Job interviews are an essential part of the job search process, but sometimes circumstances change, and you may find yourself needing to cancel an interview you previously scheduled.
Don’t fret— things happen!
No matter your reason for canceling, the important thing is that you give the interviewer or recruiter notice. In other words, don’t ghost them. Leaving an employer hanging can leave a bad impression and damage your reputation on the job market. And, even if you’ve already secured a job elsewhere, you never know when you’ll cross paths with your would-be interviewer again.
We’ll make this article short and sweet but tell you everything you need to know about canceling a job interview.
How to cancel an interview
Whatever your reason for canceling— whether you’ve accepted another position, have a scheduling conflict, or simply are no longer interested in the company— there are a few steps you should take.
The key here is to be prompt and respectful of their time. Don’t wait until the time you were supposed to meet to let someone know that you won’t make it. As soon as you know you’ll need to cancel, let the interview team know.
When you do so:
- Express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview.
- Apologize sincerely for the inconvenience caused by your cancellation.
- Clearly state the reason for canceling, if you feel comfortable doing so.
- Reiterate the date and time of your scheduled interview.
Canceling an interview can feel intimidating, but remember— it’s always better to cancel than to just not show up.
RELATED: What to Ask a CEO in an Interview (From an Actual CEO)
Should I call or email to cancel an interview?
Use your best judgment and consider the communication channels you’ve been using with the company.
In general, email is a widely accepted and professional way to cancel an interview. It provides a written record of your cancellation, which can be valuable for both parties.
However, if you’ve primarily been communicating with the company through phone calls or if there is a more personal relationship established, opting for good ol’ fashioned call may be more appropriate.
Interview cancelation email example
Here’s an example of what an email to cancel an interview may look like:
This email covers the four main points we talked about earlier in a brief and polite manner:
- Express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview: I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity to interview with Samson & Co. and really love everything the team is doing.
- Apologize sincerely for the inconvenience caused by your cancellation: I appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience.
- Clearly state the reason for canceling: I wanted to reach out and let you know that I’ve accepted a job offer elsewhere.
- Reiterate the date and time of your scheduled interview: As a result, I won’t be able to make it to the scheduled interview on Wednesday at 3pm.
Want to reschedule rather than cancel your interview? Read our article on how to reschedule here: How to Reschedule an Interview.