Common problems with interview booking and how to fix them

What this article is about
This article explains common interview booking problems and what to do if you experience them.

Who this is for
Applicants who have been invited to interview but cannot complete or amend their booking.

What you need to know
Common issues include the booking window has not opened, the booking window has closed, there are no interview slots available, the system will not save your booking, you cannot see the interview booking option, you used a different email address or applicant account, your invitation has gone to junk or spam, there is a technical problem with the recruitment system, or you are trying to change your booking after the deadline.

What to do

1. Check the interview invitation and applicant guidance.
2. Confirm the booking window dates and times: although applicant guidance may give indicative dates, check your Oriel application (the 'Interview' tab within the relevant vacancy) to confirm if booking has opened and the deadline if so.
3. Check your email, including junk or spam folders; copies of all emails can also be found in the 'Messages' area of Oriel.
4. Try refreshing the page or using a different browser if the system does not load.
5. Take screenshots of any error messages.
6. Raise a query through the recruitment support route as soon as possible.
7. Include your full name, Oriel PIN, specialty, recruitment round, the issue, screenshots and the date and time you tried to book.

If this does not work
If the booking deadline has passed, you will not be able to book or change an interview on Oriel. You will need to contact the lead recruiter for the vacancy to find out if it will be possible. Please note that there is no guarantee it will be possible to book or change an interview.

If the booking deadline has not passed, it is usually the case that more slots can be released, so contact the lead recruiter for the vacancy; anyone invited to interview will be able to book an interview if they book/make contact before the deadline.

If you believe the issue was caused by a system or process error, raise this clearly through the recruitment support route.

Who to contact
Use the recruitment support route set out in the applicant guidance or interview invitation.

What HET can and cannot help with
HET can help with

• Checking local recruitment queries where HET owns the process.
• Directing technical issues to the correct route.
• Directing to the responsible region if it is not HET.

HET cannot help with

• Guaranteeing that late booking requests will be accepted.
• Creating extra interview slots outside the available capacity.

Related articles

• How to book, change or cancel your interview
• Dealing with problems in your application
• How to raise a complaint about your interview or offer

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 25 September 2026