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How to Reschedule a Job Interview: Use This Email Template

Time needed: 2 minutes

Not sure how sure how to reschedule your job interview? Don’t worry, it’s simple. Just follow these six steps to ask for a different time:

  1. Email as soon as you know you need to reschedule.

    It’s easy to put off rescheduling, but the interviewer will appreciate more time.

  2. Emphasize how excited you are about the interview.

    Share that you’re looking forward to the conversation, and a little detail from your past interview if you’ve already had one.

  3. Share a reason, but it’s OK to keep it general.

    If something specific happened, it’s OK to share it. But, you can always say: “I had a family emergency” or “I had a last-minute emergency to deal with.”

  4. Don’t make up specific excuses.

    No dead grandparents, please. I knew someone who managed to kill off 5 grandparents. If you need to make up an excuse, keep it general.

  5. Share your availability.

    Offer two or three times, and include a scheduling link to make re-booking easy.

  6. Never reschedule twice.

    Once is OK. Twice means you’re not interested in the role.

Sample email to reschedule a job interview painlessly by asking for a different time.
Sample email to painlessly reschedule your interview.

Email templates to reschedule your job interview

Template email to reschedule interview

Hi [INSERT NAME],

I’m really looking forward to speaking with you about the [INSERT THE ROLE] role. [INSERT NOTE ON PREVIOUS CONVERSATION].

Unfortunately, I need to reschedule our conversation. [INSERT THE REASON WHY.] I’m available [INSERT A FEW TIMES THAT WORK FOR YOU], or you can book time on my calendar here: [INSERT CALENDLY LINK].

I am really sorry for the last-minute change. I’m still very excited about the opportunity and looking forward to speaking with you soon!

Warmly,

[YOUR NAME]

Sample email to ask for a different time

Hi Nathan,

I’m looking forward to speaking with you about Almanac’s product manager role. Steve shared a bit about your strategy, and I’m really excited because it builds on some work I did at Reddit.

Unfortunately, I need to reschedule our conversation. I’ve had a family issue come up and will be traveling during our scheduled time. I’m available Friday, and next Tuesday through Thursday 1-5PM EST, or you can book time on my calendar here if that’s easier.

I am really sorry for the last-minute change. I’m still very excited about the opportunity and looking forward to speaking with you soon!

Warmly,

Taylor

More great resources to get a job

By Taylor Thompson

Taylor is a co-founder at Purpose Built Ventures, where he helps launch mission-driven companies. Before Purpose Built, Taylor led growth at Almanac, strategy for Curious Learning, and product at PharmaSecure. His work helps 100,000s of people collaborate at work, 4 million children learn to read, and protects billions of medicines from counterfeiting. He has hired dozens of people, helped raise more than $50 million, and contributed to HBR.org as a researcher with Clay Christensen. Taylor is an Echoing Green Fellow, and he has degrees from Dartmouth College and Harvard Business School.

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