Is it a good idea to postpone an interview?

Question

Hi all,

Of course, the moment I go on vacation to South America for my best friend's wedding, I receive an interview invite for a role I’m very interested in, based in Dubai (I’m normally in Europe).

They’ve asked for my availability next week, but given the time zone difference and the fact that I’m on holiday, it’s not an ideal setting for a first interview.

Should I ask to postpone until I’m back (not this coming Monday, but the one after), or try to make it work? I really want the job, but I also want to be thoughtful about what’s best for my performance.

Thank you

Answer 1

Congratulations on both the exciting job interview and your best friend's wedding - what a special moment on both fronts!

If you feel the current setting could impact your focus or performance, it’s absolutely okay to kindly request a short postponement. Express your strong interest in the role, mention you’re currently traveling for a close personal commitment, and propose a few specific dates for the following week. Most recruiters will appreciate the honesty and flexibility, especially if it means you’ll show up at your best.

Wishing you an amazing time at the wedding and all the best for your interview — feel free to reach out if you ever need a second opinion or some prep support!

Answer 2

Hi,

It's ok to postpone the interview; this will not influence the outcome.

Kr,

Mattijs

Answer 3

Hi,

it is totally fine to postpone the interview - in general that can be done no questions asked.

In fact when I applied many years ago I also had to postpone with BCG and that was no problem.

Best,
Lukas

Answer 4

Hi there,

It is totally okay to ask to postpone the interview. Shouldn't be any issue. Just ask nicely.

Best,

Emily

Answer 5

Hello,

It is ok to postpone the interview, but try not to push it back too much in case they are doing this in rounds and get a strong interviewee pool in yours.

Good luck and enjoy the wedding!

Answer 6

Ask to postpone—it’s just a few days and totally reasonable.

You don’t need to overexplain; simply let them know you need to reschedule for personal reasons.

It happens all the time, and recruiters are used to it.

Best,

Alberto

—

Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: FastFashion - Customer Loyalty

Answer 7

Postpone.

It's absolutely normal to have a life. And they don't drop candidates because they don't happen to be available at all times for the interview.

Write a polite email to HR explaining you are away for personal reasons and unfortunately you cannot make the time they suggested but would be very excited to do it as of X date.

Needless to say, make sure that you're ready by the new date.

Best of luck!
Cristian

Answer 8

Hi all!

Congrats!

100% fine to ask to postpone. One of the best possible reasons :)

Have fun!

-Andreas

Answer 9

Yes!!

Postpone!

They will 100% understand and anyone who doesn't and tries to force your hand in cancelling your trip to your best friends wedding is NOT the employer you want to work for.

Good luck!

Answer 10

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the invitation!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

I would highly advise you to ask for a postponement. Recruiters will usually understand and appreciate it if you want to be in the best setting to perform well.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 11

It is perfectly fine if you ask to postpone for a week.

Answer 12

It's okay to postpone interviews as long as there is advance notice. Recruiters understand you have other commitments - work, personal life etc.

Just ask politely - at the most they will say no. But in my experience, all of my coachees that have asked for extensions have received them.

All the best!