The Best Excuses for Resetting a Job Interview Time

Are you ever in a situation where you need to reschedule a job interview? Or perhaps you're thinking of making up an excuse to avoid the interview altogether? If so, you're not alone. However, it is essential to know the right approach to take when facing such a situation. Here, we explore the best excuses to reset a job interview time and why truthful communication is always the best policy.

Why Lying About Rescheduling Doesn't Work

First and foremost, it's crucial to understand that interviewers are often very good at spotting lies. In today's age of social media and background checks, they can easily verify the plausibility of your excuse. Dishonesty in the hiring process can lead to a bad first impression and the suspicion that you might not be able to be honest about other aspects of your work as well. No one wants an employee who is dishonest, so transparency and honesty are vital.

Real-World Excuses for Rescheduling

Here are a few realistic reasons why you might find yourself in a situation where you have to reset a job interview time:

1. Kidnapped by Terrorists

Imagine you were abducted by terrorists who mistook you for the President of Kenya. This is an example of a highly improbable and humorous excuse that interviewers often find amusing. However, it may come in handy if your interviewer is not very familiar with the case details. When asked, simply reply with a well-crafted lie such as, 'They must think I’m calling the bank to arrange the transfer of my gold coins. I have to go. Can we reschedule the interview?' This suggests that you are indeed available and just need a new date to fit your schedule.

2. Meeting Deadlines at Your Current Job

Another valid reason is that you have a critical deadline at your current position. No potential employer would want you to risk losing your current job, especially when your chances of securing a new position are uncertain. Explaining that you need to meet this deadline before leaving might persuade the interviewer to find a mutually agreeable date for the rescheduled interview.

3. Emergency Medical Situation

Extremely serious personal emergencies, such as a medical certificate stating you need to attend to a close relative's death or your own imminent health crisis, can also be a reason to reschedule. This is a genuine and serious situation, often one of the most convincing reasons for rescheduling. Make sure to present the medical certificate as supporting evidence to back up your claim.

When Excuses Aren’t the Answer

Ultimately, if you are finding excuses for not attending the interview, it may be a sign that you are not genuinely interested in the job. In such cases, it would be best to reflect on what you value in a career and where your true interests lie. This self-reflection can help you identify the type of job and industry that aligns with your goals and aspirations, thus eliminating the need to make up excuses for missing the interview.

Just Rescheduling, Not Lying

When faced with the need to reschedule a job interview, it's important to be truthful. Share the real reason for the rescheduling, and if the reason is important, the interviewer will consider it. You must be prepared to support your reason to avoid suspicion. Transparency during the rescheduling process can help build trust and demonstrate your professionalism. So, always prefer to tell the truth, as honesty is key in any professional relationship.

Conclusion

Remember, whenever you need to reschedule a job interview, the best course of action is to be honest and provide a convincing reason. Whether it's due to a unique situation like being kidnapped by terrorists, meeting a critical deadline, or an emergency medical situation, it's important to find a way to be truthful in your communication. Honesty will ensure you maintain a positive impression and increase the chances of securing the job you're after.

Additional Tips: For a more detailed and professional approach, consider reviewing and using a sample rescheduling email, which can be found in the resource provided below.