Missing a job interview might seem like a career setback. Writing an apology email during this stressful time can be challenging. Yet, sending a well-written apology email can often lead to a second chance.
Professional recruiters and hiring managers know that unexpected situations happen. Success depends on your response to the situation. A genuine, quick apology explaining your absence without excuses might keep you under consideration for the current role or future positions. These 20 expertly written apology emails will help you manage this situation professionally.
Sample Apology Emails for Not Attending Interview
These carefully written templates will show you how to apologize effectively while staying professional.
1. Medical Emergency
Subject: Apology for Missing Interview – Medical Emergency
Dear Mr. Thompson,
Please accept my sincere apology for missing our scheduled interview this morning at 10:00 AM. Unfortunately, I experienced a sudden medical emergency that required immediate hospital attention.
My doctor has now cleared me to resume normal activities, and I deeply regret any inconvenience my absence may have caused you and your team. Your time is valuable, and I understand the impact of my absence on your schedule.
If possible, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to reschedule our interview. I remain very interested in the Senior Marketing Manager position at ABC Corp and would welcome the chance to discuss how my skills align with your team’s needs.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
Sarah Chen
2. Family Emergency
Subject: Sincere Apology – Missed Interview Due to Family Emergency
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
My deepest apologies for missing today’s 2:30 PM interview for the Software Developer position. A family emergency arose this morning requiring my immediate attention, and I was unable to access my phone or email until now.
I realize this has disrupted your schedule and potentially impacted other candidates’ interview times. Such behavior does not reflect my professional standards or genuine interest in joining XYZ Tech.
Should you be willing to consider rescheduling, I would be grateful for another opportunity to meet with you and demonstrate my qualifications for the role.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael Patterson
3. Transportation Breakdown
Subject: Apology for Interview Absence – Car Breakdown
Dear Dr. Williams,
Please accept my sincere apology for missing our scheduled interview today at 1:00 PM. My car broke down on the highway while driving to your office, and despite my best efforts to arrange alternative transportation, I was unable to reach you in time.
I should have left earlier to account for potential issues, and I take full responsibility for this oversight. My absence does not reflect my strong interest in the Research Associate position or my usual reliability.
If you would consider rescheduling the interview, I would ensure such a situation does not occur again by making appropriate backup transportation arrangements.
Thank you for your time and understanding.
Best regards,
Robert Kim
4. Power Outage During Virtual Interview
Subject: Apology – Technical Issues During Virtual Interview
Dear Mrs. Baker,
My sincere apologies for the abrupt disconnection during our scheduled virtual interview today. An unexpected power outage in my area caused the disruption, and despite my attempts to reconnect using mobile data, the connection remained unstable.
I understand how valuable your time is and deeply regret that technical issues prevented us from completing our discussion about the Project Manager position. This situation has taught me to have better backup plans for virtual meetings.
Would it be possible to reschedule our interview? I would ensure multiple backup power and internet options are available to prevent any similar issues.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
Lisa Martinez
5. Calendar Mix-up
Subject: Apology for Missing Interview – Calendar Error
Dear Mr. Johnson,
My sincere apologies for missing our interview scheduled for yesterday at 11:00 AM. Upon checking my calendar, I discovered I had incorrectly recorded the date, a mistake that led to my absence.
This error reflects poorly on my organizational skills, which are typically one of my strengths. I understand the impact this has had on your scheduling and recruitment process for the Financial Analyst position.
Should you be willing to give me another opportunity, I would appreciate the chance to meet with you and demonstrate both my qualifications and usual attention to detail.
Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
David Lee
6. Traffic Accident
Subject: Missed Interview Apology – Major Traffic Incident
Dear Ms. Anderson,
Please accept my sincere apology for missing our scheduled interview this morning. A major traffic accident blocked all lanes on the highway, leaving me stuck with no alternative routes to reach your office in time.
