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I have applied to 2 postdoc jobs in the same university and have been selected for a 2nd interview in one before doing the first interview in the other lab.

The interviews are set at different times and so I will not be able to attend both so I wish to cancel the one where I haven't been yet. Should I say to the professor the truth "I will be interviewing with another lab" or shall I just say that for some reason I have to cancel it without mentioning the other interview?

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    Have you considered simply asking to reschedule the interview? But if you really want to cancel, you can always say something vague like "I'm pursuing other opportunities".
    – Nate Eldredge
    Commented May 12, 2015 at 7:10
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    +1 for @Nate = ask to reschedule if you're interested in the job. Otherwise, you don't even need to say "I'm pursuing other opportunities". Just give as much notice as possible (to maximise the chance they can invite someone else etc), give a brief apology for the inconvenience (if you are indeed sorry :)), thank them for considering your application. Done.
    – P.Windridge
    Commented May 12, 2015 at 19:45
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    If they are at different times, why can't you attend both?
    – StrongBad
    Commented May 22, 2015 at 20:31
  • The OP's language is confusing. I'm assuming that "interviews are set at different times and I will not be able to attend both" means that both interviews were set on the same date, but at different times (and of course different locations). So the solution is to change the date.
    – RoboKaren
    Commented May 22, 2015 at 21:03
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    @Karen That makes no sense to me, unless the interviews are in (relatively) quick succession. If they are on the same day but at (vastly) different hours that would be beneficial, as only one trip will be required to do both. On topic though: It's not the prof's business that you have a meeting with another one. Both are separate things.
    – Nox
    Commented May 22, 2015 at 21:28

2 Answers 2

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Title Name Address

Dear University B -

Thank you very much for notifying me that I am on the short list for position W at University B and for scheduling me for a first-round interview on February X, 2015.

I have recently been notified by University A that I am a finalist for a position at Lab A and they want to schedule a second-round interview, also on February X, 2015.

As the Lab A request is for a second-round interview, I feel that I must prioritize this against first-rounds, even though I am still very much interested in pursuing the position at your lab.

Would it be possible for us to reschedule my interview for Feb (X-7)? I understand that this may raise logistical concerns and appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely,

User34154

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    Absolutely this.
    – Jonathan E. Landrum
    Commented May 21, 2015 at 16:35
  • I think, but am not sure, that the interviews are at different times, so it would require two visits to the same university. I still like your answer.
    – StrongBad
    Commented May 22, 2015 at 20:30
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tell the truth, as you haven't done anything unethical. however, just attending the interview is still a good solution.

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  • +1, but you could capitalize your sentences and explain why the alternative is a good idea.
    – Aaron Hall
    Commented May 21, 2015 at 14:20

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