The Job Interview And RedBull: A Bad Idea?

Interesting – but I think the best answer is buried in #3. Don’t do anything unusual that may make your reactions or performance unpredictable.

Would you say “Don’t!” to a cup of coffee the morning before an interview? How many people start the day without coffee? (OK – me, but that’s unusual).

I agree that being a fast-talking, fidgety mess isn’t the way to win an interview – but someone who normally drinks energy drinks won’t react the same as someone who tries it for the first time.

My advice – do what you normally do. If you normally drink an energy drink in the afternoon and would end up being an uninspired, unfocused bump without it – then don’t change that habit now. (AFTER you get the job, let’s talk about other ways to keep your energy up – like getting enough sleep at night).

In terms of “pick me ups” the best one is one that relaxes you (ideally it would be natural), not one that makes you too peppy. The last interview that I went on a few months ago (and I scored an amazing job out of it) I brought a hilarious book with me. I read it all the way to the interview on the bus and even in the office waiting room… it was fantastic because it relaxed me, put a smile on my face, made me feel happy and confident, and even turned out to be a good icebreaker with my interviewer(“Oh, what’s that you’re reading?”)

I would agree with #3 do nothing out of the ordinary but put on a pressed shirt. I would think that an interview would release those endorphins for free for you.

Hmm – Actually this is a great topic! I never considered it before.

Here’s what I’m thinking:
Energy drinks + Interviews = Disaster!

(Based on personal experience of also wearing my coffee down the front of my suit on the way to an interview once!)

Most job seekers I work with report interview day jitters….I’d be concerned these types of drinks, including too much coffee, would cause visible shaking.

Too many hand gestures and fidgeting was just reported in a Careerbuilder article as reasons why seekers may be overlooked. These body motions signal lack of confidence….

While I’m all for showing enthusiasm….uber enthusiasm may be a fatal blow…that being said, I do have a few clients who come close to putting me to sleep over the phone and could actually use a boost!

I agree with your strategy to a) don’t do it, b) small portions, and c) test test test!

But if you’re determined to have one…no drinking in the car!

It’s funny you mention this, I actually had a head hunter advise me to slam caffeine before a phone interview, hoping I would sound as bright, upbeat, and energetic as possible. I understand that it’s important to let your enthusiasm for a job come through (which is difficult over the phone), but its not something you can fake with a simple caffeine buzz. Maybe alcohol But I don’t know many people who got jobs showing up drunk.

An alternative I’d suggest to caffeine / substance abuse before interviewing would be going to the gym the morning of, and running a mile on the treadmill. I can’t think of anything that gets me more energetic and motivated to go take on the world.

I agree with what many have said regarding #3 you should not do anything out of your norm, also do not eliminate anything from you daily routine. I walk for 45 minutes every morning, on those days when I do not get out I do not feel at my best. So keep to your morning rituals to keep you going. I do not drink coffee so I do not accept coffee in the interview either, water is good, and I do not need to be any more amped than I already am because of nerves in the interview.

With that said I use music and comedy CD’s to up my energy. I like Jeff Foxworthy and the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, anything that puts a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Mitch Rider and the Detroit Wheels with “Devil in the Blue Dress”, any Classic Beach Boys, “Scheherazade” by Rimsky-Korsakov is one of those songs that just makes me happy. I do not have to worry about a crash after the buzz wears off, nor do I need a bathroom break.

Just my thoughts.

My concern is whether I am a good fit to the company or I am desperate for a job. The latter will show through no matter how you try to hide it. But the former should be the focus of the interview. I have had several interviews where I was not a good fit and I am glad I was not hired.

Good timing on your article. Red Bull Flugtag this weekend in Long Beach. You going?
http://www.redbullflugtagusa.com/LongBeach2010

It works for me. My interview strategy is a Snicker bar and Rock Star. It’s a great pick me up and gives that extra boost in the mind you need to keep frosty.

IPOD play lists are a my vice for a pick me up. I have a play list called “happy” filled with pick me up music that gets the energy flowing.