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[westcoastgirl]

I'm really wondering if this might do the trick. During my last two phone interviews, my nerves got the best of me. I have another in a few weeks.

[harrapsempire]

I'd say it depends on how well you react to it :) You could also consider some anxiety drugs, but would need to get a prescription :)

[anisogamy]

I've never done it, and I have a tendency to bomb phone interviews due to nerves.  It seems like a risky proposition, although I do see a certain logic to it.  You might find a modest glass of red wine a little more calming, not that I've ever done that either.

[aside]

It's not something I'd try if I were not used to it.

You could also consider some anxiety drugs, but would need to get a prescription :)

Not in my neighborhood . . .

[drnobody]

Or some people swear by valerian, if you want to go natural. Warning: it smells like dirty socks.

[lohai0]

Or some people swear by valerian, if you want to go natural. Warning: it smells like dirty socks.

I like 1 valerian (which I think smells WAY worse than dirty socks) + 2 Hawthorne.

[paulsa]

Go with a nice bourbon instead of vodka, and keep the bottle close.

If it's a Skype interview and someone asks a difficult question, the whole process of pouring yourself a drink and taking a few thoughtful sips is an excellent stalling tactic while you think up an answer. Don't pull straight from the bottle though. That's just tacky.

[bcohlan1]

I am thinking about doing this tomorrow, in fact.

I was running practice interviews tonight, and I found that I stopped freaking out all the time and got down to business after a few swigs of beer. I, however, tend to need a moderate amount of alcohol in order to seem remotely human.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

[fedscholar]

I'd do a stiff shot of rum or whiskey. About time the interview starts, you'd have that warm feeling in the belly.

Cliff Clavin from Cheers would support it:

“Well, you see, Norm, it’s like this. A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it’s the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members.

In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.

And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers.”

[msparticularity]

Depending upon your physiology--and I would suggest a careful pre-test--somewhere between a half-shot and a whole shot might be about right if you are truly hampered by inhibitions/stiffness. Also, though, remember that you may get that, "OMG, did I really say that?" response afterward if you truly answer questions in a less inhibited fashion.

All of which is to say, this might be a reasonable idea if you need a bit of help to unbend and respond like a human being, but do remember that you're not going to reach your own internal measure of perfection! (IOW, you'll need to lighten up all the way around if this is to work.)

[systeme_d_]

Back when I was younger and sang in bands, I used to toss back a drink before going on stage.  The buzz kept my knees from knocking, and kept me from screwing up the first song out of sheer nerves.

Weirdly enough, I've never been that kind of nervous during interviews or in front of a class.   

I say knock one back and see what happens.

[marigolds]

...But don't try it at the campus interviews.

[hipgeek]

...But don't try it at the campus interviews.

For those, Bailey's in a thermos is better.

OP, you will be fine.  One shot won't make you loopy, I expect, but only do it if you think you'll enjoy it.  Perhaps some cardio in the am before the interview could help as well--burn off some nervous energy, maybe with some rocking music to lighten your mood?

Good luck!!

[bourbonrose]

If you try the valerian as tea and have a cat, getting access to the tea bag will make the cat very happy.  Think catnip.  A good laugh might relax you, too.

[poliscigal]

I went with some light yoga before first few phone interviews.  I'm certainly not someone that practices regularly, but there are some great deep breathing exercises that are meant to calm you down.