How to reply to an employer asking to reschedule your interview

Updated November 12, 2026

Reply the same day, stay flexible, and confirm the new time in writing. Accept it if you can, offer two or three alternatives if you cannot, or explain that a change is hard and ask what else is possible. A relaxed, courteous tone helps. The reschedule is usually about their calendar, not about you.

Reply

Same day. The employer is rearranging several calendars. A fast reply lets them lock the new slot before it disappears.

What your reply should say

1. Say you understand and thank them for the notice.
2. Accept the new time, or offer two or three that work for you.
3. Restate the full new date, time and time zone.
4. Confirm the format and location, and ask for an updated invite.

3 replies you can copy

Pick the one that matches what you want to say, copy it, and change everything in [brackets].

Hi [Name],

Thank you for letting me know. That is no problem.

I can confirm the new time: [day, date] at [time, time zone]. Please send an updated calendar invite and let me know if the location or interviewers change.

I remain very interested in the [Job title] role and want to make this as easy for you as possible.

See you then,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

Thanks for the heads up, and I understand things come up.

Unfortunately I cannot make [new slot]. I am free on [day, time] or [day, time, time zone]. If those do not suit, please send a few more options and I will do my best to fit one.

Best,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the note. I have already arranged [time off or travel] for [original date], so a change would be difficult for me.

Is it possible to keep the original time, or to meet another interviewer who is available then? If not, I will do my best to find a way to make the new time work.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Already late? Send this instead

For when you are a day or two late or more. Own the delay in one line, then do the job.

Hi [Name],

I am sorry for the late reply to your message about moving my interview. I should have answered sooner.

I can do [new time] if it is still available. If not, I am free on [day] and [day]. Please tell me which works and I will confirm right away.

Best,
[Your name]

Mistakes to avoid

• Showing annoyance. A reschedule is common and your reaction is part of the evaluation.
• Replying "ok" without repeating the new date and time, then missing the mix-up.
• Offering only one alternative. Give two or three so the scheduler can pick quickly.
• Forgetting to ask for an updated invite so your calendar matches.

Questions people ask

Is a rescheduled interview a bad sign?

Usually not. People get pulled into meetings, travel, or urgent work. Treat it as logistics, answer kindly, and do not read into it. If it happens again and again, ask politely whether the role is still active. It can feel like a risk, but changes happen in nearly every hiring process. Do not let it shake your confidence.

Can I say no to the new time?

Yes, if it truly does not work. Explain briefly and offer other times. Employers expect some back and forth. Being flexible helps, but you do not need to cancel important commitments for a first or second round. Keep it short, offer times, and ask for the updated invite. If the new plan really is impossible, be honest rather than agreeing and failing to show up.

More reply guides

• How to reply to a request to be someone's reference
• How to reply to a background check request email
• How to reply to a job offer when you need more time to decide
• How to reply to an internship offer email
• How to reply to your manager asking you to take on extra work
• How to reply to an email moving your deadline up

How this page was made

Written by Westward, who make Orbit, as starting points you edit before sending. The replies use placeholders, not real people or real mail. Nothing here is legal, tax or medical advice; for contracts, money or health, check the document or ask a professional. All reply guides.