How should I reply to an e-mail offer for a college interview?

Question

The e-mail was sent to me by the college's alumni. He wants to set up an interview to talk about his experience, and to answer questions I might have. What is the proper way to respond to the e-mail? Also, should I set up the date?

Answer 1

I am also an alumna interviewer of students who wish to attend my alma mater. When I email these prospective students to set up interviews, I expect them to reply in a professional manner.

In my initial email, I provide times and dates that I will be available. Your interviewer should have done the same. But since it appears he did not, you should definitely make suggestions for dates and times that you are available.

Here's a good sample reply email:

Dear Mr. Zzzzzzzz,

Thank you for your email. I would indeed be interested in an interview with an alumnus of Nnnnnn University. Since I am currently in school, my availability is limited to some evenings and weekends.

May I suggest a Wednesday evening in the month of February at 7:00 p.m.? Please let me know if this would be convenient for you. Also, I would be grateful if you would provide directions to your office, where you indicated we would be meeting. Suggestions for nearby parking would also be appreciated.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,
Prospective Student

Oh, and just a note on proper usage, in case you use this word in your communication:
alumnus = masculine singular. Your interviewer is an alumnus.
alumna = feminine singular. Someday you will be an alumna.
alumni = masculine plural, also used to describe a group of both men and women. The university has an Alumni Association.
alumnae = feminine plural, includes only women. Wellesley College has an Alumnae Association.

Good luck to you!

Answer 2

I would be extremely cautious - do you know this person? How did they get your e-mail? Contact the college and make sure it is legit before even thinking about meeting with this person if you don't already know them.

If a meeting is set up - you do it and make it in a public place - say a library or a casual restaurant type setting where you can also have someone to keep an eye out for you, including the trip to/from your car after.

Seriously, you can't be too careful and you are far better off safe than sorry.

Answer 3

You should really send your resume anyway. Your really good and I think you have real talent. Alot of places have positions that are not posted in the want ads. I would consider interviewing a random person because maybe that person could boost business. Maybe that person is a better fit than a person on my staff. I think the fact that you have no formal training is a real plus. You have a natural talent which in some cases is much better. If they don' t have any openings you should ask is they can let you volunteer. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

I think you must set it out formally as a letter even if you sen it by email as it would show how much you want the place...and you should ask him what date is the most convenient for him... then he'll be extra sure he chose the right person!!
hope this helps :)

Answer 5

Reply with an e-mail . State whether you're interested in it or not. I'd offer times that were acceptable to me to make it happen, or I'd offer that to them. (really a personal preference kind of thing)