Asking to reschedule an interview can feel awkward, especially when you’re eager to land a new job while also managing other commitments. This can be a particularly delicate balance if you’re juggling a full-time job or navigating the hiring process with multiple companies.
Fortunately, if you’re proactive, courteous, and have a clear process in place, you’ll be well-prepared if you need to reschedule an interview.
In this guide, I’ll answer all your questions about how to best reschedule interviews. I also
share a template email that you can use to request a different interview time. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your ability to handle any necessary changes.
Let’s dive in.
Is Rescheduling An Interview A Red Flag?
In and of itself, rescheduling a job interview isn’t a red flag.
You want to reflect on how much notice you provide your interviewer. For instance, attempting to reschedule the conversation an hour before you’re scheduled to meet can send the message that you’re unprepared or disorganized. Only reschedule if you’ve exhausted all your other options.
Conversely, rescheduling several days or a week before the interview demonstrates that you’re respectful and shouldn’t raise any red flags.
Also, you want to consider whether this is the first time you’ve requested to reschedule or have asked multiple times, which can become a red flag, which I’ll cover shortly.
Although advice varies, you don’t need to provide specific details as to why you’re rescheduling.
Instead, focus your message on your objective: Requesting to move the interview while continuing to express your interest in the role.
When Should You Reschedule An Interview?
You should reschedule your interview with as much advance notice as possible.
If you’re interviewing with multiple people, remember that it will take additional effort to find a new time when everyone is available to meet. It may take a week or two (or even longer) for everyone to coordinate their schedules.
Is It Okay To Suggest A Different Time For An Interview?
Whether you suggest a different time for your interview will depend on who you’re meeting with and the specific circumstances of your scheduling conflict.
If you’re meeting one-on-one with a recruiter or peer, it can be easier to move your interview to another time. However, if you’re interviewing with a panel, CEO, or other senior-level executives, you’ll want to keep in mind that moving your conversation to a different time can be more challenging to arrange.
Similarly, if you’re dealing with a time-sensitive hiring process or near the final stages of interviewing, you’ll want to be especially mindful and strategic when requesting a reschedule.
Is It Okay To Ask For An Earlier Interview Date?
Although it’s common to reschedule an interview to a later date, you may want to move it to earlier. This is often the case if you’ve received a competing job offer and want to expedite the interview process.
Notably, recruiters and hiring managers may not always be able to accommodate an earlier interview. There might be other factors outside their control, such as coordinating with other interviewers or maintaining their established interview schedule, that can impact scheduling.
That said, it’s okay to ask for an earlier interview date, so long as you:
- Keep your request polite and respectful
- Provide a clear, concise explanation
- Express continued interest in the role
How Do I Ask For An Earlier Interview?
When asking to move an interview to an earlier date, you should follow many of the same tips for rescheduling.
However, one important distinction is that you should provide a clear timeline to the interviewer, so they know what you’re working with.
For instance, mention specific dates and times when you are available, and indicate any deadlines you may have, such as a competing job offer. This helps the interviewer understand your urgency and facilitates their scheduling process.
Is It Okay To Reschedule An Interview Multiple Times?
You should be mindful when rescheduling an interview for the first time in order to avoid needing to do so again later on.
However, life happens, and sometimes you must ask to move your interview again.
Importantly, you want to provide as much notice as possible.
Additionally, be sure to share your continued enthusiasm for the role, so there’s no doubt in the recruiter or hiring manager’s mind that you still want to interview. This might sound like:
- “I’m still very interested in meeting to discuss this opportunity.”
- “My excitement continues to grow as I think about working for [Company].”
- “I remain enthusiastic about [Company] and look forward to discussing how I can contribute to the team.”
How Do You Politely Ask To Reschedule An Interview?
You want to provide as much notice as possible when rescheduling an interview.
Ideally, you should to give at least 24–48 hours’ notice, although this isn’t always possible depending on your reason for moving the interview
Keep your email short and to the point. A good rule of thumb is five sentences or less in length; otherwise, your message is likely too long.
Unless the interviewer has already provided a scheduling link, provide at least two to three alternative dates and times when you’re available to meet.
You may feel tempted to provide a detailed description or evidence of your need to reschedule, but this is far from necessary. The only time you might want to give a specific explanation is if you’re being flown out for an in-person interview or canceling at the last minute. Otherwise, a brief, straightforward explanation will suffice. Here are some examples:
- “A last-minute board meeting was scheduled, and my attendance is mandatory.”
- “I am feeling under the weather.”
- “A personal emergency came up unexpectedly, and I need to address it.”
Should I Call Or Email To Reschedule An Interview?
You’ll want to stick with the same form of communication you’ve been using throughout the entire hiring process, which is likely to be email.
That said, if you must reschedule at the last minute and the recruiter has been slow to respond to email, you may consider calling or texting them to provide notice of your cancelation, as long as they’ve given you prior permission to contact them this way.
Email Template: Requesting To Reschedule An Interview
Here’s a sample email you can use to ask that your interview be rescheduled:
Subject Line: Rescheduling Interview – [Your Name] – [Position]
Hi [Recipient’s Name],
We are scheduled to meet on [Date] at [Time] to discuss [Position]. I’m reaching out to request that we please move the conversation to another time, as I have had a personal emergency arise.
Do any of the following dates/times work for you (all in Pacific Time):
- [Date]: [Times]
- [Date]: [Times]
- [Date]: [Times]
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility. I look forward to speaking with you. My interest in [Company] continues to grow as I further research the organization!
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Final Thoughts On Rescheduling Interviews
Rescheduling an interview can feel like a lot of pressure, especially when you’re eager to land a new job and worry that any misstep may jeopardize your chances of securing a new gig. Fortunately, by keeping your message concise, expressing your continued enthusiasm for the role, and providing as much advance notice as humanly possible, you can navigate the situation smoothly and confidently.
If you’re rescheduling your interview because you need more time to prepare for your big day, please feel free to reach out or schedule a consultation to discuss my interview coaching services. Keep in mind that preparation is key. I’m here for you! You’ve got this!
