Whenever we are called for an interview, we are always informed about the date of the interview days before the actual day. However, there could be moments where you suddenly realize that the day and date given by the employer just don’t suit you. What would you do at such a moment? How will you ask for a different interview time?
Well, it doesn’t matter if you are an accountant, or a business analyst, or even a fresh graduate, the date and time could be inconvenient for anyone if they have a valid reason. Maybe you or your kid is not well, or perhaps you have just pre-committed the date and time to someone else; the reasons could be endless.
All you need to do is find the right way to ask for a different interview time. This should be a way that does not burn bridges and neither destroy your chances. Hence, in this guide, we will bring to you various ways to ask for a different interview time easily, without any hitch.
Is It Okay To Ask For A Different Interview Time?
Appearing for an interview could be one of the most challenging times in your career. This is because you need to answer tons of questions and also have the pressure of making a good first impression. But are you worried that you will ruin that first impression just by asking for a different interview time?
Well, let me tell you, first of all, stop panicking! Asking for a different interview time is purely normal and well-taken by most recruiters. That is if your reason is a genuine one. If you think that this would take away your chances of getting into that dream company, then let me tell you, you are highly mistaken as being clear from the first day itself would put you in a good light.
Reiterating the fact that your reasons are genuine, it is perfectly alright to ask for a different interview time, day and date. Generally, we are told days about the interview many days in advance. Hence, replying and asking for a different time, date and day promptly and not at short notice should be your target.
If you are asking for a change in the date and time at the last moment, it will cause a little bit of an issue. Well, some exceptions are here too. If the reason is something like you’re not well, or someone from your family is not well, then you must inform the recruiter in advance and ask for a different time. It is always said that informing is better than not showing up and later apologizing. This way, you could surely lose up on your chance. But giving a valid reason and politely asking for a different date and time would definitely be considered as being responsible.
Reason/ Excuse To Reschedule An Interview Gracefully
If you wish to reschedule an interview, your aim should be to ask in the most graceful manner possible. Apologizing along with giving a valid reason, is what you should look out for. If you do not wish to ruin your chances and that first impression you’re worried about, make sure to give a logical reason.
Talking about the reason, there could be a bunch of reasons you could give to the employer. From not being well, to there being an emergency in the family, to even saying that your work schedule has changed, the main point to take care of is that your reason should look legitimate and valid.
The best thing is, to be honest, but not even show that you are not even bothered to attend the interview. One must always remember that this one chance can be ruined if you try to over-exaggerate or over-explain. Hence, be natural, honest, and upfront about it, but look like a candidate who cares about this interview and feels sorry and apologetic for not attending it at the given time and hour.
How To Reschedule An Interview And Ask For A Different Time?
An apologetic tone, a valid reason and a prompt reply can never take away your chances of appearing for that interview. Hence, if you are a candidate who wishes to reschedule the interview for any logical reason, you must follow some steps and tips.
When You Can’t Reschedule An Interview ?
While having the right reasons while rescheduling would always work in your favor, if you give out the wrong reasons, you could lose out on the chance of getting that job if you wanted it. Excuses like you are hungover, or you are about to be late, or you are not prepared for it, or you slept in or simply saying that you forgot can be disastrous for you, as this will create a super lousy impression about you in front of the employer.
There are indeed some opportunities wherein we cannot decide if they are right or wrong for us. But not appearing for the interview and rescheduling it by saying that it is becoming challenging for you to decide whether or not you want the job will definitely turn off the recruiters, to the extent that they could also cancel your interview.
These factors can deem you an unprofessional employee and team member and could take away the chances of appearing for that interview. Hence, if you do not want that interview to slip right below your nose, make sure to give out the right, honest, yet convincing reason.
Sample Emails To Send If You Wish To Reschedule The Interview
Emailing your recruiter is considered to be one of the most effective and professional ways. Therefore, here are some sample Emails which you can send out if you are someone who is wanting to reschedule their interview.
Common Template For Rescheduling The Interview
Dear ABC (Name of the recruiter)
I cannot express how happy I am to have the opportunity to discuss the role of X (job title) with you.
Unfortunately, I (Reason). Therefore, I wish to request you to reschedule the meeting for a later date. I am available (your preferred date). Rest is all up to you and your convenience.
I apologize for the convenience caused. However, there is no denying that I’m enthusiastic about this opportunity and look forward to getting another time and date for the interview as I am very keen.
Thank you for understanding.
Regards,
Your Name
Reschedule due to emergency
Dear ABC (Name of the recruiter)
I cannot express how happy I am to have the opportunity to discuss the role of X (job title) with you.
Unfortunately, there has been a serious mishap in the family, which needs my immediate attention. Therefore, I wish to request you to reschedule the meeting for a later date. I am available after (your preferred date). Rest is all up to you and your convenience.
I apologize for the convenience caused. However, there is no denying that I’m enthusiastic about this opportunity and look forward to getting another time and date for the interview as I am very keen.
Thank you for understanding.
Regards,
Your Name
Reschedule due to change of shifts or working patterns
Dear ABC (Name of the recruiter)
I cannot express how happy I am to have the opportunity to discuss the role of X (job title) with you.
Unfortunately, my shift has been changed, due to some last-minute chaos at my current office. Therefore, I wish to request you to reschedule the meeting for a later date. I am available after (your preferred date). Rest is all up to you and your convenience.
I apologize for the convenience caused. However, there is no denying that I’m enthusiastic about this opportunity and look forward to getting another time and date for the interview as I am very keen.
Thank you for understanding.
Regards,
Your Name
Sample Telephonic Script
If you feel that you should call and tell your employer and have a one-to-one discussion, and if a phone call is your way to inform, then you must remember that your tone and reasons should be extremely convincing.
You could start with salutations and later thanking them for the opportunity. Later, you could give out your reason as to why you cannot come at the given time. Make sure to apologize and sound apologetic.
Hi ABC (Recruiter’s Name),
How are you? Actually, there was a little bit of a problem at my end, due to which I wanted to reschedule this meeting. I am calling to discuss the same over a quick call.
(Brief explanation of your problem)
Unfortunately, I would have to reschedule. I am available after (Date). Please let me know another date and time, and this time, I’ll surely be there.
I am really sorry for this hassle; please accept my apologies. Please let me know what works for you; I’ll surely try and adjust my schedule accordingly.
Informing Over Text, Email, Or Phone Call – What Works Best?
There are three ways of informing your employer if you want to reschedule an interview. The first one is over a text. This one is a little informal but still works. This is generally for employers whom you know from before, and you have their contact digits. Texting and informing is totally okay if you have been in touch over texts only.
Next up is an Email. This one should be your way to go if you have next met or spoken to your recruiter. Even if you are texting or calling, dropping an email also would not bother you. Hence, make sure to drop in an email to look and sound more professional.
You can also inform your recruiter over a phone call. Just be precise, and never call on an odd hour.
The basic thumb rule of informing or asking for a reschedule is, inform through the mode you have been communicating with them, be it text, email, or phone call. This works the best way possible.
This is how you would ask for a different interview time. At an interview, one general question asked first is tell me about yourself. Make sure you prepare well for this. As it is rightly said, “First Impression is the Last Impression.”
Conclusion
Asking for a reschedule if there has been a problem with your schedule is perfectly fine. There are just a few things you should keep in mind. The first one is that you must have a legitimate reason. The second one being you need to be apologetic and sound that way too. And third and most important should be to inform. Never miss out on informing, as this could put you in a bad light and ruin your chances forever.
If ever you need to reschedule, always remember to not panic. It is totally fine to reschedule and ask for a different interview time if you have a super valid reason and are informing in advance.
All the best!