Seriously! You forgot you had a job interview today, and to make matters worse, last night you were out drinking so now you feel like you've been hit with a sledgehammer on your head, your stomach feels like throwing up, and your mouth is full of sand, even though to get this job you have to look great. Facing a job interview while experiencing a hangover requires prior preparation as well as the ability to pretend so you can have a conversation without being kicked out.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Before Interview
Step 1. Immediately drink electrolyte drinks that are usually for exercise
The goal is to eliminate the symptoms of dehydration that usually occurs when a hangover.
- The process that breaks down alcohol also produces lactic acid and other chemicals that block the formation of glucose (sugar) and electrolytes; then it's a good idea to drink sports drinks.
- Coffee can make you feel fresher, but it also dehydrates the body, which puts you at risk of stomach upset, so it's best to avoid it.
Step 2. Take the medicine
It's a good idea to take painkillers that do not contain acetaminophen that is commonly sold, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Bring some spare tablets too in case the interview duration will pass the next time you take your medication.
Alcohol interferes with the liver's processing of acetaminophen, so taking medications containing this substance can cause liver inflammation or even permanent damage
Step 3. Eat an anti-hangover breakfast
Make meat sandwiches with toasted bread until slightly charred and also eat broth and meat soup (bouillon soup).
- Bread can increase blood sugar levels. Carbon/charcoal from the burnt area can help filter out toxins; People who are rushed to the hospital due to alcohol poisoning are also usually pumped with charcoal liquid into their stomachs.
- Protein from meat can break down amino acids so that the brain neurotransmitters lost due to alcohol can be replaced.
- Soup broth and meat can restore salt and potassium levels in the body.
Step 4. Use eye drops to prevent red eyes
A few drops of eye drops can be very helpful. Follow the instructions for using the drug and allow about half an hour for the drug to work.
Step 5. Perform your grooming routine
It's important to shower and take care of yourself so you don't look (and smell) like a bum. Shower thoroughly so that you don't smell like cigarette butts soaked in beer.
Step 6. Apply a small amount of concealer to cover the eye bags
Men also have no problem using concealer to disguise dark eye bags that arise due to the all-night rah-rah.
Step 7. Ask for opinions rather than being reprimanded
Before leaving, ask your friend or partner how you look overall. Ask other people to judge your appearance before leaving, and ask that person to be honest. If necessary, also ask for advice if they think you look shabby or unprofessional.
Step 8. Practice answering questions
Your brain may not be working optimally, so try to answer everything in a clear and concise manner; remember that to cover up pain or stress people usually tend to ramble.
Step 9. Come on time
For any interview, whether you're fresh or a hangover, it's best to arrive on time to get off to a good start. If you are late, in addition to being immediately assessed as a minus, you will also be observed more closely; It's only human for people to wonder why you're late.
Step 10. Realize that you need to postpone the interview
You may not want to postpone the interview, but going forward can do more harm than good, especially if the interview is at the company you work for, where everyone can quickly notice you're not acting like you normally would. Here are some signs that you should postpone the interview:
- You feel like throwing up. If you feel like your stomach can't stand it and a handshake alone makes you throw up, it's best not to attempt an interview.
- Too many factors out of control. A strong tendency to get into fights, carelessness so you could fall down the stairs, or uncontrollable hiccups are all signs that an interview should be rescheduled.
- You're still drunk. Don't come to the interview if you think you're still drunk. This will not be condoned or tolerated by a potential employer, even if you are actually capable and qualified for the job.
Step 11. Bring water
Drink plenty of water beforehand and it's a good idea to bring a bottle of water with you during the interview as well. Bringing a water bottle still seems normal and if you need to drink during the interview while no drinks are provided, you can ask permission to drink occasionally.
If carrying a water bottle would seem unprofessional, then try asking for a glass of water during the interview so you don't run out of fluids and can continue to wash away any residual alcohol
Method 2 of 2: During the Interview
Step 1. Make sure your breath is fresh
Just before the interview starts, eat some strong breath mints. All signs of alcohol influence should be removed from your breath, including those caused by residual effects on the lungs.
Don't eat mints that have to be chewed during the interview. The type of breath freshener in the form of a thin strip is better because it dissolves quickly
Step 2. Realize that your concentration will be below average during the interview
This means that you have to work harder to stay focused and listen to all the questions.
If you need to pause to think, do it; this is better than rambling on to buy time. The interviewer still appreciates your pause and he can also think you're really thinking about the answer (you must be thinking, right?)
Step 3. Don't lose focus
Stare at an imaginary dot at the back of the interviewer's head so that your focus stays there.
Even if your focus is dim, that point can be a place where you "return" so it will give the impression that you are focusing on the interviewer without always looking him in the eye
Step 4. Don't get nervous
Anxiety results from nerves, boredom, or wanting to do something else (or want to be somewhere else). Unfortunately, during a hangover you will experience all three of these things at once and will be very tempted to keep moving frantically to beat the feeling of wanting to leave or not falling asleep.
Do something to keep you focused and alert, for example pinching your palms occasionally or tapping your knees (choose a way that's less obvious to the interviewer so you don't arouse suspicion)
Step 5. Take a deep breath
Breathing deeply during the interview can help relax you as well as provide oxygen so you are more alert and refreshed. Sit up straight and don't exhale when you exhale.
Tips
- If this happens often, you may have a deeper problem.
- If you need to postpone the interview, let the interviewer know as soon as possible. Just say you're not feeling well (hangovers do hurt, so you're not lying, just omitting the part that it's your own fault). Ask if the interviewer has time in the next few days. Maybe you could consider doing a telephone interview. If this is an early-stage interview with personnel, try explaining to your personnel manager that you're sick and don't want to infect everyone there, so maybe a phone interview is better. Avoid interviews with video links!
- Try using unique accessories. Choose a tie, scarf, or jewelry that is so eye-catching that people might just stare at it. This trick is useful for distracting people's attention a little from your face and red eyes, and it can also give the impression that you are quite stylish. But don't overdo it either, especially if you're not very fashionable; a tie with a large pink elephant definitely won't help, it will look childish.
- Learn from experience. Maybe the party the night before was unplanned, but keep this bad experience in mind and the risks involved so you can turn down the next day for an interview.
- If the night before the interview you went out for drinks with a coworker or to entertain a client, you should be careful handling the interview and also if you make excuses that you are not feeling well. Your story must be consistent with everyone and in this case you must be aware that your co-workers know what happened the night before.
- Try meditation or light exercise like Tai Chi or Yoga in the morning before leaving for the interview. Maybe these things can help you to be more alert and less pathetic.
Warning
- Remember that facing an interview during a hangover will reduce your ability to think quickly and look good. The biggest risk is if a bad impression is formed that continues to make it difficult for you to try to apply again, or if gossip spreads within your industry.
- Wear shoes that you are used to wearing. This is not a good time to try on new high heels or slippery shoes as your balance may be a bit off and if there is pain from a stiff shoe, the pain will be doubled from a hangover. Just wear shoes that you are used to, - don't forget to polish them first.
- Also remember that the best solution to this problem is: don't mess around the night before the interview. Learn to say no.