Suppose you have an important interview knocking on your door, but just a few days before you catch a cold, meet with an unavoidable circumstance, or simply get stuck in a situation you genuinely cannot get out of. In such a scenario, instead of panicking over missing the opportunity and simply disappearing on D-day, it is prudent to reschedule the interview before the assigned interview date. In doing so, the interviewee would save the opportunity he or she might have lost and the interviewer can prepare and make necessary changes in the interview schedule. This means that rescheduling does not necessarily mean candidacy but it only means that you have to choose the wise course of action. How to reschedule an interview?
However, several things should be kept in mind before rescheduling an interview to keep the chances high of still getting recruited, even after the same.
Reasons to cancel or not cancel an interview
- For Against a better job offer
- you are ill
- heard negative things about them
- you cannot be bothered
- cannot afford the career move
- you think you can do better
- not the right career step for you
- you are running late
- you changed your mind
- you had a family emergency
- have other obligations/emergency
- you forgot to arrange your schedule
Always Reshdeule the Interview If you are still Interested
Source: InAutomotive Blog
Valid reasons for rescheduling the interview
The key to getting your request for rescheduling the interview accepted is being extremely honest and truthful. The reason that you give should sound legitimate to the recruiter. Some of the most commonly accepted reasons for rescheduling the interview are as follows:
- You have gotten sick. – you would instead do a favor to both the recruiter and yourself by staying home and preventing the germs from spreading.
- Dealing with a family emergency – this is one reason that the managers and authority would consider with sensitivity and compassion.
- Changes in your current work schedule/work obligation- if you are currently working somewhere and suddenly the timings change, you can request a reschedule too. This would show how devoted you are to your job.
- Transportation issues- supposedly, you need to travel hundreds of kilometers to reach the venue where the interview would be taken and the car’s tire punctures or the train is delayed. In such a scenario too, the request for rescheduling gets approved, at times.
- In case better job opportunities arise – it is better to honestly inform the recruiters if a better job opportunity comes up.
How to request a reschedule?
Call the authority or drop a mail requesting them to reschedule only when you are sure that you would not be able to make it to the date assigned for the interview. However, the entire process of informing the authorities should be taken care of meticulously. This is because it gives the recruiter a hint about how responsible, pragmatic and honest you are, both as an individual and as an employee. This also becomes a determinant in whether you are a deserving candidate for a second chance.
Following are some of the points that can be generally prepared as a checklist as soon as you realize you will not be able to make it to the interview:
- Directly call and notify the recruiter as soon as possible. The sooner the better.
- Make the call to the assistant if the recruiter is unavailable and note his or her name.
- For an even more formal record, drop a mail to the authority.
- Be extremely fervent while rescheduling to convey how important the interview is to you.
- Be extremely clear and precise as to why you would not be able to make it to the interview.
- Be extremely honest and truthful. In case the manager gets a hint of any lie or excuses, chances are you might lose the second chance.
- In case they ask for alternative dates, be prepared with a couple of them beforehand. But be flexible.
- Thank the person for their valuable time.
- Lastly, but most importantly, do not forget to apologize for the inconvenience caused.
After having a conversation with the hiring team and deciding on a new date, it is important to follow up. This is because you want to confirm or reconfirm your new appointment date and also be grateful to them for rescheduling the interview. This way, you can be confident on the day of your interview.
Stick to the rescheduled date, At Any Cost!!!
To begin with, it is already troublesome for the manager to reschedule a formal meeting or an interview, but once he or she does that on your request, it is extremely unprofessional and callous on your part to reschedule it again or not appear on the second assigned date either. Chances of you getting hired the next time too get too bleak.
Samples requesting to Reschedule an Interview via mail
Usually, if you have an ample amount of time in your hands, say a week or two it’s better to preferably drop a letter because it is considered more professional and formal. However, in situations where time is crucial, directly ringing up the authority is a better choice.
Given below are some samples of mails that can be used to reschedule an interview:
Sample 1-
Subject: Requesting to reschedule the interview.
Dear (Name of the hiring manager)
I beg to state I will not be able to attend the interview scheduled for the (name of the job) due to (cite the reason). Would it be possible for you to kindly reschedule the interview and schedule it for the next week, whenever it is most convenient for you? I am extremely keen and motivated to have a talk with you about the position.
I will be highly grateful to you if you grant my request.
Waiting for your response in anticipation.
Regards
(Your Name)
Sample 2
Dear (name of the hiring manager)
First and foremost, I would take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me to meet you in person and learn more about becoming a (position) at your company.
However, unfortunately, I will no longer be able to make it to the interview we had scheduled on (date and time) due to (reason). Would it hence be possible for you to reschedule the interview, whichever date is convenient to you? I am available (new date). I would also restate my sincere interest in this job. I apologize for any inconvenience that this might or might have caused.
Looking forward to your reply.
(closing)
(Signature)
Sample 3
Dear (name of the hiring manager)
Will it be possible for you to reschedule the interview scheduled on (date) and (time) for the (job position) at your company? I will not be available that day since I am stuck with some prior engagements that require my attention. Please let me know the dates and times available to me for rescheduling, at your convenience. Accept my apologies for the inconvenience caused.
(Salutation)
(Your full name)
What to do if you fail to reschedule the Interview?
After a meticulous consideration, you might realize that your reasoning was not good enough to convince the hiring team and may not be able to successfully reschedule the interview, hence you need to appear for the same. At this moment, the best you can do is prepare yourself to give your best on the big day.
To begin with, take adequate sleep on the previous night to ensure you maintain your calm the next day. Plan your interview attire as per the job requirement. Rehearse your answers in a mock interview set up to avoid awkward pauses. Finally, on the day of the interview be polite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is rescheduling an interview considered unprofessional?
Ans: Of course, rescheduling an interview is never ideal, but with genuine reasons, it is not uncommon or considered entirely unprofessional either. That is to say that, if the rationale is justified, the recruiters would not hold it against you and will give you another chance.
Q2: What are the reasons that should never be given for rescheduling an interview?
Ans: Requesting to reschedule the interview just because you forgot about it, we’re not prepared, a birthday party came up, lost your resume or it was eaten by your dog, will be absurd and should never be used to reschedule the same.
Q3: How to reply to a rescheduled interview mail?
Ans: First and foremost, send a reply to the mail with utmost gratitude for their flexibility and giving you another chance. Give an impression to the hiring team that you are a responsible and mature person. It is also important to bring them to their notice that you have received the mail and acknowledge it.
Q4: How do you re-reschedule an interview?
Ans: Do Not reschedule the interview for the second time, until and unless it is inevitable. It only gives an impression that you are not passionate and interested in the position you are applying for. If the hiring manager does not resonate with your reason, you might lose the opportunity of getting recruited at all.