What Is Interview Fatigue and How to Combat It

Have you ever felt drained after just one job interview or increasingly anxious as the interview process drags on? If so, you may be dealing with interview fatigue, which is becoming a common experience for candidates caught in lengthy and repetitive hiring processes.

While interviewing is a chance to shine, it can also become exhausting, especially when one or two rounds turn into three, four, or even more. This exhaustion can leave you feeling less confident and can even impact your performance, making it harder to land the role you’ve been working so hard for.

Companies are trying to vet candidates now more thoroughly than ever, but for candidates, this more thorough process can feel like an endurance test. In this article, we'll outline the interview fatigue meaning, how to recognize its symptoms, and strategies to overcome it.

What is interview fatigue?

Interview fatigue happens when a lengthy interview process and repeated assessments wear down a candidate both mentally and physically. This leaves the candidate  feeling overwhelmed, demotivated, or even frustrated with the job search overall.

“This can happen to job seekers who are actively pursuing new opportunities and are participating in multiple interviews without adequate breaks or time for recovery,” says Michelle English, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), co-founder, and executive clinical manager at Healthy Life Recovery.

While “interview fatigue” isn't an official psychological term, it’s become a popular way to describe the tiredness many candidates feel in today’s job market. 

In the U.S., a significant portion of candidates—42%—prefer a streamlined hiring process, ideally with just one to two interview stages, according to the latest Greenhouse Candidate Experience Report for 2024.

“Having more than one interview per day or several within a week may lead to fatigue,” English says. “It's essential to balance the number of interviews with your capacity to prepare adequately and maintain your well-being.” 

Key contributors to interview fatigue

“This fatigue is frequently caused by the emotional and cognitive demands of preparing for and participating in multiple interviews, which can be mentally exhausting and anxiety-inducing,” says Gary Tucker, Chief Clinical Officer and licensed psychotherapist at D'Amore Mental Health.

Why are interviews so stressful? Rhetorical question, we know. You’ll probably recognize some if not all of the factors that can contribute to interview fatigue:

• Multiple interview rounds: Each round introduces new questions, new people, and new stress, which can lead to burnout. 

• Repetitive questions: Candidates often report being asked the same questions multiple times, which can feel redundant and tiresome.

• Long timelines: When weeks go by between interview rounds without updates, it’s easy to feel drained and discouraged.

• Assessment-heavy interviews: Some companies require candidates to complete multiple assessments, tasks, and presentations, taking time and energy and  making the candidate tired of preparing for interviews.

• Unclear process: A lack of transparency around the number of rounds or timeline can lead candidates to feel as though the process is never-ending.

• High stress levels: “The pressure to perform well and secure a job can increase anxiety and stress,” English says.

Interview fatigue: Symptoms

Is it normal to feel exhausted after a job interview? It might be, but fatigue could also signal a need for caution—and it’s not the only symptom to watch for. Other signs of interview fatigue can start subtly but often intensify as the interview process continues.

• Mental exhaustion: Feeling drained after an interview, especially if it happens repeatedly.

• Reduced enthusiasm: A once-exciting opportunity may now feel uninteresting or burdensome.

• Difficulty focusing: You may find it challenging to stay engaged or remember important details about the role.

• Negative outlook: Feeling increasingly pessimistic or cynical about the process or the company.

• Physical symptoms: Headaches, muscle tension, and other stress responses may arise as the process continues.

Recognizing these signs early on can help you manage your energy and prepare yourself to handle lengthy interview processes more effectively.

The potential impact of interview fatigue

The consequences of interview fatigue go beyond mere tiredness; it can significantly impact your job search. Fatigue can hinder your ability to communicate effectively and make it harder to impress interviewers.

If the interview process drags on, you may develop a more negative outlook toward an organization, which can dampen your motivation. Plus, excessive interviews can leave you feeling so drained that continuing your job search becomes challenging, potentially delaying or derailing your efforts.

Lastly, prolonged stress from interviews can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and feelings of inadequacy, all of which can negatively affect your overall well-being.

How to stop interview fatigue

Overcoming interview fatigue isn’t easy, but it’s possible with a few strategies to help you stay focused, positive, and energized:

1. Pace yourself

“Interviews are more than conversations; they’re performances requiring candidates to establish rapport, credibility, and likability with each new panel, often without a break to recharge,” says Amanda Box, president of Box Communications, who has over 25 years of experience in coaching and consulting on interview skills. 

If possible, space out your interviews to give yourself time to recharge. Remember, it’s OK to request flexibility with scheduling!

2. Prepare a “greatest hits” list

Make a list of your most relevant accomplishments and practice answers to key questions to avoid feeling drained by repeatedly formulating responses. This can help streamline your answers and keep you focused.

3. Set realistic expectations

Ask the recruiter for an overview of the interview process, including the number of rounds and approximate timeline. Knowing what to expect can make it feel more manageable.

4. Practice self-care

“To combat interview fatigue, prioritize self-care by getting enough rest, practicing stress-relieving techniques like mindfulness or deep breathing exercises, and scheduling interviews with plenty of breaks in between,” Tucker says.

If you wonder, “Why do I feel so tired before an interview?” it might be because of poor sleep: Anxiety about the interview can lead to disrupted sleep or insomnia. You may wake up feeling exhausted or unrested, especially if you've been thinking about the interview the night before.

5. Focus on what excites you about the role

Before each interview, remind yourself why you’re excited about this job. This can help you reconnect with your enthusiasm, counteracting fatigue.

“I believe the best way to mitigate fatigue is through authentic connection,” Box says. “When candidates focus on forming a genuine connection rather than aiming to impress, it eases the pressure and leads to more energizing interactions.”

Preventing interview fatigue in future interviews

Learn to manage and prevent interview fatigue to conserve your energy for the long run. Here’s how to set yourself up for success in future interviews:

• Limit overlapping interviews. Avoid scheduling multiple interviews within a short period if you’re exploring multiple opportunities. This can help you give each interview your best without feeling overwhelmed.

• Communicate with the recruiter. If you’re feeling fatigued, it’s OK to let the recruiter know. They may be able to adjust the timeline or even consolidate interviews to minimize your stress.

• Evaluate the process early on. After the first one or two interviews, assess whether the process feels manageable or overly demanding. If it seems excessive, take a moment to consider whether the opportunity is worth the added stress.

• Prioritize companies with clear processes. Some organizations are known for lengthy interview processes, while others are efficient and straightforward. Researching online reviews can help you gauge what to expect and steer clear of overly taxing processes.

• Set a limit. Decide how many interview rounds you’re willing to complete before an offer is extended. If a company’s process exceeds that number, consider asking about next steps or even withdrawing if it feels excessive.

Make the most of each interview

While interview fatigue can be challenging, each interview is also an opportunity. Making sure that you’re prepared for every round can help you showcase your strengths, even if the process is long.

Be present! Try to approach each interview as a fresh opportunity to show why you’re the best fit. Use the occasion as a chance to learn more about the role and the company to make sure it’s the right fit for you.

If you receive constructive feedback during the process, use it to refine your approach. Each interview is a chance to learn, even if it doesn’t lead to an offer.

Taking steps to set boundaries and prioritize your well-being can make the difference between a successful job search and burnout. Ultimately, remember that the right role will be worth the effort, and it’s okay to be selective about processes that align with your needs.

Read this next: The Best Way to Control Anxiety Before a Job Interview