Missing a job interview happens to people every day. Life throws curveballs when least expected. A family emergency, transportation problems, or health issues can derail plans. The key lies in how quickly and professionally you address the situation.
A well-written apology email shows respect for the interviewer’s time and keeps your candidacy alive. The emails in this guide help you recover from this setback, explain your absence professionally, and request another opportunity to meet.
Sample Apology Emails for Not Attending Interview
These emails will help you craft the perfect message to apologize for missing your interview and potentially get a second chance.
1. Basic Apology Email
Subject: Apology for Missing Interview – [Your Name]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
I’m writing to apologize sincerely for missing our scheduled interview on [date] at [time] for the [position name] role. I understand how valuable your time is, and I feel terrible about not attending as planned.
[Brief explanation of what happened – keep it honest, concise, and avoid overly detailed excuses]
I remain very interested in the position and the opportunity to work with [Company Name]. If you would be willing to reschedule our interview, I would greatly appreciate it. I promise to make this meeting a priority.
Thank you for your understanding. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
2. Health Emergency Apology
Subject: Urgent Apology – Missed Interview Due to Medical Emergency
Dear Mr./Ms. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
Please accept my sincere apology for missing our interview scheduled yesterday at 2:00 PM for the Marketing Coordinator position. Unfortunately, I experienced a sudden medical emergency that required immediate attention, leaving me unable to contact you beforehand.
I’ve been discharged from urgent care today and am feeling much better. I want to assure you that missing this interview was completely outside my normal professional conduct, as I value punctuality and clear communication greatly.
The opportunity to join [Company Name] remains very important to me. If possible, I would appreciate the chance to reschedule our meeting at your convenience. I’m available any day next week and can adjust my schedule to meet yours.
Thank you for your consideration during this unexpected situation.
Respectfully,
[Your full name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email]
[LinkedIn profile – optional]
3. Transportation Issue Apology
Subject: Apology for Today’s Missed Interview – [Your Name]
Dear Ms. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
I want to apologize for missing our scheduled interview today at 10:30 AM for the Project Manager position. My car broke down on the highway while I was en route to your office, and despite my best efforts to find alternative transportation quickly, I was unable to arrive on time.
I should have left earlier to account for potential problems, and I take full responsibility for not planning better. This situation doesn’t reflect my usual reliability and preparation.
I remain very excited about the possibility of joining your team and contributing to [specific company project or goal]. If you would consider rescheduling our meeting, I would be grateful for a second chance to discuss how my qualifications align with your needs.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your full name]
[Your cell phone]
[Your email address]
[Professional website – if applicable]
4. Family Emergency Apology
Subject: Missed Interview – Urgent Family Emergency – [Your Name]
Dear Mr. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
I’m writing to apologize deeply for missing our scheduled interview yesterday afternoon for the Customer Success Specialist role. A family emergency required my immediate attention, and in the rush to handle the situation, I failed to notify your office.
My family member is now stable, and I’m available to focus on professional commitments again. I want to express how sorry I am for any inconvenience my absence caused to you and your team.
I had prepared extensively for our meeting and was looking forward to discussing how my customer service background could benefit [Company Name]. If possible, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to reschedule our interview.
Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
Warm regards,
[Your full name]
[Your contact information]
[Link to portfolio or work samples – if relevant]
5. Calendar Mix-up Apology
Subject: Apology for Interview Mix-up – [Your Name]
Dear Ms. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
I am writing to apologize for missing our interview scheduled for this morning at 9:00 AM for the Graphic Designer position. I made an error in my calendar and had incorrectly recorded our appointment for tomorrow, resulting in my absence today.
This mistake is completely my fault, and I take full responsibility for the oversight. Organization and attention to detail are skills I pride myself on, which makes this error particularly disappointing.
I remain very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join your creative team and showcase my portfolio. If you would be willing to give me another chance, I would ensure perfect timeliness and preparation.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[Link to online portfolio]
6. Technology Failure Apology for Virtual Interview
Subject: Apology for Missing Virtual Interview – Technical Issues
Dear Mr./Ms. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
I’m writing to apologize for missing our scheduled virtual interview today at 3:00 PM for the Data Analyst position. Unfortunately, my internet service went down completely about 30 minutes before our meeting, and despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue or find an alternative connection, I was unable to get online in time.
I contacted my service provider immediately, and they have now resolved the problem. I should have had a backup plan for connectivity, and I apologize for not being better prepared for this possibility.
I was very much looking forward to discussing my qualifications and learning more about the data challenges at [Company Name]. If possible, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to reschedule our interview at your convenience.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
[Your full name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[Link to GitHub or relevant technical profiles]
7. Accidentally Missed Notification Apology
Subject: Sincere Apology for Missed Interview
Dear Mr. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
I want to apologize for missing our interview scheduled for yesterday afternoon for the Sales Representative position. I discovered that your confirmation email was filtered to my spam folder, which I failed to check. This meant I didn’t have the interview properly noted in my calendar.
This situation has taught me an important lesson about being more thorough in my communication systems. I’ve now adjusted my email settings to prevent this from happening again.
I was genuinely looking forward to sharing my sales experience and learning more about the targets and challenges at [Company Name]. If you would consider rescheduling, I promise to be fully prepared and punctual.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
[Your full name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[LinkedIn profile link]
8. Short-Notice Emergency Apology with Documentation
Subject: Urgent Apology and Documentation Re: Missed Interview
Dear Ms. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
Please accept my sincere apology for missing our scheduled interview today at 11:00 AM for the Office Manager position. I experienced a water pipe burst in my apartment this morning that required emergency attention to prevent damage to my home and neighboring units.
