In this article, we discuss six good reasons to reschedule an interview. We also provide you with email templates to either cancel or reschedule appointments. Finally, we give you key tips on preparing for the job interview that you are actually going to attend.
Good reasons to reschedule an interview
First, let’s go over the reasons that may lead you to cancel, or want to move your job interview:
- Health problem
- Transport problem
- A family emergency
- The position is no longer suitable for you, or not enough for you to be interviewed
- You have a schedule conflict
- You cannot take a day off.
Between these different situations, you will want to: either cancel your job interview or postpone it to a later date.
Some advice on the approach to take with the recruiter
First, apologize to the recruiter for the inconvenience. Be as accommodating as possible with the recruiter, as they must feel your real motivation to sit the interview and join the company. Indeed, if he suspects that your laziness is pushing you to cancel the interview at the last minute, it is unlikely that he will offer you another date to meet.
Another point, we advise you to specify the reasons why you are forced to move the interview, but only if these are acceptable. This will allow the other person to be more understanding of your situation. And preferably, let him suggest later dates to meet with you, in order to make it easier to make an appointment.
Email template to cancel your interview
You want to cancel a job interview, here is an email template you can use:
Subject: Cancellation of the job interview
Email body: Mr recruiter,
Following a job found in another company, I regret to inform you that I am forced to cancel my recruitment interview for the position …, appointment which was to take place on ….
I sincerely wish to find a candidate for the post.
Please receive my respectful greetings,
Mr…, ”
Email template to reschedule your interview
You want to move your job interview to a later date, here is an example email you can use:
Subject: Request for a new date for the recruitment interview
Email body: Mr recruiter,
Due to a strike by the train company, I regret to inform you that I am forced to suggest that you postpone my recruitment interview, that you offered me on… .. to….
Know that I remain fully motivated by this professional opportunity, exactly in the context of the development I am looking for, but also of my skills.
In this context, I suggest you meet the week of …, at a time of your convenience.
Looking forward to reading your response, please receive my respectful greetings,
Mr…, ”
How to cancel an appointment at the last minute
Whatever your reasons, keep in mind this: you can absolutely find a way out and say it in a polite manner.
- When you are certain to withdraw
It happens to the best of us. You make plans with your former boss, and you are really excited to meet him. You can’t wait to hear from your old business. But when you open your calendar and you see that the date is scheduled for 5:30 pm tonight, you realize that there is no way that this moment is on this date, at this time … Not after the bad night’s sleep you’ve had, and certainly not after you’ve been through a nine-hour day’s work.
Here’s what to do: Look at your calendar and find a time when you’re 100% available. Maybe you can come up with a party later in the week. Maybe you will offer lunch instead of a drink. Pick a week when you have few other things planned, so you won’t feel like canceling again
The best is to call and of course as soon as possible. If you prefer to write an email, apologize first and then try to suggest another time, another date.
Here’s an example email you can use:
Hello [name],
I am sincerely sorry to warn you so late, but I will not be able to be present this evening. I don’t feel good enough today and that’s why I’m only letting you know now. The point is, I didn’t sleep well last night. I hope you don’t blame me and that we can reschedule our meeting (I’m the one offering!) Let me know if [date] or [date] is right for you.
Once again, I apologize.
thank you,
[Your name]
- When you don’t want to attend an event
You confirm your meeting to a contact in your network or a work colleague. This person insisted on meeting you and wants to see you face to face at all costs. So you have planned a date but you realize that you are overwhelmed.
You are happy to be able to answer his questions, to exchange, but you are so overloaded and you would like to avoid this meeting taking place not only at this time but that it does not take place at all …
Apologize for not being able to make the appointment and continue with an email
Here’s what to say:
Hello [name],
I just looked at my diary and found that I am too overloaded this month; Actually, I don’t think next month will be much better. At this point, it is simply not possible to reschedule our date. I am therefore sorry to inform you that I will not be able to answer this Friday, but I would be delighted to answer any questions you have. Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions you have.
Once again, I apologize to you.
