Reaching out to an interviewer before an upcoming job interview can be a strategic move. Done correctly, it can help you make a positive impression and gather intel to ace the interview. However, reaching out prematurely or improperly can backfire. Here is a quick guide to help you decide if and when you should reach out to an interviewer ahead of time.
The potential benefits of reaching out
Here are some of the potential upsides of contacting your interviewer before the scheduled meeting:
- Shows initiative and interest in the role
- Allows you to establish rapport and make a connection
- Presents an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the role, company, interview format, etc.
- Lets you share helpful context about your background and experience
- Helps ensure you have the interviewer’s correct contact info
- Allows you to troubleshoot any interview logistics issues ahead of time
Making this effort demonstrates that you are eager about the opportunity and want to put your best foot forward. It can help nurture the relationship with the interviewer and provide insights to help you craft strong, tailored responses. When done thoughtfully, it can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
Potential risks and downsides
However, reaching out prematurely or inappropriately also carries some risks, such as:
- Catching the interviewer off guard or seeming overly aggressive
- Coming across as presumptuous about your chances of getting the job
- Asking questions that are already answered in information you’ve been provided
- Seeming desperate or lacking confidence
- Forgetting important details from the earlier conversations and correspondence
- Providing incorrect information or misunderstanding the role
You want to avoid pestering the interviewer or leaving a negative first impression. An ill-advised outreach attempt could hurt your chances rather than help.
Best practices for reaching out
If you decide to reach out prior to an interview, here are some best practices:
- Wait until 1-3 days before the interview to make contact
- Double check you have the correct contact info for the interviewer
- Keep your message concise and focused; no more than 3-5 sentences
- Mention looking forward to the conversation and your interest in the role
- If asking a question, choose just one or two thoughtful, relevant ones
- Use a professional tone; proper grammar and punctuation
- Thank them for their time and the chance to interview
- Follow-up with a call or email if you haven’t received a response within 24 hours
This type of focused, polite outreach shows you are organized, interested, and want to have a productive interview. Avoid asking anything already covered in provided resources and be mindful of the interviewer’s busy schedule.
Email template
Here is a template you can use as a starting point for a pre-interview email outreach:
Dear [Interviewer Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing regarding our upcoming interview on [date] at [time]. I’m looking forward to our conversation and learning more about the [role name] position with [company name].
I wanted to touch base to confirm I have the correct date, time, and contact information for our interview. Please let me know if any changes need to be made to our plans.
[Optional: You can include 1 relevant question here about the role, company, interview format, or next steps in the hiring process.]
Thank you again for arranging this interview. I’m excited about the potential opportunity and appreciate your time. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide before we speak. I look forward to meeting with you soon.
Best regards,
[Your name]
This provides a template you can tailor and adapt as needed. Be sure to check for any updates from the employer and confirm you have the interviewer’s proper title and contact information.
When you should not reach out
There are also some scenarios where it is better not to reach out, such as:
- If an interview time is simply provided without interviewer contact details
- For brief preliminary phone screenings or video interviews
- After already communicating interview details back and forth
- If the employer has policies discouraging or prohibiting it
- If you have already connected extensively with the interviewer
In these cases, the pre-interview outreach may come across as excessive or unwanted. Use good judgment based on the situation.
What to include – and what to avoid
Here are some dos and don’ts for what to include if you decide to reach out:
Do: | Don’t: |
---|---|
Confirm interview time and contact info | Ask basic questions answered on company website |
Express your interest and enthusiasm | Include lengthy life story or irrelevant details |
Provide 1-2 relevant facts about your background | Make overly strong presumptions or assumptions |
Ask insightful questions about the role | Inquire about salary, benefits, or personal details |
Keep communication brief and professional | Use overly casual language or tone |
Mention looking forward to meeting in person | Over-message without clear purpose |
The key is to come across as organized, interested, and thoughtful without badgering the interviewer or providing irrelevant information.
Following up after the interview
In most cases, a post-interview follow up is also recommended where you:
- Thank the interviewer(s) for their time
- Reiterate your interest in the position
- Mention or re-state key qualifications
- Provide any requested follow-up items
- Inquire tactfully about expected next steps and timeline
A polite, concise follow-up call or email allows you to close the loop and stay top of mind as a dedicated candidate. It also shows you have strong communication skills.
Conclusion
Reaching out thoughtfully before an interview can make a positive impression and help you prepare. However, you need to carefully consider the context and exercise good judgment. While it demonstrates initiative, doing too much, too soon can feel pushy or presumptuous.
Keep any pre-interview messages brief, focused, and professional. Time it appropriately and have a specific purpose in mind. Confirm details, express interest, and ask one or two relevant questions at most. Then use the intel to have an informed, strategic discussion. Follow up politely afterward and continue nurturing the relationship. Done right, this outreach can strengthen your candidacy and help land the job.
Here are some key takeaways on whether and how to reach out before an interview:
- Contacting the interviewer demonstrates initiative and interest
- Focus on confirming details and asking 1-2 thoughtful questions
- Keep the tone polite, professional and to-the-point
- Time the outreach for 1-3 days prior and follow-up promptly
- Avoid asking irrelevant questions or providing excess information
- Use discretion and don’t reach out if the context dictates otherwise
- Follow up after the interview to thank them and reiterate your interest
With the right strategy, pre-interview outreach can strengthen your candidacy and help you ace the interview. But pursue this approach carefully and deliberately, always putting your best foot forward.