Best Excuse to Reschedule an Interview
Life can get in the way of even the most wanted job interview. A sudden illness, a family emergency, or a train that never shows up can leave you with no choice but to ask for a new time. The best excuse to reschedule an interview is a true one, shared early, with a new time offered in the same message. This guide shows you which reasons work, what to say, and how to keep the job in reach.
Good Reasons to Reschedule an Interview
Hiring managers are people too. They accept real reasons when you tell them early and show that you still want the job. Here are the reasons that work best.
1. Illness
Being sick is the most accepted reason of all. No hiring manager wants you to spread illness through their office, and most will happily find a new time once you feel better.
What to say: “I woke up unwell today and I do not want to risk spreading illness. Could we move our interview to later this week?”
2. Family emergency
A sudden problem with a family member needs your attention right away. Keep your message short and do not share private details.
What to say: “A family emergency came up and I need to be with my family today. I am very sorry for the short notice and I would love to reschedule.”
3. Travel trouble
A cancelled train, a car that will not start, or a flight delay can make the interview impossible to reach. Tell them as soon as you know, and offer a phone or video call as a backup.
What to say: “My train was cancelled and I cannot reach your office in time. Would a video call today work, or could we pick a new time?”
4. Work schedule clash
If you already have a job, a sudden shift change can clash with the interview. This reason also shows respect for your current employer, which hiring managers like to see.
What to say: “My work schedule changed at short notice and I cannot make our meeting. I am keen to meet and I am free on Thursday or Friday.”
5. Bad weather
A storm, heavy snow, or flooding can make travel unsafe. Offer to meet by video call so the process keeps moving.
What to say: “The weather has made travel unsafe today. Could we switch to a video call, or move to another day?”
How to Ask to Reschedule an Interview
Indeed advises job seekers to contact the interviewer early, give a brief reason, show enthusiasm for the role, and suggest new times. Follow these steps in order and you will keep a strong impression.
- Contact them as soon as you know. Do not wait until the interview time. Early notice shows respect for their schedule.
- Apologize briefly. One honest sentence is enough. Long apologies sound unsure.
- Give a short reason. One line is plenty. You do not need to share private details.
- Show you still want the job. Say clearly that you are excited about the role.
- Suggest two or three new times. Offering options makes it easy for them to say yes.
- Thank them. End with thanks for their time and understanding.
What to Do If You Are Already Late for the Interview
If the interview time has passed and you are still on your way, do not give up. Call the hiring manager right away, apologize briefly, and give a clear arrival time. Many interviews can still go ahead if you arrive within 15 to 20 minutes of the planned time, especially when you warned them early.
When you arrive, do not spend the first minutes on long excuses. A short apology is enough. Then focus on the interview itself and show your best work. Hiring managers judge what you say in the room far more than a late start caused by traffic or a delayed train.
If you cannot reach the office at all, ask for a video call the same day. A same day video call shows that you care about the role and that you can adapt when plans change. Offer two or three times that work for you and let them pick.
Email Template to Reschedule an Interview
Copy this template, fill in your details, and send it as soon as you know you cannot attend.
Subject: Request to reschedule interview for [Job Title]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for inviting me to interview for the [Job Title] role. Due to [brief reason], I am unable to attend our meeting on [date and time]. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
I am very excited about this opportunity and I would love to meet you. I am available on [date 1], [date 2], or [date 3], and I am happy to work around your schedule.
Thank you for your understanding. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
Excuses for Being Late to an Interview
Sometimes you can still make it, just late. In that case, call ahead instead of asking to reschedule. These reasons work when you are running behind.
- Traffic delay: “I am stuck in traffic and I will be about 15 minutes late. I am very sorry.”
- Public transport delay: “My bus is running late. I am on my way and I will be there in 20 minutes.”
- Wrong building or entrance: “I went to the wrong entrance and I am finding my way now. I will be five minutes late.”
- Car trouble: “My car had a flat tire on the way. I have sorted it and I am on my way.”
What Not to Do When You Reschedule
- Do not vanish. No message at all is the one thing hiring managers do not forgive.
- Do not reschedule twice. Asking for a new time more than once makes you look unreliable.
- Do not give a vague reason. “Something came up” with no detail and no new time looks like you lost interest.
- Do not lie. A small lie can fall apart fast, and trust is hard to win back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to reschedule an interview?
No, if you have a real reason and you tell them early. Hiring managers reschedule often, and a polite early request rarely costs you the job.
How many times can I reschedule an interview?
Once is fine. Twice starts to look unreliable. If you must move it a second time, offer a video call so the process does not stall.
Should I call or email to reschedule?
Email works well because it leaves a clear record and lets you suggest new times. If the interview is within a few hours, call as well so they see it in time.
What if I feel sick on the morning of the interview?
Message the hiring manager right away and ask to move the interview. Rest, recover, and offer new times in the same message so the process keeps moving.
What if the hiring manager says no to a new time?
Thank them and ask if a video call or a different role could work. If the answer is still no, move on and keep the contact warm for future roles.
