Stay cool. Your interview could be switched up unexpectedly. The interviewer or the scheduled date could change, for any reason. You may come in for your interview on an incredibly busy day when the company is shorthanded. Or perhaps the interviewer had to leave due to a family emergency. These scenarios occur all the time. Don’t assume when something changes that it’s a sign they are uninterested in your candidacy.
If you’re shaken by the change, take some deep breaths or practice some visualization to put yourself in your best state during the interview, whenever or however it occurs.
Be patient. If you are up for a phone interview, always anticipate that the call may not actually happen on the scheduled day, for any variety of reasons (including the ones stated above). This way, if the interview doesn’t occur, you can stay relaxed and be ready.
Delayed phone interviews are normal. As a general practice, wait for at least 20 minutes before calling the interviewer. Ask if it’s a good time to talk; if not, simply reschedule if your timeslots don’t match.
Be prepared. In the event that a recruiter calls you for a phone interview unexpectedly, take a deep breath, and focus. Don’t immediately reject the call. Evaluate whether it’s a good time. (For example, don’t attempt to take the call when you’re out doing chores.)
If you’re caught off guard, instead of rejecting the call abruptly, state that you only have a few minutes to spare, and ask if rescheduling would be a better idea.
Expect the unexpected. If you are given assessment tests as soon as you enter the room, don’t make it look like it’s the end of the world. Always be prepared for the possibility. Some companies include assessments as part of their interview process.
Don’t let these tests rattle you. You can benefit from them by finding out if your skill set will truly match the job you are applying for.
Thank the interviewer. Express your appreciation even if your interview is cut short. Don’t assume that the recruiter is no longer interested in you. Sometimes there are business issues to deal with at a moment’s notice, and the interview may be getting in the way. Smile, thank the interviewer for his or her time, and let the interviewer know you can be contacted with additional questions at a more convenient time, if needed.