Scheduling an interview is the first impression you make on recruiters or hiring managers and how you handle yourself throughout the interview process can shape how you are viewed. Rescheduling your interview can make or break their first impression of you, but if handled properly, can help get your interview rescheduled while still being viewed professionally. Here are some helpful tips when rescheduling an interview with a prospective employer:
- Contact the interviewer early.
- The sooner you contact the person with whom you are scheduled to interview with, the less inconvenience it will cause. Don’t be surprised if you are turned away from being rescheduled for an interview if you try rescheduling at the last minute.
- Show your enthusiasm for the role.
- Reassuring the recruiter or hiring manager that you are still very much interested in the position and apologizing for needing to reschedule, will show your interviewer that it was not a decision you took lightly and have a genuine interest in working for that company.
- Have a legitimate reason and provide the reason quickly.
- Illness – You don’t want to risk spreading any illness to others. But if you aren’t going on-site, perhaps you should ask yourself if you could power through it while still being able to bring your “A-game” to the interview. If you don’t have a voice or have a stomach bug perhaps powering through an interview may not be the best idea as you may not be able to represent yourself in the best possible way.
- Transportation troubles – Try to brainstorm a way to get to your interview promptly. Perhaps you can find an alternate way to get to the interview: Uber, Lyft, friends/family, and public transportation are all good viable solutions. Be sure to exhaust these options before jumping right to rescheduling and be sure to contact your interviewer as soon as possible.
- Work schedule – If you are currently working and something changes in your work schedule, it might be the best idea to reschedule instead of trying to take the interview outside, from a break room or your car. You don’t want the interviewer to feel like they are being rushed or paint your surroundings as unprofessional or an inappropriate place to interview.
- Family emergency – This is the most commonly used reason when someone cannot make an interview. A family emergency can include caring for a sick child or injured family member, or even a death in the family. If possible, try to give some type of explanation for your reasoning or rescheduling. You certainly don’t need to divulge too much personal or private information, but it is helpful for the interviewer to determine the legitimacy of your situation.
- Suggest an alternative time.
- Provide the interviewer with your availability to interview and be confident with the timeframe you are providing them.
Don’t assume that just because you notified the company in advance, they will happily reschedule your interview. Sometimes you can do everything right, but they will still choose not to reschedule the interview. Assess your situation and be confident you have no other option but to reschedule the interview. Remember that your first impression is made during the interview stage and handling yourself professionally throughout the entire process can be the difference between getting the offer or a rejection.
Bridge Personnel specializes in a range of roles in the Financial Services, Contact Center, and Non-Clinical Healthcare Industries. Contact us today.