You really want to go for the job interview, but sometimes circumstances can arise, which require you to reschedule an important job interview.

But how to reschedule an interview gracefully and professionally?

Many candidates struggle to answer this question.

Here we have some tips on how to ask for reschedule job interview.

After this, we will give you a few examples to reschedule interviews via email and phone with a phone script.

Let’s Dive In!

How To Ask To Reschedule An Interview?

When rescheduling an interview, you’ll need to explain why you need to reschedule. This means, your reason(s) to reschedule the interview have to be relatable and logical. Be truthful and sincere during your conversation.

Regardless the reason(s), it will be your responsibility to inform your interviewer to reschedule the interview as soon as possible.

Here are some tips you’ll need to know when asking to reschedule an interview.

1. Inform Early

Inform early about your unavailability for the interview determines your success on getting that rescheduling an interview.

Your recruiter has to spend lots of effort in helping you to arrange the time for your interview. Informing them at the last minute that you cannot make it for the interview will cause your interviewer and recruiter inconvenience. This will lead them to give a bad impression of you. Which is bad if you want to reschedule an interview.

What you should do?

Once you are sure you won’t be able to come for the interview. Give your recruiter and interviewer a heads-up.

This allows the interviewer to make plans for the time that he/she has initially reserved for you. Your early notice will also give them an opportunity to pick a suitable date and time for your rescheduled interview.

2. Share Your Reason

Tell your recruiter and interviewer the reason why you are not able to make it for the all-important interview.

Remember to communicate properly and clearly on the reason, but not overshare.

Like you, your recruiter and interviewers are human, usually, they will understand your situation, as long as the reason you give is valid and genuine.

Valid or good reasons to reschedule a job interview

  • You are not feeling well.
  • You met with an accident.
  • You have a family emergency.
  • You are experiencing a transportation issue.
  • You have an important job obligation at your workplace.

Invalid or bad reasons to reschedule a job interview

  • You forgot.
  • You overslept.
  • You are drunk.
  • You are not prepared.
  • You have another interview.
  • You couldn’t find a last-minute babysitter.
  • You don’t know if you really wanted the job.
  • Your dog ate your resume.

With a valid reason and explaining the situation to the recruiter clearly. The recruiter will have a higher probability of helping you to reschedule the interview willingly.

What you should do?

Here are some steps when proving the reason for not being able to come for the scheduled interview.

  1. Provide a valid reason why are you not able to make it for the scheduled interview.
  2. Apologize for the inconvenience caused to the recruiter and interviewer.
  3. Express gratitude and emphasize how much looked forward to discussing the opportunity in detail during the interview.

This will eventually help you to get to your eventual goal of having the opportunity of rescheduling your interview.

3. Suggest a Date for the Interview

Suggest a date on when will you be available, but be as flexible as possible with this.

Why?

  1. Firstly, suggesting a date for the rescheduled interview shows that you are genuinely passionate about this job opportunity. 
  2. More importantly, it opens a window of opportunity for that second chance to come for the interview, instead of the recruiter canceling the interview completely.

When giving a suggestion on which day you will be available to come for the rescheduled interview, here are some things to take note of:

  • Try to reschedule for the earliest date when you will be free
  • Accommodate their schedule
  • Be polite and respectful

What you should do?

Never be too demanding on which dates you are available for your interview. If your recruiter agrees to give you a second chance to come for the interview, thank them and try your best to accommodate their schedule.

Be respectful, and show gratitude that they are willing to give you a second chance for the interview.

Even if they think a rescheduling of the interview is not possible, thank them for the opportunity. And apologize for the trouble. You will never know when you will be applying to that company again, or the same recruiter will be handling your application again.

Do not burn bridges

If handled correctly, your recruiter might even give you a call when a similar opportunity arises again in the future.

Recommendations: Dos and Don’ts when sneaking out for Job Interviews.

How to Reschedule an Interview

Rescheduling an interview can be done in primary 2 ways; reschedule the interview with a professionally written email, or reschedule the interview through a phone call.

If you are unable to come for the scheduled interview due to an unexpected event, letting your interviewer know early will give you the best chance of successfully rescheduling a meeting with your potential employer. Knowing how to write a confirmation email is essential.

  • Provide a valid and good reason why you need to reschedule.
  • Always let the interviewer know what time would work better for you.
  • Reschedule early to avoid causing too much inconvenience for your interviewer.

Here are a few great templates and examples you can use to help you to reschedule an interview with your potential employer and have a high success rate in getting a second chance for the interview.

When to Reschedule the Interview by Email?

Rescheduling an interview by email is useful if your interview if the company you are interviewing has an HR department where there is a systematic process for processing email requests. Often big companies will prefer communications to be performed by email, including rescheduling interviews.

Simply craft a professional email when you are making the request. Following up on the email you’ve sent for the rescheduling request is also an important part of the process.

Reschedule Interview Email Template

Dear [Name of interviewer],

I am really looking forward to having an opportunity to discuss the role of [job title] with you. But please accept my sincere apologies for not being able to attend the interview scheduled on [date] at [time].

Unfortunately, I [explain your reason clearly in a few sentences].

