How to Reschedule a Job Interview Gracefully & Get The Job (with Examples)

Reschedule a job interview is not something we want to do if we really want to make a good impression for the interview, but sometimes circumstances can arise, which require you to reschedule an important job interview.

The key is to know how to reschedule an interview gracefully and professionally.

However, many job candidates struggle to answer this question, thus here we have some tips on how to ask for rescheduling your job interview.

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

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.

Note: 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

• How to answer, “Tell me about yourself?”
• How to answer, “Why did you leave your job?”
• How to answer, “Tell me about a challenge?”
• How to answer, “Why should we hire you?”
• How to explain, “Why is there an employment gap?”

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

Recommendations: 8 Best Questions To Ask Your Interviewer

Do you think this post helps you in some way or another? Join us and get connected with other professionals worldwide.