I’ve attached a copy of the emergency plumbing service receipt as verification of this unexpected situation. I should have asked someone else to contact your office while I was dealing with the emergency, and I apologize for this oversight.
I remain very interested in the position and would be grateful for an opportunity to reschedule our interview. I’m available at your convenience and can adjust my schedule accordingly.
Thank you for your understanding during this stressful situation.
Kind regards,
[Your full name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[Attachment: Emergency service documentation]
9. Apology After Realizing Mistake Too Late
Subject: Belated Apology for Missed Interview Yesterday
Dear Mr./Ms. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
I’m writing with deep embarrassment to apologize for missing our interview scheduled for yesterday at 1:00 PM for the HR Assistant position. I made the serious mistake of recording the wrong date in my calendar and only realized my error this morning when reviewing my schedule.
There is no excuse for this oversight, and I take full responsibility for my lack of proper organization. This incident does not reflect my usual attention to detail and respect for others’ time.
While I understand that you may have moved forward with other candidates, I wanted to express my sincere regret for missing this opportunity and for any inconvenience I caused to you and your team.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
10. Apology with Alternative Meeting Proposal
Subject: Apology and Proposed Solutions – Missed Interview
Dear Ms. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
I sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview this morning for the Content Writer position. A traffic accident on the highway brought all lanes to a complete stop, and despite leaving early, I was stuck without a way to exit or reroute.
I should have called your office as soon as I realized I would be substantially delayed, and I apologize for this lapse in communication.
I remain very interested in joining your content team. To make up for today’s missed opportunity, I’m available for any of the following options:
– A phone interview at your earliest convenience – A video conference meeting any evening this week after business hours – An in-person meeting early morning before your regular business hours – A weekend meeting if that would accommodate your schedule better
I’ve also attached a writing sample specifically created for your company that showcases my understanding of your brand voice.
Thank you for considering these alternatives.
Best regards,
[Your full name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[Link to writing portfolio]
11. Brief, Direct Apology
Subject: Apology for Missing Interview – Request to Reschedule
Dear Mr. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
I apologize for missing our interview scheduled for this afternoon at 2:30 PM. My child’s school called requiring me to pick them up due to sudden illness, and in the rush to handle the situation, I failed to notify you properly.
If possible, I would appreciate the opportunity to reschedule our discussion about the Accountant position. I remain very interested in the role and am confident my skills align well with your requirements.
Thank you for your understanding.
Regards,
[Your full name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
12. Apology Following Up After No Response
Subject: Second Apology and Final Request – Missed Interview Last Week
Dear Ms. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
I sent an email last Tuesday apologizing for missing our scheduled interview for the Customer Support Lead position due to a mix-up with time zones. Since I haven’t heard back, I wanted to reach out once more to express my sincere regret.
I completely understand if you’ve decided to move forward with other candidates. However, if you’re still considering applications, I would be grateful for a second chance to demonstrate my qualifications and commitment.
The opportunity to join [Company Name] remains very important to me, particularly because of your company’s approach to customer satisfaction and team development.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
13. Apology with Added Value
Subject: Apology & Additional Information Following Missed Interview
Dear Mr. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
I want to sincerely apologize for missing our scheduled interview yesterday for the Marketing Manager position. My previous meeting ran significantly overtime, cutting into our scheduled time slot, and I mismanaged the situation by not properly communicating with you.
To demonstrate my continued interest and capabilities, I’ve attached a brief marketing strategy outline I created specifically for [Company Name] based on my research of your current market position and growth opportunities.
I understand how valuable your time is, and I truly regret missing the chance to speak with you. If you would consider rescheduling, I would ensure perfect punctuality and thorough preparation.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your full name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[LinkedIn profile]
[Attachment: Marketing Strategy Brief]
14. Heartfelt Personal Apology
Subject: My Sincere Apology – Missed Interview Yesterday
Dear Ms. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
I cannot express enough how truly sorry I am for missing our interview yesterday for the Teaching Assistant position. I have been caring for my elderly parent, and an unexpected health situation arose that required my immediate attention.
This role means a great deal to me, as education has always been my passion. I should have had better backup plans in place given my caregiving responsibilities, and I take full responsibility for not managing the situation better.
If you would be willing to give me another opportunity to interview, I would be extremely grateful. I believe my five years of classroom experience and dedication to student success would make me a valuable addition to your school.
Thank you for your understanding during this challenging time.
Warmly,
[Your full name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
15. Apology with Reference Reinforcement
Subject: Apology for Missed Interview – [Your Name]
Dear Mr. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
I’m writing to apologize sincerely for missing our interview scheduled for Monday at 9:00 AM for the Project Coordinator position. Due to a sudden power outage in my area following severe weather, my alarm failed to go off, and I overslept.
I’ve contacted [Referrer’s Name] who recommended me for this position, and they have kindly offered to vouch for my usual reliability and professionalism, which this incident unfortunately does not reflect.
I remain very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to [specific company projects or goals]. If you would consider rescheduling our interview, I would ensure this situation never repeats itself.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
[Your full name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[Professional social media profiles]
Wrapping Up: Apology Emails for Interviews
The most important thing to do after missing an interview is to apologize quickly and professionally. A good apology shows you value the opportunity and respect the interviewer’s time. While there are no guarantees, a thoughtful message might open the door to a second chance.
Keep your explanation brief, take responsibility, and focus on moving forward. The templates above provide starting points, but make sure to personalize your message to fit your specific situation and the company culture.