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?

Thanks, I’m very chuffed!

hmmm you say you’ve not had a drink for around a week? But previously a problem drinker? I agree with PP it sounds like you’re looking for permission to have that drink.

Don't do it. You know that isn’t the answer.

Totally understand the nerves.

Much better to sit calmly and observe. Your breath going in and out of your body. Don't change it. Just observe.

Slow your breathing right down. In for a slow count (whatever number you can manage slowly and comfortably ). Breath out for Same count or even longer.

Maybe even pause between in/out and out/in.

Small glass of water when you are done. Make sure you are fully ready before you begging and set an alarm so you can not worry about when to stop.

You have got this. Good luck.

I’ll buck the trend and say the day of the interview isn’t the time to experiment with alternative remedies, particularly CBD. You have no idea how they will affect you.

In my home country no one would think twice about calming their nerves with a mild drink and some food under the circumstances.

It maybe isn’t ideal that a G&T is what works for you, but needs must. I would go for a walk or get some kind of exercise before dressing for the interview, then make the drink smaller and/or weaker than planned. And eat something.

Lemon balm supplements with L-theaniine help to relax you and focus the mind. Good for exam nerves and taking the edge off bad pms.

The terrible truth is that Rescue Remedy works because of the bog-standard alcohol that teeny-weeny anti-scientific amounts of 'essence' are pickled in :-D.

I try to pretend that isn't the case when I'm necking it before a prez, but it is. A glug is just enough to reduce anxiety but not to disinhibit. The problem with actual drinking in these circs is that you can't identify exactly where that point is until you've gone past it 😁

Literally the first sentence says "I have an online interview" 🙄

Others have suggested it but Rescue Remedy really does work! You can also buy Kalms and if taken about an hour beforehand, they defo take the edge off the anxiousness

Online interview 😂

Beta blockers are useful if you’re nervous in situations like this

Don't even think about having a drink, particularly if you've been a problem drinker in the past. One weak G&T might lead to to 3 or 4, and you'll blow the interview because you'll be pissed.

Apologies if I've misunderstood I am not a big drinker (anymore).

I really wouldn't
Can you get a prescription for propranolol? It erases all the physical signs of anxiety so even if you feel nervous your voice won't shake etc.

Propranolol was recommended to me. I took it and didn't feel it worked. Was told I sounded nervy after the interview, but I did get the role.

You wouldn't do this if it was in person - so don't do it because it's online. If it's large enough to make any difference it's large enough for it to also make you sloppy. Being nervous is normal.

Please don't OP. I'm a recovering alcoholic. Giving myself "permission" to drink in circumstances like these was the top of a very slippery slope that ended up costing me nearly everything.

I recommend meditation, focused physical activity, and speaking to a friend beforehand who you know will boost you up. Good luck!

Dear god no!

My best friend has craaaazy social anxiety. He had to record a presentation for a company once as part of his interview and he drank before he did it. He showed it to me after and he was absolutely steaming 🤣 got the job though!

I'm in the "no" camp unless it is something where flawless performance and presenting is required. And even then not sure it would have the desired effect.

I just don't think it's the most effective way of enhancing your performance. A good walk, cup of tea, and some good protein based food for breakfast would do you much better.

Alcohol is not an appropriate crutch.
If anything, it might relax you to the extent that you mis hear or mis interpret something.

But if you want a drink beforehand, go ahead.

I can't get worked up about this. Do it or don't, it won't make any difference. It's literally a weak gin, some of the reactions on here are so over the top.

Terrible idea.

Interviews are always nerve wracking. I’ve never had one where I didn’t feel physically sick and consider backing out right up until I opened my mouth in the interview.

Prepare & practice, then breathe and let what will be be.

Having a drink to calm work nerves could be habit forming. That first big presentation or a mere wracking meeting. Don’t fall into that trap!

I thought Bach's Rescue Remedy WAS alcohol based?
kind of pointless using it just to avoid the weak gin OP was suggesting. Especially if necking a big glug of it😅

Start taking Kalms now, maximum dose, until you have the interview. I find adding Bach's Rescue Remedy to water helpful. Keep swigging it before and during the interview. Really helped me when I had my interview.