Of course, pick a slot
No problem, {{name}}. Things come up. Here are other slots in my calendar link: {{link}}. Pick what suits you.
Reschedule interview texts: 13 messages for recruiters
Plans change on both sides. A candidate has a conflict, an interviewer falls ill, someone is stuck in traffic or forgets the call. How you handle the change shows what the company will be like to work for. These 13 messages cover the candidate who needs to move, the interviewer who needs to move, lateness, a missed interview, a time zone mix up and a cancellation. None of them asks why or blames anyone. Send them to candidates who agreed to be texted. Copy any message, or add all 14 to your keyboard and send them from iMessage, WhatsApp, LinkedIn or SMS in one tap, in any app.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Words in {{double braces}} are blanks. In the textcuts keyboard you fill them with one tap, and the names you used recently come back.
The candidate needs to move
Offer a new time
Hi {{name}}, I can move you to {{day}} at {{time}}. Does that work? If not, tell me what does.
Same day request
Understood, {{name}}. Thanks for telling me early. I'll let the interviewer know and send new options shortly.
Moved twice already
Hi {{name}}, we have moved this twice now. I'm glad to do it again. Is there a time that really works for you?
We need to move
The interviewer is unavailable
Hello {{name}}, I'm sorry, but our interviewer is unavailable tomorrow. Can we move to another day? Here is my link: {{link}}.
An emergency on our side
Hi {{name}}, our interviewer had an emergency. I'm very sorry for the short notice. Can I call you today to find a new time?
Running late
{{name}}, the interviewer is running about ten minutes late. Thank you for waiting. They'll join soon.
Time zone fix
Quick check, {{name}}: the time in the invite is in our time zone. What is the time for you? Tell me and I'll correct it.
Late or missed
They are late
Hi {{name}}, we're ready when you are. If you're running late, tell me how long and I'll let them know.
They missed it
Hello {{name}}, we missed you today. Is everything okay? If you still want the role, I can offer one new time.
New time confirmed
All set, {{name}}. Your new interview time is in your inbox. Please reply yes so I know you saw it.
Cancelling
They withdrew
Understood, {{name}}, thank you for telling me. I'll withdraw your application. The door is open if you change your mind.
The role is on hold
{{name}}, the interview is cancelled because the position is on hold. I'm sorry. I'll write when it opens again.
Thank you for flexibility
Thank you for being flexible, {{name}}. I know changes are never convenient. See you at the new time.
When to send each message
| When | Message | Note |
|---|---|---|
| When they ask to move | Of course, pick a slot | Send options. |
| On the day itself | Same day request | Calm. |
| When our side changes | The interviewer is unavailable | Apologize early. |
| When the interview runs late | Running late | Keep them informed. |
| After a miss | They missed it | Offer one new time. |
| After rebooking | New time confirmed | Ask for a yes. |
Do not say
Texting a number that never agreed to hear from you (a bought list, or a number copied from a profile).
Instead: Text only people who applied or told you they are fine with texts, and honor stop.
Asking about age, family plans, religion, origin or health in a text.
Instead: Ask about the job: skills, schedule, location and the pay range.
Sending one pasted message to a whole list.
Instead: Type each message yourself, one candidate at a time, with their name.
Asking why they need to move.
Instead: Offer new times and let them keep their reasons.
Blaming them for a change.
Instead: Say changes happen and offer a new slot.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Frequently asked questions
Do these work on the free plan?
Yes. 11 of these 14 templates use a single blank, which fills in on the free plan. The other 3 use two blanks, and filling both from the keyboard needs Pro. Free holds 8 textcuts and 1 folder, so the six essentials fit. Importing all of them also works, because imports are never blocked and nothing is deleted.
Do I need permission to text a candidate?
Yes. Text only people who applied, replied to you or told you they are happy to be texted, and send each message yourself, one person at a time. Honor "stop" at once. Say in your first message that they can tell you if they'd rather not get texts. The US rules on texting are in the FCC's guide to unwanted robocalls and texts.
Can I send these in WhatsApp, iMessage or LinkedIn?
Yes. textcuts is a keyboard, so it works in every app where you type: iMessage, WhatsApp, SMS, LinkedIn, Messenger and Instagram. Add the messages once and tap to insert them.
How many reschedules are fair?
Two is common, and a third is a good moment to ask what really works for them. The "Moved twice already" template does that kindly.
What if the interviewer cancels last minute?
Apologize, own it, and offer a call. The "An emergency on our side" template is written for that.