May I request to reschedule the interview for a later date? I am available [provide 3-5 dates and time you will be available over the next 1 to 2 weeks].

I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. I am really thrilled about this rare opportunity and I hope I will be able to reschedule this interview at a time that is also convenient for you.

Thank you for your kind understanding.

PS. Feel free to give me a call if you require any information.

Kind regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Phone Number]

Reschedule Interview Email Due to Family Emergency (Example)

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am really looking forward to having an opportunity to discuss the role of Marketing Manager with you. But please accept my sincere apologies for not being able to attend the interview scheduled on 01 Dec at 11.30 am.

Unfortunately, a family emergency came up, and it is something that needs to be dealt with right away.

Can I recommend rescheduling our interview to:

  • 07 Dec
  • 08 Dec
  • 09 Dec

I hope I will be able to reschedule this interview at a time that is also convenient for you.

I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. I am really thrilled about this rare opportunity.

Thank you for your kind understanding.

Kind regards,

Sarah Johannsson

+1-123-123-1234

Reschedule Interview Email Due to Illness or Sickness (Example)

Dear Sally,

I am really looking forward to having an opportunity to discuss the role of Software Engineer with you.

But I am feeling not well, and I would like to avoid bringing my cold or flu to attend the upcoming interview with you at 10.00 a.m. today.

Will it be possible to reschedule for a later date when I might be feeling better?

Can I suggest rescheduling the interview to one of these dates:

  • 10 Feb
  • 11 Feb
  • 12 Feb

Thanks for understanding and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.

PS. Feel free to give me a call on which date will work for you.

Regards,

Maria Smith

+1-123-123-1234

Rescheduling an Interview Last Minute (Example)

Dear John Smith,

I sincerely apologize to do this at the last minute, and I recognize that this will inconvenience your team heavily. Furthermore, my following request can have a big impact on how the team precisive my professionalism, but I would need to reschedule our interview for the role of Senior Accountant today at 1.30 p.m.

There are a few things that I’ll need to address urgently due to issues that arise at my current work.

May I suggest rescheduling our interview to one of these dates:

  • 10 Jun
  • 11 Jun
  • 12 Jun

Thanks for understanding and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Regards,

Simon Cordova

+1-123-123-1234

When to Reschedule Interview Through Phone?

Rescheduling an interview by phone is often the best option if you are not able to attend the interview at the last minute.

Giving a call to the company you are going for an interview with is always a better option than sending a simple text, as your interviewer may not have the time to check the email you’ve sent and will be waiting for your arrival for the interview.

Rescheduling an interview through a call will help you easily set a new time for the next interview, and give your potential employer a feeling that you are sincere about the interview itself.

Reschedule Interview Phone Script Example

Hi [Name of interviewer],

I wanted to give you a quick call to discuss our upcoming interview for the [job title] position that we had arranged for [date] at [time] at [interview location].

As [short and brief explanation on the reason why you need to reschedule without oversharing]. Thus, I may need to request to reschedule the interview. 

Is it possible that we can reschedule to [date] at [time]?

I am also available on [other dates that you are available, be flexible with this].

I sincerely apologize for all the inconvenience caused.

May I know, what works best for you?

What is The Best Way to Reschedule an Interview

The best way to reschedule an interview that you have at least 1 week from the date of the interview is by sending an email. If you are rescheduling an interview at the last minute, it is better to reschedule the interview over the phone instead.

Common ways to reschedule an interview

  • Reschedule the interview by email
  • Reschedule the interview by phone

Both ways to reschedule an interview are viable options.

Whether you choose to email or call your potential employer to reschedule your job interview, you’ll need to take note of your employer’s response.

In a conversation, it goes two ways.

The way they respond to your request and how you respond to their reply will determine if you will get that second chance in the interview.

If you are sending an email, it is always good to respond to their reply as quickly as possible. It will show that you are enthusiastic about this job opportunity.

If you are giving the call, it is always good to respond respectfully and politely no matter the outcome.

Show confident and be genuine when negotiation for the rescheduling of interview.

But if your request for rescheduling is rejected, you should know how to respond to the rejection so you can get a second chance.

Is it Bad to Reschedule an Interview?

Rescheduling an interview is often seen as unprofessional and can affect your chances of getting the job. If possible, try to avoid rescheduling an interview and prioritize your interview over other unimportant tasks.

You definitely do not want to lose the rare opportunity of getting your dream job just because you cannot turn up on the scheduled time and date.

But rescheduling an interview is unavoidable due to some good reasons.

Making a polite and respectful request to reschedule the interview may just be the only other option you can take.

Following our template and examples with the tips provided will give you a high chance of success in getting that second chance for the interview.

Interviewing well with the guidance of all the tips is critical for getting the job.

What If You Are Successful In Rescheduling Your Interview

A successful rescheduling of an interview means you get a second chance for you to perform and more time for you to be better prepared.

Getting yourself prepared by learning about the tips on getting a job will probably be the best way to increase your chances of success. And understanding the common interview questions will be the best way to prepare.

Let us guide you to walk this journey together with our next article!

Recommendations: 8 Best Questions To Ask Your Interviewer

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