Job hunting is a job in itself. Between customizing resumes, sending applications, and preparing for multiple interviews, often for the same role, it’s easy to feel mentally drained and emotionally discouraged. Interview fatigue is real, especially in industries like finance and accounting where multi-stage hiring processes are common.

If you're attending round after round of interviews and feeling your energy dip, you're not alone. Here's how to manage fatigue, stay focused, and present your best self each time.

1. Recognize the Signs of Interview Fatigue

Before you can tackle interview fatigue, you need to recognize it. Common signs include:

• Trouble concentrating during interviews
• Dreading upcoming calls or meetings
• Repeating yourself or forgetting what you've already said
• Feeling disconnected or less confident
• General burnout or frustration with the job search

Acknowledging fatigue doesn't mean you're unmotivated. It means you're human.

2. Protect Your Energy Between Interviews

Pacing yourself is key. Avoid overbooking interviews in the same week, and give yourself recovery time between stages.

Tips:

• Schedule smart: Whenever possible, book interviews during times of day when you’re most alert.
• Limit back-to-backs: Give yourself at least a few hours or a day between interviews.
• Rest and reset: Take a walk, journal, or do something enjoyable between meetings.

Energy management isn’t lazy. It’s strategic.

3. Practice, But Don’t Over-Practice

Preparation builds confidence, but over-prepping can lead to mental exhaustion and robotic answers. Aim to rehearse key points, not full scripts.

Focus on:

• Key achievements and metrics
• Why you're excited about the company
• How your experience aligns with the role

Practise with a friend or recruiter, not just alone in front of a mirror.

4. Stay Consistent With Your Messaging

Multiple rounds often involve different interviewers. Stay sharp by keeping your message consistent.

Keep notes of:

• What you’ve shared in each round
• Follow-up questions you want to revisit
• Feedback or themes that have come up

This helps you avoid repeating yourself unnecessarily or contradicting yourself.

5. Control What You Can (And Let Go of What You Can’t)

Interview processes can be lengthy and unpredictable. Focus on doing your best rather than overanalyzing outcomes.

Remind yourself:

• You’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you
• Not every “no” is a reflection of your value
• The right role won’t require you to prove yourself ten times over

6. Refresh Before Each Round

Don’t go into your third interview acting like it’s your twelfth. Give each meeting your full attention and enthusiasm.

Quick refresh strategies:

• Reread your resume and the job description 30 minutes before
• Research your interviewers if names are provided
• Practice a short “why I’m excited about this role” intro to set the tone

7. Ask Clarifying Questions

If the process seems never-ending, don’t hesitate to ask what the next steps are and how many rounds remain. Transparency helps you manage your expectations and your time.

Final Thoughts: Pace Yourself to Perform Your Best

You don’t need to show up perfectly polished in every interview, but you do need to stay present. Recognizing and managing interview fatigue is the key to doing just that.

Job hunting is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritize rest, stay grounded, and reach out for support when you need it.

Looking for roles that respect your time and energy?

Kassen Recruitment connects finance and accounting professionals with top employers across Canada. 

Explore open roles or reach out to our team today.