How can I appear more composed during a college interview?

Learn how to appear more composed and confident during any interview. Read this and increase your chances of interview success.

A college interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it is also an opportunity to show off your best qualities. Appearing composed during the interview will help you make a good impression and increase your chances. Here are some tips on how to appear more composed and confident during a college interview.

Tips to be more calm and composed (part 1):

  1. Make sure to arrive for your interview on time and dress appropriately, as this will make you feel more confident in yourself.
  2. During the interview, maintain good posture by sitting up straight and having an open body language with relaxed hands and arms. This helps you physically become less tense.
  3. Avoid using filler words such as "um" or "like," which can make it seem like you are not prepared or composed during the conversation.
  4. Avoid fidgeting too much- stay still and focused on giving thoughtful responses.

More tips (part 2) to look more composed:

  1. Listen carefully to what is being asked of you so that when it comes time for answering questions, your response is thought-out instead of rushed off the top of your head.
  2. Speak slowly but clearly while making eye contact with everyone involved in the interview; this shows respect towards them and also allows them to understand better what points you're trying to get across.
  3. Try smiling occasionally throughout your answers – a warm smile goes a long way! It helps create a positive atmosphere between both interviewer(s) & candidate (you).
  4. Stay calm no matter what type of question comes up – take some time if needed before answering instead of rushing into something without thinking carefully about it first.

Final tips (part 3) to appear more composed:

  1. Relax - take some deep breaths if needed before each response/question–this will help keep nerves at bay plus allow more thoughtful responses from within.
  2. Respectfully address any follow-up questioning without getting defensive; be aware that they’re just trying their best gather information about who YOU really are!.
  3. Show confidence in yourself by staying true to who YOU ARE–the goal here isn't necessarily impressing anyone per se: rather striving for genuine representation & connection should be priority above all else.
  4. Be mindful of how frequently and quickly (or slowly!) you speak - aim for an even pace rather than speaking too quickly or hesitating excessively while responding.
  5. Practice deep breathing exercises before/during your meeting; this can help keep anxiety levels low during any stressful moments in which it might seem difficult to come up with answers right away.

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