5+ Examples of How to Cancel an Interview?
So, you have scored a job interview; now you want to cancel it! What should you do?
Job seekers cancel interviews for a whole lot of reasons.
Sometimes life happens - the family problem arises, you get another job, or your internet may not work.
But it's best to consider all the possibilities before canceling the interview if you want to outright cancel or reschedule the interview for later.
Here's how you can cancel or reschedule your interview in the best way possible with email examples.
- Why Should You Cancel an Interview?
- How to Cancel an Interview by Email?
- How to Cancel an Interview by Email Sample
- Is It Unprofessional to Cancel an Interview?
- When Shouldn't You Cancel an Interview?
Why Should You Cancel an Interview?
There are many reasons one can cancel an interview.
For example:
- You have a family emergency for which you cannot join the interview
- You may discover new information about the company and don't think you're the right fit
- You received a job offer from another company
- Your car broke down, and you are unable to go to the location in time
No matter the reason, if you cancel an interview, it is important to inform the employer early on why you cannot attend in a timely manner.
You may want to consider rescheduling the interview for a time when you can make it and notify the employer as soon as possible so that they have time to go on with the interview process without you and find a replacement candidate.
Also Read: How to give an interview in 2022?
How to Cancel an Interview by Email?
1. Inform Interviewers as Soon as Possible
If you're going to cancel an interview, do it early! Don't wait until the last minute because that will make your interviewer feel like they've been abandoned, and that's never good. If the company asks you to commit to a certain date in advance, let them know immediately so they can schedule something else for you.
2. Plan to Reschedule If Needed
You might have a reason you can't go through with the interview—maybe you found another job opportunity or got into medical school at the last minute. If so, let your interviewer know about it early so they can plan accordingly and ensure their time isn't wasted on someone who won't show up on time anyway!
3. Be Brief About Your Reason
If you decide to cancel the interview, just be honest about why you aren't going through with it: "I'm sorry, but I've come down with strep throat," or "My uncle died, and I had to fly home," are acceptable reasons for canceling an interview!
4. Be Polite
You don't know when you'll be interviewing with the company in the future. So, don't burn the bridges here.
If you're communicating with the interviewer on call, give them a call, be polite and explain why you're canceling, and that's not always easy. But you must do it right.
If you're communicating via email, drop them an email stating your interview cancellation.
5. Mention the Interview Details
Hiring managers may interview multiple candidates for different positions. So, when sending a cancellation mail, don't forget to include the job title you're interviewing for and your interview date. It will help the recruiter better contextualize your interview cancellation request.
6. Apologize for Any Inconvenience
Apologize when you cancel the interview for wasting the interviewer's time. It helps you stay on good terms with the interviewer. If you are interested in the job opportunity, you can even ask the interviewer for rescheduling.
Also Read: How to send a thank you email after interview in 2022?
How to Cancel an Interview by Email Sample
Example 1 - How to Cancel an Interview Because You Got a Job
Subject: [Your Name] <> Interview Cancellation Request for [Job Title] on [Date]
Dear Mr. Lee,
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to interview for the [position] at [company name].
Unfortunately, I won't be able to join the interview on [date], since I've accepted a job offer at another company.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I wish you the best in your search for candidates for the [role].
Sincerely
Your Name
Contact Information
Example 2 - How to Cancel an Interview Due to Another Offer
Dear Mr. Lee,
Unfortunately, I have to withdraw my application for [the position] at [company name]. I won't be able to join the interview on [date].
I've accepted another offer from [company name]. Therefore, I'm no longer interested in another opportunity.
I hope we can keep in touch and explore future opportunities down the road if they come across.
Thank you for giving your time and considering me for this position.
Best regards,
Sincerely
Your Name
Contact Information
Example 3 - How to Cancel an Interview Because You Got a Job
Subject: Job Interview for [Job Title ] on [Date] - [Your Name]
Dear Mr. Lee,
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to interview for the [position] at [company name].
I accepted another offer at [Company name] and am no longer available for your position. Thereby I request to cancel my interview on [date].
I apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused and wish you success.
Sincerely
Your Name
Contact Information
Examples 4 - How to Cancel an Interview Without Burning Bridges
Subject: Requesting to Cancel Job Interview for [Job Title] on [Date] - [Your Name]
Dear Mr. Lee,
I'm grateful for the opportunity you have given me to interview for the [role] at [company].
However, unfortunately, my circumstances have changed, and I won't be able to join the interview on [date].
I'm respectfully requesting you to cancel my interview.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I wish you all the best in your job search.
Sincerely
Your Name
Contact Information
Example 5 - How to Cancel an Interview Without Burning Bridges
Subject: [Your Name] - Interview for [Job Title] on [Date]
Dear Mr. Lee,
I'm reaching out to inform you that I won't be able to attend the interview for the [job title] on [date]. Thank you for considering me for this role, but due to personal reasons, I've decided not to pursue this role further.
I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused, and I wish you all the best in your candidate search.
Sincerely
Your Name
Contact Information
Example 6 - If You Want to Reschedule Your Interview:
Subject: [Your Name] - Rescheduling of Interview for [Job Title] on [Date]
Hi Mr. Lee,
An unexpected family emergency has come up, and I cannot join the interview for [post] on [date].
Would it be possible to reschedule the interview for next week? My availability is as follows:
[Dates and Times]
Sincerely
Your Name
Contact Information
Is It Unprofessional to Cancel an Interview?
It's quite common for a candidate to cancel interviews. There are many factors at play; some family emergencies may come up, your car may break down, you may get different offers, or sometimes people simply are not interested anymore.
Canceling job interviews is completely acceptable, as long as you provide notice.
After all, you don't want to waste your and their time if you're not interested.
When Shouldn't You Cancel an Interview?
You shouldn't cancel an interview if you want the job. Instead, you should reschedule the interview, if possible.
If you're rescheduling the interview, it's important to remember that not every company will be happy about it.
Most companies will understand your situation and be okay with it as long as everything goes smoothly on the day of your new appointment (or even before!).
However, some employers will feel like they've been taken advantage of when their first choice cancels them at the last minute.
Try to be honest with your employer about why you're canceling so they can avoid any misunderstandings or negative feelings on their end.
Key Takeaways
Here are some of the key takeaways from the blog:
- Don't cancel or reschedule the interview unnecessarily. It may come across as unprofessional. So, try the manager to go to the interview as much as possible.
- If you have a genuine reason, then it's understandable to reschedule the interview.
- Don't go into specifics of your cancellation or rescheduling of interviews.
- Try to notify the interviewer about the cancellation as soon as possible.
- If you want to cancel on short notice, it's better to call the hiring manager directly instead of dropping an email.
If you are looking for a job and giving interviews, you can visit Hiration's 360 Career Service Platform for your interview preparation and resume creation.
If you need more information, you can email us at support@hiration.com.
