Balance between calm/collected vs. upbeat during Interview

[854555]

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I had an interview earlier today and (being the naturally loud-mouth b**** that I am) I was more upbeat and preppy than a background character on Mean Girls.

What’s the right balance on this? I feel like I came off as immature. But at the same time I feel like being calm and collected the whole time doesn’t really show a ‘zesty passion’.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

You want to project warmth and an interest to connect with the interviewers. Obviously, you need to be thoughtful and composed when responding to questions. The ability to see and accept the other side of a discussion is critical.

 

[Saifa]

Be yourself unless you are a jerk.

 

[Tigerhawk77]

Take whatever your interview default is and then tone it down 20%. I’m very excitable and zesty in interviews. So I went 20% in the calm and collected direction.

 

[allantois]

Don’t be like Kanye

 

[curbsideconsult]

I don't see why the two are mutually exclusive. I suppose calm and upbeat are opposites of each other, but collected and upbeat aren't. You can be someone who's always steady as a rock while also being zestily passionate (or passionately zesty). I've worked with a doctor who's as placid as they come but speaks about patient care with great intensity and passion. On top of that, she's kind and caring and always has a smile on her face.

It's an utter fallacy that upbeat = unprofessional or that calm/collected = no passion. You can be both.

 

[freedoctor17]

It depends on the interviewer I think. I had one that was talking very quietly and slowly so I kept a similar tone and they commented saying they loved my calm and collected way of answering things. I still spoke passionately but I didn't get loud or make too much hand movement.

For other interviews where the interviewer is more animated I let myself use my hands more since that's how I naturally am and just didn't make as much effort to tone myself down. Those interviews usually felt more fun and exciting with the conversation and had some laughter. I think you can usually get a feel for what type of interviewer you have from the start and go with the flow.

Anyways we'll see if any of that is worth listening to on Monday once I hear back from a few schools 😛

 

[Med Ed]

What’s the right balance on this?

Normal.

 

[Goro]

I had an interview earlier today and (being the naturally loud-mouth b**** that I am) I was more upbeat and preppy than a background character on Mean Girls.

What’s the right balance on this? I feel like I came off as immature. But at the same time I feel like being calm and collected the whole time doesn’t really show a ‘zesty passion’.

This is impossible to answer without actually interviewing you. Upbeat is fine. Calm and collected is fine.

 

[stayathomemom]

I think it speaks to your level of interpersonal communication if you can adjust or adapt your method of communication to the person with whom you are communicating. Is that person quiet, thoughtful, and generally takes their time in communication? Being loud and speaking quickly might be overwhelming or distracting. Toning it down may facilitate effective communication. Is the other person excited, effusive, and demonstrates a quick wit? It's ok to act similarly (but still be thoughtful and mature!).

Basically, if you can't read a room, you look aloof.