Getting a call for an interview is a big deal- especially when it is a call for your dream job or when you have been waiting to get a break for quite some time. It is ideal not to reschedule an interview because it is the most crucial step of the hiring procedure. Your chances of landing the job depend on the results of your consultation, and you do not want to come across as unprofessional.
However, fate works in mysterious ways, and you could be faced with a situation that makes it impossible for you to attend the interview. A sudden emergency can prevent you from making it to the office on time. In that case, you need to postpone and reschedule the interview. But it would be best if you did it in a way you come across as thoroughly professional and yet manage to get the point across that you are only rescheduling due to unavoidable reasons.
Following the right procedure as you ask your employers to reschedule the interview is very important. It will ensure that your employer will grant your request to postpone the interview. You need to provide some solid reasons so your employer understands the gravity of the situation. Here is all you need to know about whether it is indeed bad to reschedule an interview and how to do it.
Reasons That are Acceptable While Rescheduling an Interview
You should provide your employer with justifiable reasons for rescheduling your interview. If the reason does not sound good enough, your prospective employer might think you are simply making an excuse. There could be any number of reasons, like you had completely forgotten about the interview or were underprepared for it.
And you want to get out of it and postpone the interview so you can return later. This will make you look unprofessional, and if your recruiters see through it, they might not grant your request, and you may end up losing the opportunity altogether. Hence, citing the right reasons is extremely important. Here are some reasons you may cite while requesting to reschedule an interview.
Health Issues
You may fall sick at any time. Something as simple as getting wet in the rain or being stuck in the snow under unavoidable circumstances can cause a high fever. Moreover, if you have contracted an infection, no matter how mild, you can also risk spreading it to others in the office. Your recruiters will praise you and appreciate your sense of responsibility.
Or, you could have been injured while playing a sport or on the road, and you might take time to recover. In any of the above circumstances, you will not be in a position to perform your best, and your prospective employers will surely be mindful of that. They will allow you another time and date for your interview.
Bonus Read: How to Write a Sick Day Email? {Example Templates and Tips}.
Family Emergency
Family emergencies might arise at any time, and this is something that most hiring managers will treat with compassion. There can be any number of scenarios that you might have to face when your loved ones are affected. Your child could have fallen sick, or you might have to take your parents to the doctor due to their failing health.
Someone could have also passed away. In such cases, it is not only impossible for you to leave your family to deal with the difficult situation alone, but it will also cause you mental distress that will prevent you from performing well in the interview. Hence, your employers will understand if you want to reschedule under such circumstances.
Transportation Issues
If your location is quite a distance away from your interview venue, and if you face difficulty while commuting on the day of the interview, then it is perfectly alright if you ask to reschedule. The roads might have been blocked, or your preferred form of transport might be out of service. There could be some event organized by the city council that day that could lead to congestion and immovable traffic, causing severe delays in commute.
Attending an interview with so much uncertainty en route can be disturbing, and by the time you reach, you could be tired out and distressed. It is better to explain the situation to your recruiters and postpone the interview, rather than arriving late and disheveled- or worse, not turning up on such an important day.
Change in Work Schedules
If you were appearing for your interview while already employed, it is mainly because you are looking for a position with better prospects and opportunities. You might have taken time from your current schedule to appear for the interview.
However, if there are last-minute changes in your work schedule and you are urgently required in your office, you might not be able to make it for the interview. And telling your recruiters about it clearly will only make them appreciate your sense of responsibility. Just because you are looking for better prospects does not mean you will renounce your duties in your old workplace.
Your new employers will know that you are a loyal employee and that they can expect the same conduct when you join their team in the future. This could work to your advantage, and they will gladly reschedule your interview.
Timings Clashing with Another Interview
In any industry, word travels fast. Suppose you have been applying for jobs in multiple companies simultaneously, then at times. In that case, it could just happen that you are scheduled for two interviews at the same time at different organizations.
In that case, you will have to reschedule the interviews at one of the organizations. It is usually better to be honest and upfront about such situations as professionals, especially hiring managers, have contacts across multiple industries.
So citing another excuse will only jeopardize your chances if they find out the real reason- that you have foregone the interview in favor of another company. However, being honest about it will show your professionalism, and eventually, you might get hired by at least one of the companies or both.
How to Reschedule Your Interview in The Best Way Possible?
If you have to reschedule your interview for any of the above reasons, then you should do it through a proper method. This will help you maintain a cordial and professional relationship with your recruiters from the very beginning. Here are some points to keep in mind.
Inform Them as Early as Possible
If you want to reschedule your interview, you should inform your recruiters as early as possible. Yes, some emergencies might occur at the last moment, but apart from those rare scenarios, you should try to inform your recruiters as soon as you know you won’t be able to make it to the interview. This will help them plan the day accordingly and give you another shot at a later date.
Express Your Interest
Your employers should get the idea that you are genuinely interested in the position. You were unable to make it to the interview for genuine reasons, and you are not taking the interview lightly. That will give them the incentive to provide you with another date for the interview.
Also Read: Answering “What Interests You About This Position” Interview Question
Provide Your Reasons for Writing
Instead of calling up your recruiters, or even if you do, it is always a good idea to send a written email to the recruiters apologizing for your absence from the interview and the reasons behind it. This will show that you are interested in pursuing this through formal channels. Apologize for the inconvenience caused to your employers, and you can also suggest an alternate time and then wait for the confirmation.
Express Your Gratitude
Whether or not the employers grant your rescheduling request, you should always thank them for the opportunity to call you for the interview. Once your permission is granted, you must thank them again. Maintaining professional decorum is of utmost importance, no matter the outcome. You must also thoroughly proofread the email to show that you have given this request your utmost attention.
Bonus Read: The Best Thank You Email After Interview (With Examples).
How to Write an Email For Rescheduling an Interview?
You can use this email template if you want to reschedule an interview. Customize it according to the position you are applying for and your reasons.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for allowing me to come before you for the interview. It would be an honor to speak with you further regarding the position (name of position) when we meet. However, due to unavoidable circumstances, I would not be able to make it to the interview on the date and time decided earlier, which was on (date and time of the interview). (State your reasons for not being present for the interview).
Hence, I request you kindly reschedule the interview. Would it be possible to meet you (suggest a new date and time for the interview)? Or, you could also suggest another date and time at your convenience. I want to apologize for any inconvenience caused due to my absence. I am incredibly interested in the position and look forward to meeting you soon.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you
Your name
Conclusion
Rescheduling an interview isn’t bad, but you should avoid it, especially if the reasons are avoidable- like getting free passes to a concert or attending a party. You should only reschedule an interview if it is necessary and you are not able to make it because of some distress you might be facing. Even if you do not turn up or do so at a later date after rescheduling, your prospective employers will keep on meeting other candidates and conducting interviews. Hence, you never know when you will miss an opportunity. So try to be present for your interviews and only reschedule as a last resort.