Best regards
[Your name]
- When you received an invitation that you have to refuse
This situation may seem like the easiest to manage. In a way, it is … Although you may think that no one will notice your absence, you still need to warn
To do this, find the right contact to send your email to and write:
Hello [name],
Thank you for inviting [event name]. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend. I wanted to let you know as soon as possible so that you can open the list to someone else. I wish you a very nice event.
Best regards,
[Your name]
More tips: Prepare for your job interview in advance
Suppose you managed to postpone the interview, and now you have to be sure that you will be extremely good, as they did give you a second chance. Here are our tips:
- Basic tips
- Gather all the documents sent to the company, such as their CV and cover letter.
- Prepare for questions that will be asked during the interview.
- Think about how you will dress during the interview.
- Think about your professional project, and how you are going to present it.
- Prepare the strengths of your application, and prepare to promote your career and your experiences
- Make an appointment by phone
- On the phone, be professional and courteous.
- Show yourself motivated and flexible about your availability.
- Confirm in writing the date, place, and names of the people you are going to meet.
- Thank the person you are talking to for contacting you.
- Exercise the interview
- Suggest that a friend or family member play the role of recruiter
- Give him his CV and cover letter, as well as the references of the candidate position.
- Play a role play to practice presenting your argument.
- It is possible to train alone in front of a webcam or using a camera.
- Try not to use her index cards because it is not about reading.
- Repeat the exercise until you are comfortable.
- Learn about the company
- Business economic performance survey
- Ask yourself what are the future development axes of the company
- Develop knowledge of the business sector of the company
- Visit the company’s website & those of its competitors.
- Find out about the values declared by the company.
- Go to Glassdoor to see feedback from former employees on the employer.
- Prepare your professional references
- The recruiter may ask you for the contacts of a hierarchically superior person with whom you have collaborated
- If possible, try to pass on contact details of people who think highly of you.
- Inform your professional references in advance that they may be contacted.
- Prepare your equipment carefully
- Check that your handbag or pouch in which you are going to carry the documents is clean
- Print multiple copies of your CV and cover letter
- Carry a notebook and pen so that you can take notes
- Take your agenda so that you can reschedule a second interview – if they offer it to you during the interview.
- Take tissues, a bottle of water, and possibly some chewing gum to arrive with fresh breath.
- Plan to be on time for your job interview!
- Double check the location and date of the interview beforehand.
- If you are coming by public transport, validate the route you will take to get to the interview.
- Anticipate your departure, it is better to arrive too early, than late. There may be transport hazards: canceled bus, traffic jams, etc.
- Relax during the ride. You can calmly reread your cards once to reassure yourself.
Final thoughts
Life gets in the way, so it may happen that you have to reschedule an interview. It’s not the end of the world! And as long as you follow our tips, it will also not be the end of your career. We’re only joking, of course!
Make sure you follow our tips for preparing for a job interview, so that you make them grateful that they gave you a second chance and agreed to reschedule the interview.
Do you have any good reasons to reschedule and interview or any great tips on how to ace that job?! We’d appreciate it if you would share them with our other readers.
FAQ on Good reasons to reschedule an interview
How do you politely reschedule an interview?
To politely reschedule an interview, keep your calm and ring the person in charge. Be apologetic and suggest an alternate date. Follow up with a thank you note if they agree, which in most cases they will.
What to say if you want to reschedule an interview?
Here’s what you can say if you want to reschedule an interview:
Mr recruiter,
Due to a family emergency, I regret to inform you that I am forced to suggest that you postpone my recruitment interview, that you offered me on… .. to….
Know that I remain fully motivated by this professional opportunity, exactly in the context of the development I am looking for, but also of my skills.
In this context, I suggest you meet the week of …, at a time of your convenience.
Looking forward to reading your response, please receive my respectful greetings,
Mr…, ”
Should you reschedule a job interview if you’re sick?
You should reschedule a job interview if you are sick. It shows that you care for yourself and also the wellbeing of others. You wouldn’t want to pass that nasty bug around, would you? Call, explain the reason and ask to reschedule at least one week later.
How can I change my interview time?
You can change your interview time by either calling or emailing. Just be honest and explain the reason, provide an alternative time and apologies for any inconveniences.
