To email a professor about missing class for a job interview, write as soon as the interview is scheduled, give the date and time, say briefly that you tried to schedule around class but the employer could not move it, and explain how you will catch up. Professors usually treat interviews for internships and jobs more favorably when students ask in advance and do not miss an exam without arranging it first.
Below is a template, examples for a single interview, an on-site visit that takes a full day and an interview on an exam day, and tips for scheduling around class.
Job Interview Absence Email Template
Subject: Job Interview – Absence from [Course Name] on [Date]
Dear Professor [Last Name],
I have been invited to interview for [a job / an internship] with [company type or name, optional] on [date] at [time]. I asked for a time outside of class, but this was the only option available, so I will miss [course name] that day.
I will review the materials from that session and complete [the reading / the assignment] on time. Please let me know if there is anything else I should do to make up for my absence.
Thank you,
[Full Name]
[Course and Section]
What to Include
- The date and time. Let the professor know whether you will miss the whole class or arrive late.
- That you tried to reschedule. One line is enough and shows you value the class.
- How you will catch up. Offer to get notes, watch a recording or attend office hours.
- Proof, if needed. Some professors ask for the interview invitation; forward it if requested.
Sample Emails
1. A single interview
Subject: Internship Interview – Missing Marketing Class Friday
Dear Professor Clarke,
I have an internship interview on Friday morning that overlaps with our marketing class. The employer only had morning slots available. I will review the slides and complete the case reading before Monday. Thank you for understanding.
Best regards,
Pat Sullivan
2. A full-day on-site interview
Subject: Full-Day Interview – Absence on Thursday
Dear Dr. Romero,
I have been invited to a full-day on-site interview for an engineering position, including travel, on Thursday. I will miss our lab section that day. Is there an alternate lab time I could attend this week, or another way to make up the lab? I can forward the interview invitation if needed.
Thank you,
Drew Kim
3. The interview falls on an exam day
Subject: Interview Conflict with Exam – Request
Dear Professor Shah,
I received an interview invitation for the same time as our accounting exam next Wednesday. I have asked the employer for another time and am waiting to hear back. If they cannot move it, would it be possible to take the exam earlier or later that week?
Sincerely,
Quinn Foster
Tips for Scheduling Interviews Around Class
- Ask the employer first. Recruiters are used to students’ class schedules, and many will offer another slot.
- Use video interviews when offered. A remote interview between classes may avoid the absence entirely.
- Never skip an exam without asking. Request an alternative as early as possible.
- Use the career center. Your campus career office can help you handle conflicts with recruiters and practice for the interview.
Writing to a professor for another reason? Use our templates for an absence email, a sick email, a death in the family, or emails about family emergency, doctor appointment and surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a job interview an excused absence?
Policies differ. Some professors and colleges count career interviews as excused, others count them as personal absences. Check the syllabus and ask in advance.
Should I tell my professor which company I am interviewing with?
You do not have to. “A job interview” or “an internship interview” is enough.
What if the interview runs late and I miss more class than planned?
Send a short follow-up the same day explaining what happened and confirming how you will catch up.