In many cultures or countries, not accepting the proposed date for an interview is frowned upon and almost unimaginable. This is probably due to the fact that job opportunities are scarce, and people do not want to give the impression that they are not serious about the position. However, there is an interesting aspect to this topic when it comes to German work culture.
You can postpone or reschedule the proposed date and suggest another one. However, there is a particular way to go about it, and it is important to follow it.
Be clear and respectful
Just writing that you cannot come, or simply not showing up, is obviously not acceptable. You have to give a concrete and truthful reason why you cannot attend. Valid examples would be a previously scheduled medical appointment or an exam at university.
Offer alternatives
It is also very important that when you cannot accept an appointment, you directly suggest one or two dates when you would be available. You can also provide time windows. For example: “I am available on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.”
By doing this, you show, on the one hand, that you are genuinely interested in the position and available for the job, just not on the proposed date. On the other hand, you simplify the process of arranging a new date.
To sum everything up
You can postpone or reschedule a job interview in Germany. However, you should clearly and respectfully explain why you cannot make it to the proposed appointment and directly suggest alternative dates that would work for you. This is the professional way to go about it.
Fany Sob
Check out another job-search related article here.