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I'm crippingly shy. I've got a phone interview for a state gov't position for this summer (I'm a 1L). As it's a cash-strapped state agency, this will probably be the only interview. I'm painfully shy- though very personable once I warm up.

Has anyone ever heard of/thought about/actually done a little drinking before a phone interview to loosen up? Like 1-2 beers?

Not a flame, I welcome insults/jokes/disbelief etc, as long as I get some constructive answers.

I don't really see how this could hurt you, unless you get hammered from 1-2 beers.

I think it's a reasonable idea, as long as your tolerance allows for 1-2 without an effect on your memory, judgment or speech.

Most often, the reason '1-2 beers' wouldn't be ok in any face-to-face interview is because of the physical symptoms that arise, such as bad breath, red face, etc.

Even until the late 80's serious business was conducted over serious alcohol (and in europe still is). If a phone interview affords you the luxury to have one beverage to loosen up, there is nothing wrong with that

It really depends on you, but from a personal standpoint, I think it is a good idea.

I took a PR/Self-presentation class in London, taught by a prominent PR guru (sold the biggest PR firm in Europe and started teaching afterwards). He always told us to go around the corner to the pub and have a drink before our presentations/speeches. It worked great for me, I had a whiskey on the rocks about 20 minutes before class.

Test yourself before the interview. And remember the delay!
Best of luck

One time I got a phone call from a firm while I was getting on the tipsy side at a restaurant. I stepped outside, tried to focus the best I could, and I was completely loose. I recommend.

Awesome. Ty all. I heart tls

Not to disuade anyone from drinking under any circumstance, but have you thought about talking to a psychiatrist about medication for anxiety? Alcohol will work as an anxiolytic, but it is kind of a messy drug. Propranolol will basically make it physically impossible for you to panic without the risk of slurred speach or a diminished ability to concentrate. A lot of people use it periodically when they have to speak in public or perform for an audience. Even fast-acting benzos (like Xanex) would probably do a better job of controlling anxiety with minimal side effects than alcohol.

Of course, don't take medical advice from the interwebz and make sure you talk to a doctor before using propranolol. Since it is a beta-blocker it can be dangerous if misused.

masochist wrote:Not to disuade anyone from drinking under any circumstance, but have you thought about talking to a psychiatrist about medication for anxiety? Alcohol will work as an anxiolytic, but it is kind of a messy drug. Propranolol will basically make it physically impossible for you to panic without the risk of slurred speach or a diminished ability to concentrate. A lot of people use it periodically when they have to speak in public or perform for an audience. Even fast-acting benzos (like Xanex) would probably do a better job of controlling anxiety with minimal side effects than alcohol.

Of course, don't take medical advice from the interwebz and make sure you talk to a doctor before using propranolol. Since it is a beta-blocker it can be dangerous if misused.

Well, there goes my buzz.

As someone who has taken lower doses of Xanax while flying I would say that for this a couple drinks would be better than popping a pill. Xanax mellows me out more than I'd want if I had an interview.

brilliant idea!!!!

I recommend 5-6 depending on your tolerance.

bilbobaggins wrote:As someone who has taken lower doses of Xanax while flying I would say that for this a couple drinks would be better than popping a pill. Xanax mellows me out more than I'd want if I had an interview.

Propranolol is probably better for this situation, if the propranolol didn't work, Xanex would be the next step up.

masochist wrote:

bilbobaggins wrote:As someone who has taken lower doses of Xanax while flying I would say that for this a couple drinks would be better than popping a pill. Xanax mellows me out more than I'd want if I had an interview.

Propranolol is probably better for this situation, if the propranolol didn't work, Xanex would be the next step up.

Or a few swigs of beer.

Do you normally feel looser after a beer?

If you don't, I wouldn't think now is the best time to start experimenting.

Anonymous User wrote:I'm crippingly shy. I've got a phone interview for a state gov't position for this summer (I'm a 1L). As it's a cash-strapped state agency, this will probably be the only interview. I'm painfully shy- though very personable once I warm up.

Has anyone ever heard of/thought about/actually done a little drinking before a phone interview to loosen up? Like 1-2 beers?

Not a flame, I welcome insults/jokes/disbelief etc, as long as I get some constructive answers.

Depending on your drinking tolerance/experience, I highly recommend whiskey/scotch instead of beer. It's quicker, WAY tastier, and you won't risk needing to burp mid interview

In all honesty though, as long as you know your limits this is a fine idea. A couple drinks is a great way to relax a bit.

How experienced of a drinker are you? Different drinks will affect you a little differently - you want a chill, energetic, confident mindset. Also, I agree with what an above poster said about testing it out. I expirimented with the idea of taking a shot before I took the LSAT. I'm really glad I tried it out on a PT first. On the other hand, some of my best networking has been done behind a Manhattan.

ITT: Law nerds overanalyze drinking.

By all means go for it

I've got a phone interview tomorrow (with a school, not a potential employer). Ill be trying this.