidate knows who will call and what to expect. Key details to include are the interview duration, topics that will be covered, and the phone number to expect the call from.
Interview Invitation Email Sample: Group Interview
Interview Invitation Email Sample: Panel Interview
Interview Invitation Email Sample: Past Talent Outreach
A past talent outreach interview invite email re-engages strong candidates from previous recruitment cycles who could be a great fit for new openings. This email highlights the new role and why the candidate’s past experience aligns well, inviting them to revisit the opportunity and re-enter the interview process.
Interview Invitation Email Sample: Second Round
Interview Invitation Email Sample: Final Round
Interview Invitation Email Sample: Referral Outreach
A successful referral program can help you save a lot of time while improving the quality of your hire – two critical recruitment metrics. You should encourage and incentivize employees for their recommendations and communicate with the candidates diligently and regularly.
Making the most out of your employee networks for recruitment can quickly expand your company’s talent pool. Plus, your employees likely know other people who can be your next best employees.
Interview Invitation Email Sample: Pre-screening Rejection
Pre-screening interviews are a great way to weed out those who aren’t fit before recruitment. Send a polite and thoughtful email when rejecting a candidate, even if you haven’t interacted for a long time.
Treating your applicants with respect and courtesy will make them perceive the experience with your organization as positive and share feedback on other platforms. Send the rejection emails immediately after deciding that the candidate(s) won’t be moving forward with the process. You don’t have to give a broad explanation as to why you rejected them.
Tips to Customize This Template
- Express Appreciation: Begin the email by expressing gratitude for the candidate’s interest in the position. Acknowledge their effort and time invested in the application process.
- Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer brief and constructive feedback on why the candidate was not selected for further consideration. Highlight areas where improvement could be made, focusing on skills or experiences relevant to the role.
- Maintain a Positive Tone: Keep the tone of the email positive and encouraging. Emphasize that the decision was difficult and the candidate possesses valuable skills, but other factors influenced the selection process.
- Encourage Future Applications: Invite the candidate to apply for future opportunities within the company. Mention that the recruitment landscape is dynamic, and their skills may align better with other roles in the future.
- Offer Best Wishes: Conclude the email by expressing your best wishes for the candidate’s continued success in their job search. Encourage them to persevere and emphasize that their skills and experiences are valuable.
Interview Invitation Email Sample: Confirmation
Sending an interview confirmation email helps candidates prepare for their interviews. In the email, you should include elements such as time and place, matters you’ll discuss, and anything a candidate needs to bring or prepare.
Tips to Customize This Template
- Clear Subject Line: Use a concise and clear subject line that includes the interview details. For example, “Interview Confirmation: [Job Title] Position – [Your Company].”
- Express Enthusiasm: Begin the email by expressing genuine excitement about the upcoming interview. Convey enthusiasm about the candidate’s potential contribution to the company.
- Provide Essential Details: Clearly outline the logistical details such as date, time, location (if in-person), or virtual meeting instructions. Include the names and positions of interviewers to help the candidate prepare.
- Encourage Preparation: Offer information about what the candidate can expect during the interview, such as the format (e.g., behavioral, technical) and any specific documents or materials they should bring.
- Offer Contact Information: Provide a point of contact for any questions or concerns. Include your contact details or the details of someone the candidate can contact for clarification.
Interview Invitation Email Sample: Reminder
You should send the interview invite reminder around 1 day before the actual interview. It should be short and friendly. Highlight essential information about the interview.
Interview Invitation Email Sample: Cancelation & Reschedule
When unforeseen circumstances require a rescheduling, sending a polite and clear interview reschedule email helps maintain a positive candidate experience. This email should include an apology for the change, offer alternative dates and times, and allow the candidate to suggest their availability if needed. The goal is to ensure smooth communication and flexibility for both parties involved.
Interview Invitation Email Sample: Request for Work Samples
Before the interview, you may need to review the candidate’s work samples and even ask them for a unique assignment.
Tips to Customize This Template
- Clear Introduction: Begin the email with a clear introduction, expressing appreciation for the candidate’s interest in the position. Briefly mention the upcoming interview and the purpose of the work sample.
- Explain the Purpose: Clearly explain the reason for requesting a work sample. Highlight that it’s an opportunity for the candidate to showcase their skills and provide additional insights into their abilities relevant to the role.
- Set Expectations: Clearly outline the expectations regarding the work sample’s format, scope, and submission deadline. Provide any specific instructions or guidelines to ensure the candidate understands what is required.
- Emphasize Confidentiality: Reassure the candidate that the work sample will be treated confidentially and used solely for the hiring process. Address any concerns they may have about sharing their work.
- Express Gratitude: Conclude the email by expressing gratitude for the candidate’s cooperation and enthusiasm. Reiterate your excitement about the upcoming interview and mention that you are looking forward to reviewing their work sample.
Positive Interview
There’s nothing as disheartening to a candidate as silence after an interview. After a good interview, sending a positive follow-up message is always an excellent idea to maintain momentum and keep them interested.
Tips to Customize This Template
- Express Appreciation: Begin your follow-up message by expressing sincere gratitude for the candidate’s time and participation in the interview. Acknowledge their effort and reiterate your appreciation for their interest in the position.
- Highlight Positive Aspects: Mention specific positive aspects of the interview. Highlight any particularly strong responses or moments that stood out. This not only shows your attentiveness but also reinforces the candidate’s confidence in their performance.
- Reiterate Interest: Clearly communicate the continued interest in the candidate. Let them know that you are excited about the possibility of working together and that their skills and experiences align well with the requirements of the role.
- Set Expectations for Next Steps: Provide information on the next steps in the hiring process. If there’s a specific timeline for decisions, mention it. This helps manage expectations and keeps the candidate informed about what to expect in the coming days or weeks.
- Open the Door for Questions: Encourage the candidate to reach out if they have any questions or need further clarification. This open communication reinforces a positive candidate experience and demonstrates your commitment to transparency.
OK Interview
This email is sent to a candidate who doesn’t perform well during the interview, but you aren’t ready to let him/her go.
Tips to Customize This Template
- Highlight Positive Aspects: Begin the email by acknowledging the candidate’s positive qualities or aspects of their performance during the interview. Mention specific strengths or skills that stood out, even if the overall performance was not perfect.
- Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer constructive feedback on areas where the candidate can improve. Be specific and focus on behaviors or skills that are crucial for the role. Frame the feedback in a way that is supportive and encourages growth.
- Express Continued Interest: Clearly communicate that despite the challenges in the interview, you see potential in the candidate and are interested in exploring how they can contribute to the team. Reinforce your commitment to their development within the company.
- Suggest Additional Steps: Propose additional steps or actions that the candidate can take to demonstrate their abilities or improve specific skills. This could include providing examples of relevant projects or offering resources for further learning.
- Open a Dialogue: Encourage the candidate to share their thoughts and feelings about the interview. Create an open and honest dialogue, allowing them to express any concerns or ask questions. This fosters a collaborative and transparent communication channel.
Rejection
If a candidate has taken his/her time to sit down for an interview, it’s always good to send a rejection letter when you decide not to move forward with him/her. They might not be the best fit at the moment; however, you need to stay in their good graces.
Job Offer
The job offer is the last piece of information a candidate receives before they decide on whether to accept or reject your offer. You need to infuse the email with positive energy.
Conclusion
These interview invitation email samples can save recruiters a lot of time and energy. Because recruiters have to communicate with many candidates regularly, they should always remember to personalize their interview invitation emails to keep their candidates feeling respected.