To have a drink to steady my job interview nerves?

[ChloeCC]

I have an online job interview in a few days. It includes a task and the questioning itself. From a rational point of view, I am well qualified for the role and I have prepared for the interview. However, I am already very, very nervous, days ahead!
This is partly because I recently lost out on a promotion at work. I did an online interview, which went badly, and didn't get it.

Ridiculously, I am not even hugely invested in getting the job, although the extra cash would be very handy atm.

I am not a big drinker (anymore). In fact, I haven't had a drink for around a week - this is standard for me. Half a bottle of wine every few weeks. Or a single G&T.

Would I be unreasonable to have a very weak G&T ten minutes before the interview to take the edge off my nerves? I am finding it difficult to give the presentation alone to nobody in my office, days before the interview! I'm tripping over words!

I know the feeling that a very weak G&T would deliver and I don't think it will impact me cognitively - just take that rabbit-in-the-headlights edge off. What do you all think? Am I insane?

Er no, you can’t do that! You might smell of it for a start.

I think it sounds a bit slippery slope.

Try Bachs Rescue Remedy instead.

Read the thread!

Really not a good sign. How could you cope with the nerves and pressure of a new job, booze in your coffee?

It’s a remote interview.

Also it might not actually help. I have to do presentations and speeches in social settings sometimes when everyone is drinking. I do get nervous but I never drink a drop as I need to be 100% on the ball.

Oh sorry I missed it was remote.

Insane. Don't do it.
Being prepared is your very best bet.
Be mindful of your breathing and have a few techniques to hand to give yourself time to think, you sound like you really know your stuff, but your interview technique let you down before.
Don't rush to answer questions, pause where you need to or ask for clarification to give yourself room to think.
Good luck!

Seriously bad idea. As someone else suggested, try Rescue Remedy or some other herbal calmer.

You could talk to your doctor about trying a beta blocker to help with nerves.

Literally the first line of the OP states it’s online.

I know why you're tempted, but I wouldn't. IMO booze calms the nerves but can make you slightly "dulled" and/or more likely to say the wrong thing.

I second the Bach's Rescue Remedy tip. Honestly, that stuff is bloody amazing. Buy the £10 bottle from Boots and ignore the dropper - just neck a mouthful.

Would half a g&t really take the edge off that much?

I did this once before and it did not help!! I was just as nervous and shaky as ever, and I think it caused me to have a panic attack at one point!

As a life long nerves sufferer the best thing I've found is capsules of lavender oil. You take it about 1/2 hour before the event and it works wonders. I think studies have found they are better than prescribed pills!

As a one off I’d do it. Like you say, it’s just to take the edge off. Good luck with your interview op!

I'll be honest, that you feel you need a drink to calm your nerves would worry me a bit.

Please dont you need to be on the ball and using alcohol as a coping mechanism is very unhealthy. Remote interviews are tough but being thoroughly prepared is your best bet. Make sure you have a strong list of examples you can pick from that would cover different questions and run through this a few times to prepare. Interviews are horrible but they dont last long, you can do this!

Rescue remedy works for me, try that? I wouldn’t drink in case it doesn’t have the effect you think it will?

Also.if.you have a drink it would likely be a massive distraction as you would be trying to work out if they could tell you had had a drink

I know a woman who got a job in a massive government organisation and as the interview was on Teams, she had a shot of gin before starting. And she got the job! Said it calmed her nerves. I wouldn't do it myself as I'd be worried that it might not have the effect I hope for!

I can totally understand the nerves getting better of you and temptation to take edge off.. Have you ever tried CBD? Can get it most pharmacies these days and a wonder for helping with stress and anxiety. I also recommend just practicing presentation as much as you can on Zoom / Teams - your welcome, sharing screen etc… I find online presentations less stressful to in-person as can just share screen and waffle upbeatly through it without feeling as “on show” if standing up in front of a room! I think people are more relaxed too with online world and simple wee hiccups are part and parcel… try relax, go with flow but confidentially! Best of luck!

Have a Trip CBD drink or two

I missed it too. I'm always skim reading 😂

do a rehearsal or write down some questions and answers you think thye might ask or you want to ask. If you have presentation to prepare for -rehearse this (in front of mirror if you can)
the day of the interview & just before relax. Close your eyes and breath slowly for a few minutes to clear your mind & than precede (& go to the loo just before! "yes mum" )
You can do it!

they not thye