While I left early to account for regular traffic, this unexpected situation prevented my arrival. I should have contacted your office immediately when I realized I would be significantly delayed.
If possible, I would greatly value another opportunity to meet and discuss the Operations Manager position. I remain very interested in joining your team.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
James Wilson
7. Personal Health Issue
Subject: Apology – Health-Related Interview Absence
Dear Dr. Brown,
My deepest apologies for missing our scheduled interview yesterday afternoon. I experienced a severe migraine attack that left me unable to drive or communicate effectively.
I value your time greatly and feel terrible about not providing advance notice. This situation has reminded me to better manage my health condition and always have contingency plans.
If you would consider rescheduling, I would welcome the opportunity to meet and share my qualifications for the Data Scientist position.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
Emily Taylor
8. Weather-Related Emergency
Subject: Interview Absence Apology – Severe Weather
Dear Mr. Garcia,
Please accept my sincere apology for missing our scheduled interview this morning. The severe snowstorm caused dangerous road conditions and eventual road closures, making it impossible to reach your office safely.
I should have monitored the weather more closely and contacted you earlier about possibly rescheduling. My lack of proactive communication does not reflect my usual professional approach.
If you would consider rescheduling, I would ensure better preparation for weather-related challenges in the future.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Rachel Cohen
9. Childcare Emergency
Subject: Apology for Missed Interview – Childcare Emergency
Dear Ms. Phillips,
My sincere apologies for missing our scheduled interview today. My child’s school closed unexpectedly due to a facility emergency, and I had to arrange immediate care, preventing me from attending the interview.
While I typically have backup childcare arrangements, this sudden situation caught me unprepared. I understand this absence may raise concerns about reliability, but please be assured this is not typical of my professional conduct.
Should you be willing to reschedule, I would appreciate the opportunity to meet and discuss the Marketing Coordinator position.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
Thomas Wright
10. Public Transportation Strike
Subject: Apology – Interview Absence Due to Transit Strike
Dear Mrs. Turner,
Please accept my sincere apology for missing our scheduled interview this morning. An unexpected public transportation strike left me without my usual means of reaching your office, and my attempts to arrange alternative transportation proved unsuccessful.
I take full responsibility for not having a backup transportation plan and for failing to notify you sooner about my situation. This experience has taught me valuable lessons about preparation.
If possible, I would greatly appreciate the chance to reschedule our interview for the Graphic Designer position.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
Sofia Patel
11. Mixed Time Zones
Subject: Apology for Interview Mix-up – Time Zone Error
Dear Mr. Davidson,
My sincere apologies for missing our virtual interview today. I made the error of scheduling it in my calendar using my local time zone instead of your company’s time zone.
This mistake shows a lack of attention to detail that does not represent my usual work standards. I understand how this oversight affected your schedule and the recruitment process.
If you would consider rescheduling, I would ensure proper time zone coordination and demonstrate my genuine capabilities for the Remote Developer position.
Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
Alex Murray
12. Technology Failure
Subject: Apology – Technical Issues Prevented Interview Attendance
Dear Ms. Harrison,
Please accept my sincere apology for missing our virtual interview scheduled for this morning. My laptop experienced a critical system failure just before our meeting, and my attempts to join via phone proved unsuccessful.
I should have tested all equipment thoroughly beforehand and had a proper backup device ready. This situation has taught me valuable lessons about technology preparation.
Would it be possible to reschedule our discussion about the Systems Analyst position? I would ensure multiple backup options are available.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Nathan Chen
13. Building Access Issues
Subject: Apology for Interview Absence – Building Access Problems
Dear Dr. Mitchell,
My sincere apologies for missing our scheduled interview this afternoon. Despite arriving at your building on time, I encountered unexpected security clearance issues that prevented me from reaching your office.
I should have requested detailed access instructions beforehand and arrived earlier to account for potential security procedures. This oversight was my responsibility.
