Life is full of unexpected occurrences, and even firm appointments may need to be rescheduled from time to time due to all manner of circumstances.
When it comes to rescheduling a job interview, however, it can feel as if you’ve already ruined your chances of success and it can totally throw you off, lowering your confidence, as well as potentially leading to a failed application if you don’t handle the process properly.
In this guide, we’re going to look at the proper steps to follow when rescheduling an interview to ensure that you don’t jeopardize your application, as well as to help prevent the stress and worry of this situation affecting the steps you take.
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Reasons Why You Should Reschedule
There are many reasons why a person may need to reschedule a job interview, from illness to family emergencies, to car trouble, or even a change in work schedule or other important appointments.
There are many reasons that recruiters will typically be quite understanding of if they mean you need to reschedule, but there is a correct way of dealing with this situation to ensure that recruiters understand the situation.
Improper handling of this can be catastrophic for your application, so follow these steps in order to ensure your rescheduling goes smoothly.
How To Reschedule An Interview
In this section, we’re going to look at the essential steps to take so that when you reschedule you don’t ruin your job application or affect your reputation.
Let Recruiters Know ASAP
The number one most important step to take when rescheduling is to let your recruiter or interviewer know as soon as possible so that any subsequent arrangements can be made to work as efficiently as possible and so that staff and other candidates aren’t affected by the issue that has arisen.
Giving everyone plenty of time to sort out a new time that works is key to making a minimal impact on your application.
Ideally, you should contact your recruiter or interviewer as soon as you are able to work out an alternative time that works for you, to allow them to make sure that time is also suitable for them and to rearrange other plans and interviews to accommodate the change.
Provide A Good Reason For Rescheduling
Once you’ve informed your recruiter about the issue and that you won’t be able to make the current interview time, it’s important to give a solid reason as to why you need to reschedule. This is key to preserving your professionalism and reputation and ensuring that your application is still taken seriously.
Being vague about this will almost certainly reflect poorly on you, however, there’s no need to go into too much detail especially if it’s an intensely personal issue such as a health issue.
You can simply say that you’ve either had a health issue or illness which is going to negatively affect your performance in the interview or that you have a family emergency or whatever other reason without providing too many specific details.
Oftentimes oversharing details like this can also come across as if you’re overcompensating and trying to hide something, so be frank and to the point without going into detail.
Express Your Passion And Enthusiasm
When trying to reschedule, try to emphasize your enthusiasm for the role and your disappointment at needing to reschedule, as well as your hope that you’ll still be able to progress with your application.
This will reassure your recruiter that you aren’t simply backing out of the interview, but are actually still interested in the role and hope to still secure the role.
Suggest An Alternative Time
When dealing with a problem, or highlighting one, it’s always best to try and present a solution if you can.
Suggesting an alternative time that works for you is a great way to reinforce that you’re still interested in the role and keen to continue with your application, as well as help your recruiter reorganize and find you a new slot that works for everyone.
Apologize For Any Inconvenience
It’s always important to apologize, even if the situation is outside of your control, as this shows that you care about the time of the interviewer and respect the inconvenience that you’ve caused may adversely affect their organization.
It’s a great way to show some class and your regret for the inconvenience and shows maturity that will likely reflect positively on you and increase the chances of getting a rescheduled interview.
Show Gratitude For Flexibility
Show that you’d be grateful for an opportunity to continue with your application when the interview is rescheduled, as this again shows class and consideration, and helps build something positive out of something that could’ve negatively affected your application if handled poorly.
Always Proofread
Before you send an email asking to reschedule, always proofread it closely, as you want to come across as professionally as possible, and ensure that you’ve included all the correct information and steps to ensure a positive outcome instead of a negative one.
Final Thoughts
Rescheduling an interview can be a very stressful experience and it can start you off on the wrong foot if handled incorrectly.
However, following the above steps will likely lead to a much more positive outcome and experience and will usually result in this inconvenience having no significant impact on your application or reputation, thanks to your organization, quick action and honesty, which are all attributes that an employer will actually value in a potential employee!
