How To Reschedule An Interview Gracefully

Ways On How To Reschedule An Interview Gracefully

You have a job interview scheduled but unfortunately your car won’t start, you are very ill or you’re stuck in a storm. This interview means a lot to you considering you have been unemployed for a whole year.

We can’t control everything that happens in life, and that is why you should know how to reschedule an interview in the case that an unexpected life event happens.

Why it’s okay to reschedule an interview

The person supposed to interview you is also human.  They would not want to interview a sick person who is coughing throughout the interview. Some illnesses are also very communicable which is why you should learn how to reschedule an interview in case that you are very sick.

Also, you don’t want to prioritize your job interview over your child who is very sick at home, who needs to be taken care of.

Some things are definitely more important than others.

The difference between rescheduling an interview and cancelling an Interview.

If you have applied for two jobs and you interview for the first one and get the job, the obvious step is to cancel the other interview.

You will also cancel an interview if you are no longer interested in the job.

On the other hand, you can call your interviewer to reschedule an interview and ask for a different date and time because of personal reasons.

Rescheduling an interview, however, happens when you really want to attend the interview,  but circumstances around you cannot allow.

How to reschedule an interview gracefully

1. Communicate

Communication is key for every relationship you have, including the one between you and the interviewer.

If you can’t see how you will make it for an interview, call the interviewer to let them know

Also, send an email to them for formalities sake, and for records purposes.

Don’t fear to call them because your interview might be cancelled. On the contrary, you might be surprised that they will be very considerate and understanding of your situation.

A good call sounds  like this: “Hello Madam, name is Patrick Nguya. I was scheduled for an interview with you tomorrow, Monday, at 11.00 am, but unfortunately, I will not be able to make it. My child is very ill and there’s no one to take care of her while she recuperates, which is why I have to remain at home with her. I am kindly requesting that we reschedule the interview for Thursday. “

2. Don’t lie

Be honest about the reason why you can’t avail yourself for the interview as you reschedule an interview.

The lie might end up working against you in the long run. Be clear and specific about the exact reason why you have to reschedule an interview.

3. Lastly on how to reschedule an interview -Give notice in good time

Inform the interviewer about your plan to reschedule the interview in good time, before the set time for the interview.

Calling after the time the interview was set will sound like an excuse. To be on the safe side, call in good time.

And there you have it, 3 tips that will help on how to reschedule an interview gracefully. As we have seen. It’s okay to reschedule an interview for another day for the various reasons I have shared with you.

Susan is a Communications Officer at Career Point Kenya. Email: susan@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke

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