Is It Bad to Reschedule an Interview?

Rescheduling an interview can feel like walking a tightrope - it's a situation many of us hope to avoid, but sometimes it’s inevitable. You might wonder, is it bad to reschedule an interview? The answer depends largely on how you approach it.

In this article, we’ll explore how to reschedule an interview. We will help you understand valid reasons and the best practices to ensure you make a positive impression with your potential employer.

By addressing this tricky subject with tact and professionalism, you can navigate these situations smoothly and preserve your chances of landing that coveted job.

How to professionally reschedule an interview?

Is it unprofessional to reschedule an interview?

Rescheduling an interview is not necessarily bad, but it should be handled with care. While unforeseen circumstances may arise, how you manage the situation can impact the perception of your professionalism.

1. Assess the issue

Before taking any action, evaluate why you need to reschedule. Ensure you have valid reasons for rescheduling an interview—whether it’s a conflicting appointment, a personal emergency, or a sudden work commitment.

2. Act quickly

Once you determine that rescheduling is necessary, do so as soon as possible. Promptness shows respect for the HR’s time and allows them to adjust their schedule with minimal inconvenience.

Aim to notify them at least 24 to 48 hours in advance if possible.

3. Choose the right medium

Communicate your need to reschedule through the most appropriate medium. If the interview was scheduled via email, respond by email. If it was arranged through a phone call or a scheduling platform, use the same method to communicate your request.

4. Craft a professional message

When writing your rescheduling request, keep your tone professional and courteous. Apologize for any inconvenience your inquiry might cause.

Here’s a template of how to ask to reschedule an interview to guide you:

Subject: Request to Reschedule Interview

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you that, due to [brief reason, e.g., a scheduling conflict, a personal matter], I am unable to attend our interview scheduled for [original date and time].

I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to discuss the [specific position] role at [Company Name]. I would greatly appreciate the chance to reschedule our meeting.

Could we possibly arrange an alternative time? I am available on [provide two or three alternative dates and times]. Please let me know if any of these options work for you, or if there is another time that would be more convenient.

Thank you very much for your understanding and flexibility. I look forward to our conversation.

Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

5. Be flexible

When proposing alternative times, offer a few options to accommodate the interviewer’s schedule. Flexibility on your part demonstrates your willingness to cooperate and your continued interest in the position.

6. Confirm the new details

Once the recruiter agrees to a new time, confirm the details promptly. Send a follow-up email to ensure that both parties have the same information regarding the rescheduled interview.

7. Prepare for the rescheduled interview

Use the additional time wisely. Prepare thoroughly for the interview, making sure to review the company, the role, and any specific topics you plan to discuss. This will help you make a positive impression despite the rescheduling.

8. Follow up

After the rescheduled interview, consider sending a thank-you note to express your gratitude for their understanding. This is an opportunity to reaffirm your interest in the role and reflect on the conversation.

Good reasons to reschedule an interview

Medical emergency

If you experience a sudden illness or injury that requires immediate medical attention or intervention, it can be a valid reason to reschedule. For example, if you were to have a severe allergic reaction or need an emergency procedure, this would necessitate rescheduling.

Sample email:

Subject: Request to Reschedule Interview

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you that I have encountered a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Unfortunately, this means I will be unable to attend our scheduled interview on August 5th.

I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause and would like to request the possibility of rescheduling. I am available on August 8th, 9th, or 10th. Please let me know if any of these options work for you or if there is another time that would be more convenient.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.

Best regards,

John Smith

Family emergency

Situations such as a close family member having a serious health issue, an urgent family obligation, or an unexpected family crisis can require your presence. For instance, if a family member is hospitalized unexpectedly, you might need to be with them.

Sample email:

Subject: Request to Reschedule Interview Due to Family Emergency

Dear Mr. Lee,

I hope you are well. I am writing to request a reschedule for our interview scheduled on August 6th due to an unforeseen family emergency that requires my immediate attention.

I apologize for any disruption this may cause and would appreciate your understanding in this matter. I am available to meet on August 9th, 10th, or 12th. Please let me know if any of these options are suitable or if another time would work better.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Best regards,

Emily Davis

Conflicting commitments

Sometimes, you may have pre-existing commitments that are crucial and cannot be rearranged, such as a legal obligation or a significant personal event.

Sample email:

Subject: Request to Reschedule Interview Due to Prior Commitment

Dear Dr. Patel,

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to request a reschedule of our interview scheduled for August 7th. I have a prior commitment that unfortunately conflicts with this timing and cannot be adjusted.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and am eager to find a new time that suits your schedule. I am available on August 10th, 11th, or 13th and would be grateful if we could arrange the interview for one of these times.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

Michael Brown

Travel issues

Unexpected complications, such as a canceled or significantly delayed flight, can interfere with your ability to reach the location on time. If you’re traveling from out of town and encounter disruptions that prevent timely arrival, rescheduling an interview would be necessary.

Sample email:

Subject: Request to Reschedule Interview Due to Travel Disruption

Dear Ms. Carter,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to inform you of an unforeseen travel issue that is preventing me from arriving for our scheduled interview on August 5th. Due to a flight cancellation, I will not be able to make it on time.

