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Posted Nov. 30, 2012

Confidence Building Tips for Postgraduate Interviews

Nobody likes having to step out of their comfort zone, especially when they are naturally shy or find challenging situations particularly nerve-wracking.

Building self confidence could make all the difference

If you're preparing for a postgraduate interview try some of these top tips to help grow your confidence in ways you never thought possible.

Dress for Success Although it's not the clothes that will snag you a place at your favourite university, what you wear will affect how you feel about yourself. No one is more conscious about your physical appearance than you, and when you don't look good, you're not going to engage with others in the most successful way possible.

Buy a few quality items of clothing, rather than a bunch of cheaper stuff, and be mindful of personal hygiene. Ironing your outfit before heading off for your postgraduate interview wouldn't go amiss either!

Good Posture Walking around with your head held down and your shoulders slumped isn't going to impress anyone, and it certainly isn't going to help with your self confidence. Stand up straight, keep your head up, and make eye contact. Follow these three simple steps and you're on to a winner.

Practicing good posture will help you to feel much more alert, confident and empowered - plus it will leave a positive impression on others. It's not just how you hold yourself either that makes a difference; it's also in your walk. Add some pep to your step to instantly feel more energetic and purposeful.

Develop a Thick Skin The most confident people in the world all have one thing in common - they have learnt how to deal with rejection. Rejection is a part of life, and something which happens to all of us. Rejection is by no means a reflection of who you are as a person.

Keep everything in perspective and try not to let rejection sink in too deep. It's ok to feel let down or dissatisfied with an unwanted outcome, but you need to pick yourself up, brush it all off and set your sights on your next goal.

Positive Affirmations If you're like the majority of the population, you probably also spend too much of your time getting hung up on negative thoughts. Well, you'll be glad to know that you transform your way of thinking in an instance, just by intentionally adding some positive mantras.

Try repeatedly saying, 'I am successful' or 'I can handle whatever comes my way' - you'll get an immediate boost of confidence. You could even right a few positive affirmations down on a piece of paper and stick it somewhere you will see it every morning. You may be thinking what a load of rubbish (that's your negative side rearing its ugly head again), but trust me, positive affirmations can work wonders for self confidence.

Be Yourself You've probably heard it a million times before, but it really can't be stressed enough. Being yourself and letting your true colours shine through could not be more important, especially when it comes to life changing situations like this!

Your personality is what makes you completely and 100% unique, and you need to own that. Don't ever try to be something you're not. People will see right through the act and more often than not you will end up coming across as uncomfortable and false (which is never good!). 

Have you got any great tips to share with other prospective students?
 

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