Questions to Ask When Confirming an Interview (2024)

Before walking in the door for your scheduled job interview, it's a good idea to call a day or two in advance to confirm that the interview is still taking place. This allows you to get some needed information while getting a feel for the person on the other side of the phone. Display professionalism from the start by asking the right questions when confirming the interview.

Confirming an Interview

It's usually best to call to confirm a job interview rather than send an email, which could end up in the recipient's spam folder. When you call, you can ask questions and receive immediate replies. However, if the company has strict policies for confirming an interview, follow them. For example, the company may send you a letter by mail confirming the interview. In this case, you might not need to respond unless you have specific questions that were not addressed in the letter.

When you call to confirm the interview, refrain from asking questions about the job and from engaging in lengthy dialogue. Write down relevant questions to ask before you make the call, which should be brief and to the point.

Asking for the Interview Venue

Here are some questions to ask when confirming an interview. Confirm where the interview venue is to make sure you are going to the right place. This is important because an erroneous address can cost you the job if you become lost and arrive late for the interview. Repeat the address after you receive it to ensure accuracy.

Example:

I'd like to confirm the address our interview is being held at. Can you please verify the address and room number?

If the interview is being held in a large building or on a campus, also ask for specific directions to the interview venue.

Example:

You mentioned the interview is taking place in conference room one. What's the easiest way to get there from the entrance of the building?

Confirming the Interview Time

Confirm the time of the interview. Nothing makes a poor impression like showing up an hour after your scheduled interview because you had the time wrong.

Example:

Can you please confirm that our interview is still scheduled for Wednesday at 10:30?

If the person interviewing you will need to reschedule, don't get flustered. Simply ask when is a good time to reschedule.

Example:

I'm sorry to hear that day and time no longer work for you. Can we reschedule for the following day at the same time?

I understand you need to reschedule. Can you let me know another day and time that work for you?

How to Ask Who Will be Interviewing You

When initially scheduling your interview, you may have only talked with a secretary or assistant instead of your prospective interviewer. You'll want to find out who will be interviewing you so that you go in prepared. Ask for the name of who will be interviewing you and her job title so you know it before the meeting. This is especially important if more than one person will interview you at individual times or if a panel interview is conducted. Write down the names and title of each prospective interviewer.

Example:

I am interested in finding out who will be interviewing me. Can you please let me know their names and job titles?

Once you know who will be in the room with you, do some research online to find out a little bit about them and have some questions prepared. It helps break the ice and may make you feel a little more comfortable.

Items to Bring

Ask if there are specific items that you should bring to the interview. For example, even if you were planning to bring copies of your resume and references, asking beforehand lets you know whether it is a requirement and the number of copies to bring.

Example:

Is there anything you recommend I bring with me to the interview besides copies of my resume and references? How many copies of my resume should I bring?

General Suggestions

Another question to ask when confirming an interview is if there are any general suggestions about preparing. Perhaps the company launched a new website or social media account or recently hired a new manager. Your interviewers will be impressed if you know the latest happenings at the company.

Example:

Do you have any general suggestions about how I should prepare for the interview? Is there anything new going on at the company that I should know about?

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