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Your Go-To "Reschedule Interview" Email Template for 2024

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You got the interview and you're all ready to impress the hell out of your prospective employer. But you just remembered another appointment or something unexpected happened. This is why you need a reschedule interview email template. 

When it comes to letting someone know you need to change an interview, share this information as soon as possible. While people understand that things happen, communicating at the last minute doesn't reflect well on you. Thankfully, an interview reschedule template on hand makes it fast and easy to let someone know you need to shift dates. 

Nearly 70% of candidates prefer to send a rescheduling request via e-mail. However, is you need to shift things at the last minute, you might need make a phone call instead. 

You’re not alone if crafting this message feels tougher than explaining why pineapple doesn't belong on pizza (and if you think it does I don't think I can be in the same room with you). But don’t sweat it—because by the end of this read, you’ll know exactly how to whip up that perfect reschedule request with finesse.

Crafting the Perfect Reschedule Interview Email Template

Around 30% of job seekers have missed an interview due to unforeseen circumstances, leading to the need for rescheduling. There's no reason to miss an interview if you can communicate in advance. Approximately 40% of job applicants have had to reschedule an interview at least once, so you're certainly not alone if you need to make a change. Using a template to keep things clear shows that you're professional and a great communicator. 

Envision you're at the last phase of your job hunt, and you've secured an interview for a position that appears to be designed particularly for you. But then life throws a curveball—a family emergency pops up or unexpected work commitments arise. You need to reschedule, but how do you approach this delicate situation? Crafting a professional and courteous email is key.

The structure of your "reschedule interview" email should strike a balance between politeness and assertiveness. Remember it's all about making their lives easier while showing respect for their time.

Recruiters and hiring managers, too, may need to reschedule an interview. Approximately 15% of job applicants have had an interview rescheduled by the employer. In either case, a professional interview reschedule template is the way to go. 

Here's a structure you can follow for your email:

Subject Line

  • Keep it clear and to the point.
  • Example: "Request to Reschedule Interview for [Your Name] – [Job Title] Position"

Greeting

  • Address the recipient formally using "Dear," followed by their name (if you know it). If you don't know the name, "Dear Hiring Manager" is a suitable alternative (but try your best to find out their name).

Opening Line

  • Start by expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
  • Example: "I am writing to express my continued interest in the [Job Title] position and my excitement about the opportunity to join [Company Name]."

Statement of the Problem

  • Briefly explain why you need to reschedule. Be honest, but it's not necessary to go into excessive detail.
  • Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, I am unfortunately unable to attend the interview originally scheduled for [Original Date and Time]."

Propose an alternative time

  • Suggest one or more alternative dates and times. This shows flexibility and respect for the interviewer's schedule.
  • Example: "I am very keen to reschedule the interview and am available on [Alternative Date] at [Alternative Time]. If this is not convenient, I would be happy to accommodate any date and time that suits your schedule next week."

Apology and Understanding

  • Apologize for any inconvenience caused and acknowledge their need to rearrange schedules.
  • Example: "I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and truly appreciate your understanding and flexibility."

Reiteration of Interest

  • Reaffirm your interest in the position and the company.
  • Example: "I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with [Company Name] and contribute to [specific team, project, company goal, etc.]."

Closing

  • Express gratitude, and include a polite closing.
  • Example: "Thank you very much for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you."

Signature

  • End with your full name and contact details.
  • Example:

  Sincerely,

  [Your Full Name]

  [Your Phone Number]

  [Your Email Address]

Example Email 1:

Request to Reschedule Interview for Jane Doe – Marketing Specialist Position

Dear Mr. Smith,

Unfortunately the time we scheduled for the next interview no longer works with my schedule. 

Are we able to reschedule for Friday, March 17th, at any time in the afternoon? If this isn't convenient, I could also do anytime that suits your schedule next week.   

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and truly appreciate your understanding and flexibility. I'm very enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with ABC Corporation and contribute to your innovative marketing team.

Thank you very much for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe

(555) 123-4567

[Your Email]

Example Email 2:

Subject: Request to Reschedule Interview Due to Emergency - [Your Name] for [Position Name]

Dear [Interviewer's Name or Hiring Manager's Name],

I am writing to you regarding the interview for the [Position Name] position scheduled for [Original Interview Date and Time]. 

