You sent your resume and you have an interview scheduled. Then, your dream employer just offered you a last minute interview. Caught in this scenario, there is only one thing you can do, cancel the interview. However, this needs to be done with style and grace since you never know when or where you are going to run into the interviewer. Furthermore, you may still want to attend the same interviewer at a later time in the future. Proper business etiquette will thus need to be observed to maintain good relationships and professionalism in handling such a situation. Fortunately, this article will show you how to cancel an interview without creating problems with an interviewer.

First, look at the calendar and select the best alternate date and time that you can be able to reschedule. Make sure that this is within a day or two of the original interview. Call the receptionist and tell him of your unavailability on the day of the interview. Do not text or try to cancel via message or email. Ensure that you do it live. Give a valid reason for your inability to attend. Tell him or her that you are very interested in filling that position but that a 'conflict' makes it impossible for you to be there and that you would like to reschedule. Remember that you do not have to share all the details of your life. This includes giving out information about another interview that you plan to attend. In 9 out of 10 cases, they will not even ask what the 'conflict' is.

If, in rare cases, you are required to give a specific reason for your absence, make it as vague as possible. If the conflict involves a mandatory meeting or training at your current job, explain that it is necessary for you to attend. As much as you would like a better opportunity, remember also that you have an obligation to remain professional and most potential employers will appreciate such work ethics and agree to reschedule per your availability. If you have not yet officially accepted another offer, reschedule the interview about a week later or even further so that you will have enough time to settle things out with other interviews.

When you have to cancel past the normal working hours, leave a simple message and explain it on the phone the next day. As far as possible, try to be as honest as possible without jeopardizing your chances of getting an interview. Also, avoid miscommunication by asking the receptionist to repeat the reason for your rescheduling or cancellation. This may give the employer the impression that you flaked for the interview.

Finally, if you have taken another position, call and let them know that you have accepted a position somewhere else with another company. Be sure to thank them for their consideration and wish them success. In this way, you have built a professional record should you decide to apply for a position again.