If you would consider rescheduling, I would ensure proper preparation for building access and demonstrate my usual level of professional preparation.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
Maria Sanchez
14. Personal Loss
Subject: Apology – Missed Interview Due to Family Loss
Dear Mr. Reynolds,
Please accept my heartfelt apology for missing our scheduled interview yesterday. I received news of a close family member’s passing and had to handle immediate family responsibilities.
While personal matters rarely affect my professional commitments, this unexpected situation required my immediate attention. I deeply regret not being able to notify you sooner.
If possible, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to reschedule our discussion about the Customer Success Manager position.
Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Christopher Wong
15. Natural Disaster
Subject: Interview Absence Apology – Natural Disaster Impact
Dear Ms. Foster,
My sincere apologies for missing our scheduled interview this morning. The unexpected flood warnings and subsequent evacuation orders in my area prevented me from leaving my neighborhood.
I should have contacted your office as soon as the situation developed. My lack of communication during this emergency does not reflect my usual professional standards.
Should you be willing to reschedule, I would welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss the Business Analyst position.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
Daniel Harper
16. Service Animal Emergency
Subject: Apology for Missed Interview – Service Animal Situation
Dear Dr. Coleman,
Please accept my sincere apology for missing our scheduled interview today. My service animal required emergency veterinary care, and as my medical support system, I could not leave them unattended.
I understand this absence may raise concerns, but please be assured that such situations are extremely rare. My service animal’s health is now stable.
If possible, I would greatly appreciate the chance to reschedule our interview for the Content Strategist position.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Amanda Fisher
17. Court Appearance
Subject: Apology – Unexpected Court Summons
Dear Mr. Bennett,
My sincere apologies for missing our scheduled interview this morning. I received an unexpected court summons requiring my immediate appearance as a witness, which could not be rescheduled.
I should have notified your office as soon as I received the summons. This unusual situation does not reflect my typical professional conduct or reliability.
If you would consider rescheduling, I would welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss the Legal Assistant position.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
Ryan Peters
18. Communication Service Outage
Subject: Apology for Interview Absence – Network Outage
Dear Mrs. Lawrence,
Please accept my sincere apology for missing our virtual interview today. A widespread network outage affected my entire area, preventing both internet and cellular communication.
I should have arranged a backup location with reliable connectivity. This situation has taught me valuable lessons about preparation for virtual meetings.
Should you be willing to reschedule, I would ensure multiple connectivity options are available to prevent similar issues.
Thank you for your understanding.
Regards,
Kevin O’Brien
19. Identity Theft Emergency
Subject: Apology – Missed Interview Due to Identity Theft
Dear Ms. Hamilton,
My sincere apologies for missing our scheduled interview yesterday. I discovered unauthorized access to my bank accounts and had to spend the morning with law enforcement and the bank securing my finances.
While this situation required immediate attention, I regret not finding a way to notify your office about my absence. This emergency does not reflect my usual reliability.
If possible, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to reschedule our discussion about the Risk Analyst position.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
Lauren Mitchell
20. Military Spouse Emergency
Subject: Apology for Missing Interview – Military Family Emergency
Dear Mr. Sullivan,
Please accept my sincere apology for missing our scheduled interview this morning. As a military spouse, I had to handle an unexpected base-related emergency requiring immediate attention.
I understand this absence may raise concerns about future reliability, but please be assured that such situations are rare. My spouse’s unit has now established better support systems.
If you would consider rescheduling, I would welcome the chance to discuss the Administrative Manager position and my qualifications.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Michelle Barnes
Final Thoughts
A well-written apology email can fix professional relationships and open new doors. Several essential points stay constant across different situations. Take responsibility without making excuses, express genuine regret for causing inconvenience, and ask for another chance if suitable. Keep your message professional but sincere, and send it quickly after missing the interview.
A missed interview doesn’t automatically close all doors. Many hiring managers value candidates who handle these situations professionally. Your approach to apologizing can highlight your communication abilities and professional maturity, making you stand out among other candidates.