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):
- Make sure to arrive for your interview on time and dress appropriately, as this will make you feel more confident in yourself.
- 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.
- Avoid using filler words such as "um" or "like," which can make it seem like you are not prepared or composed during the conversation.
- Avoid fidgeting too much- stay still and focused on giving thoughtful responses.
More tips (part 2) to look more composed:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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:
- 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.
- 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!.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.