How to Reschedule an Interview

You finally landed an interview after weeks of job hunting.  Maybe this is for your dream job. But life happens, and for any number of legitimate reasons, you could suddenly find yourself unable to make the interview and need to reschedule.

How do you do that without ruining your chances of getting the job?

WHEN TO RESCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW

Before discussing how to reschedule an interview gracefully, let us start by discussing when to reschedule an interview.

It should come as no surprise that the best time to reschedule a job interview is as soon as you know you will not be able to make the set date and time.  If you can, do everything to avoid a short-notice cancellation or change.

How to reschedule an interview last minute

Sometimes you may find yourself in a last-minute emergency that requires a last-minute effort to reschedule.  It is not ideal, but also not unheard of.

The steps on how to ask to reschedule an interview last minute are largely the same as those discussed below for a regular rescheduling.  The major difference is that you should probably call, and your emergency will need to be more exigent.

How to cancel an interview because you got a job

Congratulations on the job.

Simple professional courtesy encourages job seekers to let an interviewer know that they received a job offer and decided to go elsewhere.  There is no point wasting either of your time on a job you will not take.

HOW TO ASK TO RESCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW

There are several important considerations when rescheduling an interview.

First, make sure you provide your legitimate reason for cancellation. These often include a health concern or family emergency.

Second, contact the person with whom you set up the interview. Sometimes this is direct with a supervisor, hiring manager, or recruiter, other times it may be with an office assistant or personal secretary.

Third, be sure to communicate your ongoing interest in an interview and propose several alternative dates and times for as soon as possible.

How to reschedule an interview email example

If to date you have been emailing a hiring manager or recruiter to set up your interview time, you can certainly provide notice of your conflict by email.

Here is an example you can use if you need to reschedule your job interview:

Hi [name of employer/interviewer/assistant],

I am reaching out regarding the interview I have scheduled for [date and time] at [interview location] regarding the open [job title] position.

[Brief explanation of why you are asking to reschedule, such as family emergency or personal health concerns].

I am still very interested in this position and am hoping we could reschedule for [new date and time]? Please let me know if that works for you or if you would prefer another date or time. I am also available [other dates that you're available].

I know the time constraints you face, and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. I appreciate your understanding in advance.

[Your name]

How to reschedule an interview phone example

Sometimes a phone call may be more appropriate.  Here is a phone script that may be helpful should you need to call and reschedule:

Hi [name of employer/interviewer/assistant],

I am calling to discuss my upcoming interview for the [job title] position we scheduled for [date and time] at [interview location].

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I was hoping we could reschedule.

[Brief explanation of why you are asking to reschedule, such as family emergency or personal health concerns].

I am still very interested and was hoping we could reschedule for [new date and time]. I am also available [other dates you are available].

I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. What works best for you?

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