It is a frustrating situation when an interviewer does not appear for a scheduled meeting. This can leave a job candidate feeling confused and undervalued. Navigating this moment requires patience and professionalism to protect your candidacy. This guide will help you manage the immediate aftermath and decide on your subsequent steps.
Immediate Actions to Take
The first few minutes after your scheduled interview time are for calm verification. Before assuming the worst, double-check the details you were sent. Confirm the date, the exact start time, and the time zone. A simple mix-up between time zones is a common reason for missed connections, especially in remote interviews.
For a virtual interview, use this initial waiting period productively. Test your internet connection again and ensure the interview platform, whether it’s Zoom, Google Meet, or another service, is functioning correctly on your device. Quickly scan your email inbox and spam folder for any last-minute messages from the company. There might be a communication explaining a delay or providing a new link.
If you are attending an in-person interview, wait for about 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, you can check your phone for any emails or text messages from the recruiter or hiring manager. After this grace period, approach the receptionist, introduce yourself, and explain that you have an interview scheduled. They can often check the interviewer’s calendar or attempt to contact them directly.
How to Follow Up Professionally
After waiting 10 to 15 minutes without any contact, your next step is to send a single, professional follow-up email. The goal is to inquire about the status of the interview without assigning blame or conveying frustration. A calm, positive tone is important, as unforeseen emergencies or simple human error could be the cause.
This email should be sent to whomever scheduled the interview, which could be a recruiter, an HR coordinator, or the interviewer. If both a recruiter and the hiring manager were on the original invitation, it is appropriate to include both of them in your message. This ensures the communication reaches the right person who can address the scheduling issue.
Your email should be concise and direct. A subject line like “Following up on our interview” or “Checking in: Interview for [Job Title]” is clear and professional. In the body of the email, state that you were ready at the scheduled time and express hope that everything is okay. You can then reiterate your strong interest in the role and suggest rescheduling.
For example, you might write: “Hi [Interviewer’s Name], I hope all is well. I was looking forward to our scheduled chat today at [Time] for the [Job Title] position. I am still very interested in learning more about this opportunity and the team at [Company Name]. Would you be open to rescheduling? I am available [provide a few dates and times]. Please let me know what works best for you.”
Interpreting the Interviewer No-Show
Once you have sent your follow-up email, the focus shifts from action to analysis. How you interpret the no-show depends heavily on the context and, eventually, the company’s response. There are numerous potential reasons for the mishap, ranging from benign, one-time mistakes to more serious, systemic problems within the organization.
A simple, forgivable error is often the cause. The interviewer might have had a sudden personal or work-related emergency, a last-minute calendar conflict, or simply forgot due to a heavy workload. In these cases, you can expect a prompt, apologetic reply with an offer to reschedule. This type of response suggests a human error rather than a deep-seated issue.
However, a no-show can also be a red flag regarding the company’s culture. It may indicate a disorganized work environment where scheduling and communication are not prioritized. It could also signal a lack of respect for candidates and their time, suggesting that the company does not value the people it seeks to hire. This is a moment to observe how the company handles its own mistake.
Deciding on Your Next Move
The company’s reaction to your follow-up email will guide your final decision. If they respond with a sincere apology that acknowledges the inconvenience and quickly offers to reschedule, it is often reasonable to accept. A quality apology will be specific and respectful, reinforcing that your time is valued.
Your decision to proceed should be based on the nature of their explanation and your enthusiasm for the role. If the apology feels dismissive or the scheduling process continues to be disorganized, you may choose to withdraw your candidacy.
If you receive no response at all within a few business days, you have a clear answer. This radio silence is unprofessional and speaks volumes about the organization’s internal processes and respect for applicants. In this scenario, the best course of action is to move on. Refocus your energy on pursuing opportunities with employers who demonstrate professionalism from the very first interaction.