I apologize for the inconvenience and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to reschedule. I am available on August 8th, 9th, or 10th and hope we can arrange a new time that is convenient for you.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.

Best regards,

Sarah Wilson

Work commitments

Unplanned issues, such as a major project deadline or an urgent work crisis that requires your immediate attention, can be a good reason to reschedule an interview.

Sample email:

Subject: Request to Reschedule Interview Due to Work Commitment

Dear Mr. Thompson,

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to request a reschedule for our interview originally set for August 6th. An urgent work commitment has unexpectedly arisen that requires my immediate attention and unfortunately overlaps with the interview.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and am very interested in the opportunity to interview with you. Could we please reschedule for one of the following dates: August 9th, 10th, or 12th?

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,

Laura Green

Preparation time

If you find that you need additional time to prepare thoroughly for the interview to present your best self, you might request a reschedule. This could be the case if you have not had adequate time to review materials or understand the role fully.

Sample email:

Subject: Request to Reschedule Interview for Additional Preparation

Dear Ms. Adams,

I hope you are well. I am writing to request a reschedule for our interview on August 5th. I believe that additional preparation time will allow me to present my best self and be more effective during our discussion.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and would be grateful if we could move the interview to a different date. I am available on August 8th, 9th, or 11th and am willing to adjust to your schedule as needed.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

Alex Carter

Technical issues

Poor or unstable internet connection can cause dropped calls, lag, or disruptions in video interviews. Unplanned outages or power surges can also disrupt the ability to participate in an interview.

Sample email:

Subject: Request to Reschedule Interview Due to Technical Issues

Dear Dr. Martinez,

I apologize for the inconvenience, but I am experiencing issues with my internet connection that are preventing me from participating in our scheduled interview today. I am working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Could we please reschedule the interview? I am available on August 3rd, August 5th, or August 7th, but I am flexible and willing to adjust to your availability.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Best regards,

Rachel Turner

Childcare issues

Unexpected issues with childcare, such as a caregiver falling ill or an unexpected school closure, can impact your ability to attend the interview. If your usual childcare arrangements fall through, you might need to reschedule the interview.

Sample email:

Subject: Request to Reschedule Interview Due to Childcare Issues

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request a reschedule of my interview for the Marketing Coordinator position, originally scheduled for August 5th at 10:00 AM. Unfortunately, my usual childcare provider has canceled unexpectedly, and I need to make alternative arrangements for my 3-year-old daughter.

I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss alternative dates. I am available on August 7th at 2:00 PM, August 8th in the morning, or August 9th at any time, but I am flexible and willing to accommodate your schedule.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon.

Best regards,

Emily Davis

Transportation problems

Issues like a car breaking down or public transportation being disrupted can hinder your ability to reach the interview location. For instance, if your car won’t start and you can’t find alternate transportation, rescheduling might be necessary.

Sample email:

Subject: Request to Reschedule Interview Due to Transportation Issues

Dear Mr. Patel,

I hope you are doing well. I am reaching out to request a rescheduling of my interview for the Software Developer position, which is currently set for August 6th at 1:00 PM. Unfortunately, my car broke down this morning and is currently in the shop, and I am awaiting a repair that will take longer than anticipated.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and would appreciate the chance to arrange a new interview time. I am available on August 8th at 3:00 PM, August 9th in the afternoon, or August 12th at any time, but I am flexible and willing to adjust to your availability.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility. I look forward to your response.

Best regards,

Michael Thompson

Academic obligations

Unavoidable academic commitments, such as an important exam or a scheduled presentation, can conflict with an interview. If you have a critical academic obligation, it might overlap with your interview time.

Sample email:

Subject: Request to Reschedule Interview Due to Academic Obligations

Dear Dr. Lee,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a reschedule of my interview for the Research Analyst position, which is scheduled for August 7th at 11:00 AM. Unfortunately, I have a crucial final exam for my Advanced Statistics course that conflicts with the interview time, and it is not possible to reschedule the exam.

I apologize for the short notice and any inconvenience this may cause. I would be grateful if we could find an alternative time for the interview. I am available on August 9th at 10:00 AM, August 12th in the morning, or August 13th at any time, but I am happy to accommodate your schedule.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon.

Best regards,

Sarah Kim

FAQ

Is it ok to reschedule an interview more than once?

Rescheduling an interview once is generally acceptable, but multiple requests might appear unprofessional. Try to avoid doing so unless absolutely necessary.

What if I don't get a response to my rescheduling request?

If you don't hear back within a reasonable timeframe, follow up with a polite email or phone call to ensure they received your request.

Can you reschedule an interview without affecting the chances of getting the job?

A professional and timely request usually won’t harm your chances of a job offer.

Does it look bad to reschedule an interview without providing a reason?

Conclusion

In conclusion, rescheduling an interview is not inherently negative if handled with care and professionalism.

By understanding the valid reasons to reschedule an interview and communicating clearly and respectfully with the employer, you can manage the situation without damaging your candidacy.

Remember, transparency and promptness are key—provide as much notice as possible and offer flexibility in finding a new time.