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?

I considered this before a job interview yesterday, but didn't due to the reasons others have posted. Good luck!

You even need to ask, of course not. Are you going to do that every time things get a bit tough?

Nerves are normal and expected. If I was interviewing I would rather someone made a joke out of confessing to being a bit nervous at the start (it would indicate that they care) than either being too laid back, or their reactions being a bit weird as they're not on the ball.

Don't get into the habit of using alcohol to self-medicate. Please don't.

As a one off it’s fine! It’s not as if you do it every day.

Those suggesting rescue remedy - it has alcohol in it!

No, this is a dreadful idea. If you need a drink to steady your nerves for the interview, you might find you need one again when you actually do get the job.

I also find it interesting that you seem keen to reassure us that you're not a big drinker, but you know exactly when you last had a drink and exactly how much you drink in what time period.

In my experience, casual drinkers don't feel they need to track or volunteer this sort of information.

Bad idea, because you’ll be worrying that you’ve fucked up your chances by altering your brain / frame of mind. It doesn’t work.

A much better idea is to go for a good hour long walk beforehand, to get rid of nervous energy and take in some fresh air.

Those suggesting rescue remedy - it has alcohol in it!

Those suggesting rescue remedy - it's a load of tree-hugging nonsense!

I'm gonna go against the grain and say Go for it! I had a drink before a big exam and passed. Sometimes it takes the edge off your nerves.

I understand your temptation and not judging but no I think it's a really bad idea. And could becone a bad habit. I would suggest some grounding exercises, mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises or a walk to calm your nerves. Also would recommend no drinking the day before and try and get a good nights sleep. Good luck with your interview!

It's fine. Not that big of a deal. You've asked on MN though, the land of sniffing a thimble of whiskey at Christmas.

If I found out that a prospective employee felt they needed a drink to steady their nerves, I'd also be wondering just how well-equipped they were to handle stress in their job.

I use rescue remedy too. But it contains alcohol so necking it could be the same as a weak GnT 😋

Someone got there before me while I was checking my facts 😐

I'm no pearl clutcher when it comes to alcohol but it wouldn't even cross my mind to have a drink to calm my nerves, especially in a work context. It's a bit worrying that your thinking went that way... how is your relationship with alcohol usually?

😂😂 the tiniest bit

I hated doing presentations for interviews - all you can do is practice, practice, practice, do it timed. and again and again.

Before my consultant interview I sat in the car for a few hours, and did the presentation 20 times after practising at home for weeks.

It depends how sure you are of the likely effect on you. I did this before my final modern language degree speaking exam (presentation followed by interview), and it helped, and I got a very high mark with a special commendation for fluency and excellence in spoken language.

It wasn't a slippery slope, didn't lead to excessive drinking or an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, and didn't have any kind of adverse effect at all. We're all different though.

I listen to some music I really love before stuff like this and I find it helps a lot.

As.others have said try rescue remedy, CBD or.even Propanalol which is a beta blocker and can be used for situational.anxiety.

It's fine. Not that big of a deal. You've asked on MN though, the land of sniffing a thimble of whiskey at Christmas.

🤣🤣

Rescue Remedy is neat brandy, but in tiny quantities. If you necked the bottle it would be less than half a unit. I do find it quite useful for placebo support in these circumstances.

I had a manager years ago who advised every staff member going for an interview to take a shot of vodka before hand. She swore by it 😁

What would happen if you were open about it? There’s a reason you’re asking here - because you know really it’s not on. You hint at previous problems with alcohol, so you know it’s a slippery slope and a dangerous justification. If they found out you were nervous, they’d look past it. If they found out you’d been drinking, they’d fire you. There’s reason it’s unacceptable for everyone, EVEN you, and it’s not because the rest of the world are mean or don’t understand, whatever you tell yourself.

If you wish no man should see you do it, don’t do it.

I’d be worried that an alcoholic drink would make me need to wee half way through the interview!

If I was concerned about nerves I’d probably have camomile tea before the interview.