Case Interviews
Should I take a break if case preparation has left me burnt out?
I've practised with friends, strangers and coaches, but nerves are still getting the better of me in real case interviews. After putting so much time and money into prep, I feel defeated rather than ready for the interviews coming up. Other types of interview have been fine for me. Should I push through more practice or step back for a bit?
Ian’s Answer
You don't need to study more. You need a BREAK
You need to take xx days off (no set amount to start). Stop what you're doing. Go somewhere peaceful/quiet. Your "happy" place. Have 0 expectations. Don't even look at or think about casing. On whatever day you suddenly go "oh, I think I'm ok now", hop back into it! But don't rush back. Be fully recharged before you come back.
I have too many candidates who start out thinking they're going to study 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 8 weeks straight. This is terrible! At the very least you need 1 full day of rest.
One last thing, remember the following (my dad always says this):
This is the most important thing in your life....until the next one
It's not a big deal. You'll do the interviews. You may ace all of them. You may bomb all of them. Big whoop...life will go on!