What to Do if You Miss a Job Interview? (Emails Templates)

Missing a job interview can be an incredibly stressful experience. However, it’s important to remember that while this situation is far from ideal, it doesn’t have to ruin your chances of getting the job. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do if you miss a job interview to help you navigate this challenge effectively.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first thing to do is to stay calm. Panicking will only make it harder to think clearly and take appropriate action. Take a moment to breathe and assess why you missed the interview. Was it due to a scheduling error, a sudden emergency, or simple forgetfulness? Understanding the reason is crucial for explaining your absence to the employer.

Immediate Actions to Take

Contact the Interviewer Immediately

As soon as you realize you’ve missed the interview, reach out to the interviewer or hiring manager immediately. A phone call is often the best approach as it allows for a direct and personal apology. Be sincere in your apology and briefly explain why you missed the interview. Offer to reschedule at their earliest convenience and express your continued interest in the position.

Follow Up with an Email

After your phone call, send a follow-up email to provide a written record of your apology and your request to reschedule. This email should be concise yet thorough, clearly stating your apology and explaining the situation. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the job and your desire to reschedule the interview. Here are templates you can use:

Sample emails for missing a job interview

General

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused and would like to explain briefly that [reason for missing the interview].

I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to your team. I would be extremely grateful if we could reschedule the interview at your earliest convenience. Please let me know a time that works for you, and I will make sure to be available.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you soon.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Personal Emergency

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. Unfortunately, I experienced a personal emergency that required my immediate attention, and I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you soon.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Scheduling Conflict

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. Due to a scheduling conflict, I was unable to attend, and I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

I am very excited about the opportunity to work with [Company Name] and am still very interested in the position. I would be grateful if we could reschedule the interview at your earliest convenience. Please let me know a suitable time, and I will ensure I am available.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Unavoidable Delay

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. Due to an unavoidable delay [briefly explain the cause, e.g., “due to unexpected traffic congestion”], I was unable to arrive on time, and I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to your team. I would greatly appreciate the chance to reschedule the interview at your earliest convenience. Please let me know a time that works for you, and I will make sure to be available.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Forgetting the Interview

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. I regret to inform you that I completely forgot about the appointment due to an oversight on my part. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused and take full responsibility for this mistake.

I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with [Company Name] and am still very interested in the position. I would be extremely grateful if we could reschedule the interview at your earliest convenience. Please let me know a suitable time, and I will ensure I am fully prepared and available.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Technical Issue (Virtual Interview)

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled virtual interview on July 27, 2024. Unfortunately, I experienced technical issues with my internet connection/computer that prevented me from joining the meeting. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

I am very excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to your team. I would greatly appreciate the chance to reschedule the interview at your earliest convenience. Please let me know a time that works for you, and I will ensure all technical issues are resolved beforehand.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Transportation Problem

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. Due to unexpected transportation issues (e.g., car trouble, public transit delays), I was unable to arrive on time. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused and take full responsibility for this.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Miscommunication

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. It appears there was a miscommunication regarding the interview details, and I regret any confusion and inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Sudden Illness

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. Unfortunately, I fell suddenly ill and was unable to attend. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Attending the Wrong Location

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. Unfortunately, I mistakenly went to the wrong location for the interview, and by the time I realized the error, it was too late. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with [Company Name] and am still very interested in the position. I would be extremely grateful if we could reschedule the interview at your earliest convenience. Please let me know a suitable time and location, and I will ensure I have all the correct details confirmed.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Family Emergency

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. Due to an unexpected family emergency, I was unable to attend the interview. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.

I am very excited about the opportunity to work with [Company Name] and am still very interested in the position. I would greatly appreciate the chance to reschedule the interview at your earliest convenience. Please let me know a time that works for you, and I will ensure I am available.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Oversleeping

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. Regrettably, I overslept and missed the appointment. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused and take full responsibility for this mistake.

I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to your team. I would be extremely grateful if we could reschedule the interview at your earliest convenience. Please let me know a suitable time, and I will ensure I am prepared and punctual.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Incorrect Interview Time

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. Unfortunately, I had noted down the incorrect interview time and missed our appointment. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to your team. I would be extremely grateful if we could reschedule the interview at your earliest convenience. Please let me know a suitable time, and I will ensure all details are correctly noted.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Unexpected Travel Delay

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. Due to an unexpected travel delay, I was unable to arrive on time. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Calendar Mix-Up

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. Unfortunately, there was a mix-up in my calendar, and I missed our appointment. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Power Outage (Virtual Interview)

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled virtual interview on July 27, 2024. Unfortunately, a power outage in my area prevented me from joining the meeting. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Misreading the Interview Date

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. Unfortunately, I misread the interview date and missed our appointment. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Family Obligation

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. Due to an unforeseen family obligation, I was unable to attend the interview. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Medical Appointment Conflict

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. Unfortunately, I had a medical appointment that conflicted with our interview time, and I missed the appointment. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Confusing Time Zones (Virtual Interview)

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled virtual interview on July 27, 2024. Unfortunately, I confused the time zones and missed our meeting. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Childcare Issue

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. Unfortunately, I experienced a last-minute childcare issue that prevented me from attending the interview. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Attending Another Job Interview

Subject: Apology for Missed Interview and Request to Reschedule

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview on July 27, 2024. Unfortunately, I had another job interview that ran longer than expected, and I was unable to make it to our appointment. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Prepare for a Possible Reschedule

If the employer agrees to reschedule the interview, make sure you are fully prepared for the new date. Reflect on what caused you to miss the first interview and take steps to prevent it from happening again. Double-check all dates and times, and ensure you have a clear plan to avoid any conflicts.

Handling the Explanation

When you contact the interviewer, whether by phone or email, it’s important to explain the situation appropriately.

Be Honest

Be honest about why you missed the interview. Whether it was due to a personal emergency, a scheduling conflict, or another reason, honesty is always the best policy. Employers appreciate transparency and honesty more than fabricated excuses.

Take Responsibility

Taking responsibility for your actions shows maturity and professionalism. Avoid making excuses or blaming others. Instead, acknowledge your mistake and explain what you have learned from the experience to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Express Sincere Apologies

A sincere apology goes a long way. Make it clear that you understand the inconvenience you have caused and that you are genuinely sorry. Showing empathy for the employer’s situation can help repair any negative impressions.

Follow Through on Commitments

After securing a new interview date, follow through on your commitments. Ensure you are fully prepared and arrive on time. Demonstrating reliability and responsibility will help to rebuild the employer’s confidence in you.

Reflect and Learn from the Experience

After the situation has been addressed, take time to reflect on what happened and how you can prevent it in the future. Consider setting multiple reminders for important appointments, improving your organizational skills, and maintaining better communication with potential employers.

Missing a job interview is undoubtedly a stressful experience, but it’s not insurmountable. By staying calm, taking immediate action to contact the employer, and being honest and responsible in your communication, you can mitigate the negative impact and potentially reschedule the interview. The key is to act swiftly, show genuine remorse, and demonstrate your continued interest in the position. With the right approach, you can turn this setback into a learning experience and still make a positive impression on the employer.