What's the proper way to turn down an interview invitation? Is e-mail okay or should one call? Should the e-mail be to the Program Director or is the Program secretary sufficient?
Declining Interview Etiquette
- Thread starter BamaAlum
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I'm sorry but I will be unable to interview with your program.
They get a ton of applications, and they will appreciate it if you decline earlier rather than later, so they can invite more people.
If you are planning on trying to get a job or a fellowship at that program later, I guess you could write the PD a note about how you are sorry but it just isn't going to work out for you, but that's a bit excessive, I mean, it is just an interview and they don't really care that much.
They get a ton of applications, and they will appreciate it if you decline earlier rather than later, so they can invite more people.
If you are planning on trying to get a job or a fellowship at that program later, I guess you could write the PD a note about how you are sorry but it just isn't going to work out for you, but that's a bit excessive, I mean, it is just an interview and they don't really care that much.
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b&ierstiefel
When I declined interviews, I made an attempt to call. That way, you will be absolutely sure that they got the message.BamaAlum said:
You could get screwed if you send an email and they happen to not get it. Then when your interview date rolls around and you don't show, then they could get pissed. A low probability situation but one you would like to avoid (in the event that down the road, you decide to want to do a fellowship there...they probably won't remember though).
There were two instances where I could not get a hold of the person at the contact number, even after multiple attempts. That's when I resorted to leave a voice mail message and then followed it up with an email stating that you tried to contact them.
Most programs will not give you any **** about cancelling the interview. All you need to say is that you will not be able to make it and that you would rather have them know sooner than later so that someone else can have the slot. They will be appreciative and many of them will wish you luck as a nice gesture.
Don't stress about it.
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AndyMilonakis said:
Are we talking about cancelling an interview already scheduled or declining the initial offer? I have to decline an inital interview offer today and I am wondering if email is appropriate- the offer was extended via email so I figure I would email to decline. Is this different than cancelling one already scheduled?
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I think I'd try to call anyway, so that you can thank them and express your regrets etc. It just y'know, comes across nicer 😉
I'd do like Andy says in both situations.
I'd do like Andy says in both situations.
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I dunno, I think if you haven't scheduled your interview yet than a reply email politely stating that you won't be able to make it is enough. I declined interview at Vanderbilt via email...I don't think a phone call is necessary - I figured it would be slightly awkward and I'd just as soon avoid it.
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Exactly!
So now that I've said that and you've said that, people can realize it's really not such a big deal 😀
So now that I've said that and you've said that, people can realize it's really not such a big deal 😀
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b&ierstiefel
When declining an interview offer upfront, email should be fine. It gets a little more dicey if you have already accepted the interview and scheduled a date. Then I would make sure they get the message by initially making a call to cancel. Again, if you can't get a hold of the person who is scheduling interviews, you can email. In the grand scheme though, it's probably not a huge deal if you cancel via email or mail.drPLUM said:
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