Reschedule a Job Interview over an Email: How to Write and Samples

If you have been in a job search process, you would agree that it’s not easy, probably a tedious one. After a tireless job search for the month, you have finally cracked an interview for your dream company but imagine a scenario wherein you can’t make it to the interview on the day you have been called for it. It surely would be worse than your worst nightmare. 

You might fall sick or any other unforeseen circumstances have made it challenging for you to appear for this job interview. It surely is a tough situation but before you lose your calm, let us tell you that your interview can be rescheduled. 

There will be certain questions that would be hampering your mental space if you were in this situation: Can you reschedule the interview without jeopardizing your chances of getting the job? or Is it even professional?

While rescheduling an interview is not ideal, it’s not unprofessional. There are appropriate ways to go about it. If your reason for rescheduling the interview is legitimate, the hiring manager is likely to understand and even agree to give you another date.

Reasons For Rescheduling The Interview 

It’s okay if you are stuck in some situation and can’t find your way out. As hiring managers are human too, they would understand your issue. We would advise that you suggest an alternative date for the rescheduled interview. We are citing a few most commonly accepted reasons by hiring managers.

• You’re Sick
  
  You can’t control your sickness and showing up sick with any flu-like symptoms is not going to leave a good impression on the hiring manager. We would suggest doing you and the hiring manager a favor by asking for rescheduling the interview. 

• Unavoidable Family Emergency
  
  Sometimes some family emergencies require your utmost attention wherein your presence is indispensable. Of course, you can’t predict these situations, and be rest assured that the interviewer would be more than willing to reschedule your interview in this case. 

• Transportation Issues
  
  If you’re staying far from the job interview location, there are chances that you might struggle to commute or find any transportation issues. It’s okay as this reason is legitimate and the interviewer would accommodate your request of rescheduling the interview. 
• Internet Issues For A Virtual Interview
  
  This is a possibility that you’re facing an issue with your internet services and it’s perfectly normal. You should find a spot wherein you don’t face any such glitches but if you are continuously facing these issues, you can ask the interviewer to reschedule the interviewer. 

These are some of the reasons that aren’t under your control and the hiring manager would be more than helpful in accommodating your request of rescheduling the interview.

4 Points To Keep In Mind While Writing A Mail To Reschedule The Interview  

Below are some hacks that can help you craft a convincing email for rescheduling the interview. 

1. Inform timely
   
   An essential aspect when rescheduling a job interview is to inform the reader about the timing. It takes a lot of time and effort to schedule an interview and blocking time for the concerned person. It is essential for both recruiter and candidates. Therefore, it is advisable always to respect their timings and inform them as soon as you plan to reschedule your interview. Your prior notice will give them the flexibility to be prepared for the next suitable date and time.

2. State reasons
   
   While drafting a rescheduled interview, clearly state the reason why the interview needs to be rescheduled. Ensure your reason is genuine and clearly explained. This will increase the chance of rescheduling and accepting the change in plan positively. You should also apologize to the recruiter for not attending the planned interview and express your gratitude for understanding the situation.

3. Suggest an alternative date
   
   Along with other relevant details, this is an essential part of your email. Ask politely and give two or more options of when you can schedule your interview. If possible, ask about their availability before communicating your availability. Try to be flexible as possible and accommodate your schedule without being too demanding. Stay professional while communicating as it will not close the door for any future communication.

4. Mode of communication
   
   Last, but not the least. It is a crucial aspect to take care when you want to reschedule an interview. If you are thinking of writing an email requesting to reschedule the meeting, it might not guarantee 100% that the reader will read your email. You should also plan to call the individual after dropping a formal email. This is to avoid any gaps in communication and inform about your situation verbally.

Email Samples To Reschedule Your Job Interview 

We have shared a comprehensive guide on how to reschedule the interview and now, we will be sharing a few samples that would give you better clarity.

• Sample 1: Reschedule Email From A Candidate To Recruiter

Dear (Recipients Name),

Subject: Rescheduling of interview / Request to reschedule the interview

This is to inform you that due to a sudden emergency at my house, I will not be able to attend the interview for the job title (job title name) scheduled for ( date). Please accept my sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused.

I was looking forward to attending the interview and discussing the opportunity in detail with you. I request you to kindly reschedule my interview to next week as per your preferred date and timings. I would still be appreciating the opportunity to discuss the job opening.

Thank you for considering my request. 

Regards

(Your Name)

• Sample 2: Reschedule Email From A Recruiter To Candidate 

Dear (Recipients Name),

Subject: Rescheduling of interview / Request to reschedule the interview

This email is to inform you about the rescheduling of your interview on (date) for (title name). Unfortunately, our hiring manager has to go out of town for urgent meetings and discussions, and this is why we have to reschedule the interview for all other profiles as well.

Please communicate your availability next week as per I can reschedule your interview. I am hopeful we can connect soon. Sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Looking forward to meeting you and discussing the role.

Regards

( Your name)

• Sample 3: Reschedule Email From A Candidate To Recruiter In The Case Of Transportation Issues 

Subject: Rescheduling of Interview As Facing Issues While Transportation 

Dear (Recipient's Name) 

I am more than grateful that you think I am worthy of this position by shortlisting me for your interview round. I am writing this mail to inform you that I won’t be able to make it to the final interview round as per the scheduled time as I am facing some issues while commuting to the interview location. 

I would be thankful if you can consider rescheduling the interview from August 1st to August 3, 2023. Please do share your available slots and I would be there on time for the interview round. I am sorry to have put a wrench in your timeline at the very last moment but it would mean a lot to me if you could reschedule this interview. 

Thank you for understanding and I look forward to meeting you. 

Regards, 

(Your Name)

Conclusion:

If they have rescheduled your interview, do not forget to share a thank you mail before you take the interview. It would surely leave a good and everlasting impression on the hiring manager. Also, keep in mind that you make it to the rescheduled interview slot without fail because you don’t want to lose your chances of getting a job.

Related Articles:

• 8 Things To Never Say During A Job Interview

• What Do Employers Look For In Candidates In A Job Interview?