I regret to inform you that due to an unforeseen personal emergency, I am unable to attend the interview at the scheduled time. This situation was completely unexpected, and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

I am still very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to [mention a specific aspect of the job or company you are excited about, if possible]. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to reschedule the interview for a later date.

If possible, I am available on [provide two or three alternative dates and times], but I am willing to accommodate any date and time that suits your schedule over the next few weeks.

Thank you very much for your understanding and consideration in this matter. I am looking forward to the possibility of discussing my application with you in more detail at a more convenient time.

Please let me know what works best for you. Again, I apologize for any disruption this may cause and thank you for your flexibility.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]  

[Your Phone Number]  

[Your Email Address]

Remember to tailor the email to your specific situation, maintaining a tone of professionalism and courtesy throughout.

A Professional Tone Is Key

No matter how casual today’s communication can seem sometimes, remember—an interaction with potential employers still demands formality, especially during initial stages like the interviewing process itself. 

Apologize sincerely without overdoing it to avoid coming across as disingenuous. Instead, focus on maintaining a positive tone throughout your entire message and demonstrate continued interest in the position despite the setback caused by needing to reschedule. 

This ensures you leave a good impression behind because ultimately what makes or breaks a candidate in an employer's eyes is trustworthiness and reliability—qualities that are reflected in well-crafted emails requesting postponement of meeting times. 

Working towards accommodating everyone involved lets the interviewer help out with your request whenever possible. Offering multiple suitable options greatly increases chances of finding an agreeable solution rather than leaving one party to scramble for last-minute rearrangements.

It really boils down to simple etiquette and understanding flexibility, which are cornerstones of successful interactions in the business world more broadly speaking. It never hurts to add a personal touch at the end of your note—to thank them for their understanding and cooperation shows appreciation for their time and consideration.

Valid Reasons That Make The Cut

Sometimes life throws us curveballs like family emergencies or health issues that simply cannot wait—and these are completely legitimate reasons to ask for another interview day. Here's some situations where it's acceptable to reschedule an interview:

  • Illness
  • Family emergency
  • Car/transportation issues
  • Work schedule issues
  • Bad weather
  • Technology issues
Do everything you can to ensure you've got a good setting, audio, video, and good night's sleep before the interview. It shows that you're prepared. 
One thing I find helpful is to always have an alternative internet source.
-Martyna Jurecka, Recruiter 

If you can, try to keep the distractions and tech issues to a minimum. If you're worried about weather or your internet connection, make sure your contact has your phone number. 

Always make sure that your phone number on your resume is correct and pay attention to your phone when you’re having technical issues and you’re in an interview. The interviewer may try to call you. 
-Damien Monel, Recruiter 

Half of all rescheduling requests stem from illness or emergency situations involving close ones—truly unavoidable circumstances no one plans on happening right before such important events as job interviews.

Crafting Your Email with Care

To start off on the right foot with your email requesting a new date and time works wonders—it lets them know straight away what they’re opening their inbox too. Keep things short but sweet; explain why there’s been this hiccup without turning it into 'War & Peace.'

You want them reading through nodding along thinking "Yep—I get where they're coming from." So make sure you offer alternative dates giving enough leeway so they won’t feel backed into corner scheduling-wise either. 

Always end with expressing genuine thanks ahead of time should they accommodate your request—which believe me—is always appreciated by busy folks juggling countless other applicants' schedules alongside yours.

Learn how to reschedule a job interview here, which will guide you through creating emails that strike just the right chord between professionalism and personability.

Your quick action in getting this message out can really soften any hard feelings about having to reschedule. It shows you're on top of things and care about keeping everyone informed. Just like sending a thank you message or a follow-up e-mail after your interview, this shows you're an excellent communicator. 

Rescheduling Your Interview Doesn't Mean You're Doomed

Sh*t happens, right? Even on the day of an interview. So it's important to express both your professionalism and your regret at missing your interview time. 

Have email templates you regularly want to use? Write and store them in Magical and you can personalize them with one click. Magical is a Chrome extension that's a productivity (and so much more) tool that helps you with your repetitive tasks. Download it here (It's Free!).

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