If you are scheduled for an interview with a potential employer, you may find yourself in a difficult situation if something else coincides or if an opportunity presents itself to interview an employer whose proposal is more attractive. However, in this article you will learn how to cancel the interview more easily and tactfully without creating an awkward situation or future problems with the interviewer.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Reschedule the Job Interview
Step 1. Reschedule the job interview only as a last resort
Before rescheduling the job interview, try to rearrange your other plans first. The job interview serves as a first impression for a potential employer, so rescheduling it can be viewed as unprofessional. If possible, rearrange the other parts of your schedule before rescheduling it.
Step 2. Contact the interviewer as far in advance as possible
Rescheduling a job interview can be a major inconvenience for everyone involved. Because of this, it is important that you contact the potential employer to reschedule the interview at least 24 hours before it is scheduled. When you contact the interviewer, give him a brief explanation so you have to reschedule. Be as honest as possible. Offer the interviewer some alternative dates to suit the rescheduled interview.
- If you are rescheduling for another job interview, it is best not to tell the interviewer. Tell him that a family or work problem has arisen, and that you would like to reschedule the interview for another time.
- If a vital emergency occurs and you cannot give 24 hours notice, contact the interviewer as soon as possible to let them know what happened. If it's a real emergency (you were injured, you had a family emergency, etc.), your potential employer will understand.
- If you're still interested in the job, state that when you call to cancel the interview. Say something like this: “I am very sorry, but an emergency arose and I will not be able to attend our interview tomorrow. I'm still interested in the position and would really appreciate it if we could reschedule it. "
Step 3. Talk to the interviewer directly, don't leave a message
When possible, contact the prospective employer directly instead of emailing or leaving a message. Communicating by phone will make you look like a responsible professional. Make an effort to communicate with the interviewer in a variety of ways, and only leave a message or send an email if you can't reach them by phone.
- Never text to reschedule an interview, as it will make you look unprofessional.
- If you end up leaving a message or sending an email, ask the interviewer to contact you to confirm receipt of the message.
Step 4. Apologize for the inconvenience
Typically, a job interview is scheduled around multiple people's schedules. Therefore, canceling or rescheduling an interview is generally inconvenient for many of them. Don't assume the interviewer's schedule revolves around you and apologize for causing any inconvenience. Try to be flexible when requesting to reschedule the interview. If the interviewer sees that you go to great lengths to carry it out, they are more likely to reschedule it.
Step 5. Send a follow-up note to the interviewer
After contacting the interviewer for rescheduling, send them an email or personal note reiterating your apologies and interest in the company. The interviewer may become frustrated or irritated by the cancellation, so use this note as an opportunity to let them know that you are truly sorry and that you would still like the opportunity to reschedule an interview.
Method 2 of 3: Cancel a Job Interview Completely
Step 1. Give advance notice of the cancellation of the interview
As soon as you know that you must cancel the job interview, contact the interviewer. Don't waste anyone's time by waiting to cancel the interview. Instead, cancel it as soon as you know you are no longer interested in interviewing for that position. The interviewer will appreciate that you give them advance notice and you will look much more professional.
Step 2. Be honest about your reasons for canceling the interview
Whether you've accepted another job elsewhere or are simply no longer interested in the job for which you've scheduled an interview, let the employer know. They will appreciate your honesty as they may start looking for someone else to fill the position they are hiring for.
- If you've already accepted another job, call the interviewer and let them know. Say something like this: “Thank you for inviting me to interview for the position, but I just accepted an offer elsewhere. I was looking forward to the possibility of working with your company, but I will have to cancel our interview. Thank you very much for your time!".
- If you're canceling the interview because of negative things you've learned about the company, be a little more ambiguous when you cancel. Say something like this: “I appreciate that you have scheduled an interview for me, but I will have to cancel it. I have decided to focus my career options elsewhere, but I appreciate your time. "
Step 3. Adopt a professional demeanor to make sure you don't rule out possibilities
You never know when you will need another job or if you will run into the interviewer (in a personal or professional setting). It's best to be pleasant and professional when you cancel the interview, as it's never a good idea to rule out possibilities. Don't be rude when you cancel or insult that employer's company. Provide a simple explanation for why you are canceling the interview and ending the conversation.
Method 3 of 3: Cancel a Job Interview as an Employer
Step 1. Contact the applicant as soon as you realize that you must cancel the interview
It is professional courtesy to give advance notice of the cancellation or rescheduling of an interview. If you wait until the last minute to cancel, it could give a negative image of your business. If it's a potential employee you're really interested in hiring, be sure to show great professionalism. Canceling an interview at the last minute can cause them to lose interest in your company.
If an emergency arises, contact the prospective employee immediately. Give him a brief explanation of why you are canceling and let him know that you will contact him to reschedule the interview. He will understand if it is a true emergency
Step 2. Let the applicant know if you have already filled the position
Some employers don't inform candidates when jobs have already been filled, they just cut off all types of communication. This is very unprofessional and bad for business. If you have already filled the position for which you were interviewing candidates, let them know. It is good practice to call all candidates and inform them that the position has been filled. That's more personal and not such a cold method of informing a good candidate that you are not interested in hiring them. You can also send an email, although it is a less personal form of communication.
Step 3. Reschedule the interview as soon as possible
If you are interested in hiring a potential employee, reschedule the interview as soon as possible and give them many dates to choose from. Since you interfered with their schedule, you need to be flexible when rescheduling the interview. Express to the interviewee that you would really love to interview them and ask what you can do to make that happen.
If you are not sure when you will be able to reschedule, let the interviewee know that you will communicate to do so and contact them in a timely manner
Advice
- Don't reschedule the interview just because you want to get out of town for the weekend or because it will interfere with your social calendar. Only reprogram it when absolutely necessary.
- Don't schedule an interview without first checking your calendar to see if it matches another engagement.