How to Cancel a Job Interview

Okay you got your resume in and have a job interview, great. The issue is you need to cancel the job interview. How do you cancel a job interview and save face with the employer?

The first issue is always why are you cancelling the interview? There are things that you need to do to cancel a job interview regardless of the reason.

·         Never leave a message. Talk to a live person

·         Always cancel as early as possible. Don’t wait until the day of the interview to cancel

·         Let them know you are very interested in the position, but need to reschedule.

·         Be professional at all times

·         Prepare yourself before making the call

Unfortunately when cancelling a job interview there is no guarantee that you will get another one. In our current economic situation there are so many qualified candidates for a position that getting an interview is better than okay or great. The odds of getting an interview are astronomical!  You have most likely made it past hundreds of applicants to get to this station or point.

Getting to the point of an interview sends a message to you that you are definitely in the big leagues, swimming with the alphas and you deserve it. If you can reschedule the other conflict, do so. Don’t abandon your interview unless absolutely necessary.  

When you call and speak with the interviewer to let them know you have to cancel the interview, always keep it professional. They don’t need to know the personal details of your life and you. Simply use the words “you have a conflict” and need to reschedule. If you are speaking with a Human Resource individual, typically 99% of the time they won’t ask the specifics of the schedule conflict.

If you have to provide a specific excuse for rescheduling or the conflict in schedules, be vague. Don’t provide details. Be prepared when you make the call. Realize that you are still being evaluated for the position including with this phone call.

There are some people that may find they have a conflict because of their current job. If so, you can explain to the interviewer you have a mandatory meeting or something along those lines.

If you are cancelling because you have another job, continue to be professional. Don’t ever burn your bridges because you never know what the future holds. Things may not work out and you may need the employer one day. You never know….

Remember that the economy is what it is and there are many people seeking the position you have an opportunity to get. If it’s not a life and death situation, don’t reschedule the interview. If you have to cancel the interview, do so with professionalism and follow the points that are outlined in this article of information.

Cancelling a job interview sends the wrong message and may cost you dearly; including the job you want or could have had.

other resources great resources for cancelling your job interview-http://bizcovering.com/employment/how-to-cancel-a-job-interview/

 pic is courtesy of ehow.com