I just received an invitation for my first case interview and they want me to come in within three days. Since today is a holiday, it feels more like 2.5 days of preparation time. I have never participated in a case interview before and I think I really need some time to prepare and practice. My schedule is also packed right now with other commitments. Would it be appropriate to ask if we could push the interview back by about a week? From their message, it sounds like they have a pretty strict schedule already set up. I’m worried about making a bad impression if I ask to reschedule, but I also don’t want to go in unprepared.
I’ve been there - it’s super stressful! I asked for a few extra days on my first case interview and the recruiter was totally understanding. They pushed it back 4 days, which made all the difference. Just be honest about it. I told them I’d never done a case interview and wanted to do their opportunity justice. Don’t say you’re swamped with other stuff - focus on wanting to be ready for their interview specifically.
You’re overthinking this. Ask for more time if you need it, but don’t expect miracles. Most companies have locked timelines and they’re interviewing tons of people. If they say no, you’ll wing it like everyone else has. Worst case? You bomb it and learn something. There’s always other opportunities, and being slightly underprepared beats looking indecisive from the start.
Yes, asking to reschedule is totally fine and usually looks good to employers. Most companies get that good candidates need prep time, especially for case studies. Just frame it right - show you’re genuinely interested and want to bring your A-game. A week’s extension is perfectly reasonable for first-time case prep. When you reach out, suggest specific dates and acknowledge they’re juggling schedules too. Recruiters would rather see you prepared than rushing in half-ready. Being thoughtful about prep shows good judgment, not flakiness.