How to appear more mature?

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guppy3

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Hi!

I have searched the forums but couldn't find a question that specifically answers my own. I'm asking this question because I feel that people don't take me seriously at first glance and I'm afraid that this will impact me during interviews. I'm sick of people writing me off.

I look really young (high school), am only 5'1'' and I have a high voice that gets even higher when I'm nervous (i.e. during interviews). I'm going into pediatrics as well, mostly because I get along well with children and my dream job involves being with children every day, and I don't want the admissions committee to think that I'm childlike and that's why I fit in with them. I'll admit, I have my childish moments like watching cartoons and dancing around with the kids I volunteer with, but I am serious about my work and my intent to go to medical school.

Does anyone have any advice? I've been trying to lower my voice a little and act a little more mature, but it's hard to maintain and will probably disappear completely once I start interviewing :/

Thanks!
 
I know exactly how you feel. I'm 24 and get mistaken for a 16-18 year-old all the time. I'm 5'1, have a high pitched voice and have a pretty young looking face. Anyway, during your interviews, one important thing is how you dress. Always look as professional as possible, remember you can never look TOO professional for an interview. Also, wear make-up, but don't overdue it. Usually, putting eye liner all the way around your eyes will make you look older. Also, remember to look confident. Lean forward a bit when talking, use your hands, make strong eye contact, and talk very straight forward and to the point. If you are confident in what you're saying, your high pitched voice will be masked a little. You sound like you're pretty serious about medicine and if you convey that during your interview I think you'll be fine. Good luck!
 
Grow a beard and go for the "touch of grey" Just for Men look :laugh:
 
You're probably worrying too much. Dress your hair severely and neatly, and for goodness sake don't try to pitch your voice lower... that will make you sound like an adolescent as it breaks higher when you're not thinking about it or are nervous. If you're a girl, wear the tallest heels you can get away with. Black, thick soled dress clogs can give three inches or more without looking as ridiculous, like traditional high heels.
 
Enough of us who are 21/22 look young enough and have been taken seriously. To a 40, 50, 60 year old interviewer, I think we all mostly seem really young unless you are a non-traditional or just look beyond your years.
 
guppy3, are you male or female?

Female: Wear makeup (tastefully) and pumps/heels. Embrace your youthful appearance because you won't mind it 10 years from now.
Male: Make sure your suit fits well. None of that bagginess business.
Male or female: Be confident.
 
OP, you say 5'1'' and young looking like it's a bad thing. 😉
I'm in the same boat, btw.

The most important thing you can do is be confident in yourself. Not sure about you, but I'm totally over the fact that I'm short. I disagree with the wear tall heels advice. Wear a professional outfit that fits you well and you think you look good in. You don't want to look like you are playing dress up during an interview. Just practice your interviewing skills and you should be fine. Good luck!
 
I had the same concern. I'm 25, 5ft tall and always get mistaken for the younger sister to my 19 year old sister. My parents are convienced that pediatric is perfect for me, because I "fit in" and won't intimidate the kids. haha.

Do dress professional and since we have the advantage of makeup as women, use that to your advantage. The long lines of well tailored pant-suit will give you height. I wore tall boots under slacks, to make me seem taller and slimmer. Idk if you wanna wear "hooker" shoes with a skirt. If tall heels are completely uncomfortable, just walk tall. Carry yourself well. Someone's posture tells a lot. Also, I have noticed that when I wear my hair down I look more my age, so maybe pulling the hair back in a ponytail/bun might have the same effect on you.

However, maturity is something I think will come through once your interview starts and you began conversing with your interviewer. KNOW THIS! Confidence and strength in your own belief in your preparedness is something at all applicants need to communicate well, regardless of how you look. I feel like we'll have this problem later when we began treating patients, and we have to let them kno that they aren't being treated bya "child." Might as well began conveying this confidence and maturity in our ability, when our appearance betrays us.
 
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I am routinely asked if I am in middle school and such by people that just meet me or do not know me. However, I am passionate about my future career and the activities I am involved in, as you seem to be. What I can advise you to do, besides dressing probably more on the conservative but not geriatric side, is speak from your passions. It does help if you are well spoken and have a well developed vocabulary....saying everything is "awesome" tends to work against your task at hand. If you don't consider yourself as such (most people are not), I suggest that you give yourself time to think about the answer to your responses during the interview. That way you do not rush into accidentally saying something is "crazy awesome" but have time to consider how to qualify parts of your answer.
Don't do anything about your voice, I think at this point it is a bit too little time for training to become second nature. Just be confident and focus on your answers.

Edit: Although I am a bit taller than you and my advice may sound unfounded here but do not wear heels unless you spent at least 4 years routinely wearing them. I classy pair of flats or low pumps will make you appear much more mature than wobbling in 3 or 4 inch heels. I know plenty of doctors who are shorter than me-their personality makes them appear as Olympic goddesses. I think that is a good place to try to get. 🙂
Edit #2: I wore almost no makeup at my interviews and as you can see-it does not appear to have hurt me 🙂
 
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if you are female, only wear as much makeup as you are comfortable wearing. otherwise you will look like you decided to play dress up. same goes with heels too high for your comfort level. i also look high school young but i carry myself like an adult in public (when i talk to strangers, they're surprised at how mature i sound haha. but i'm a total silly child with family and friends.)

if you are male, tastefully grow some facial hair. or learn to draw some with makeup. lol jk.

also, if you have glasses, wear them unless they look childish. mine make me look studious, so i def will wear them to my interviews 😀
 
Thank you for everyone who responded!

I am female (can't believe I forgot to add that detail). I will definitely attempt to get more professional clothes (probably stick with traditional black and white?). I never thought about it, but I do have a habit of saying "cool" that I really need to fix 😳

I kind of become a different person when I'm volunteering with kids, I talk about stuff on their level and we laugh about the same things, and I basically act like a kid. Not many people are willing to or are comfortable doing this so I feel that it's a strong point that I would like to convey during interviews. How do I balance this with looking and sounding professional and mature? Do you think that mentioning some of the things that I've done with kids would detract from a professional image?

I want to be myself in interviews, but I'm worried that they won't like who I am. As you can tell I'm already getting nervous about interviews even though they're several months away.

P.S. I'm such a loser but I'm so excited to finally be posting stuff on SDN hehe and I really appreciate all the responses!
 
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Female + 5 ft is ok. The average height for women is like 5 4' with a standard deviation of 3 inchs. So your pretty much in the main bulk of most females...
 
For the nerves: I have a little mind-trick I like to play when interviewing or giving presentations. I did some very minor community theater back in the day. So before I get nervous, I remind myself that what I need to do is "act". I don't lie or anything, but here's what I do. I'm not "Jane Smith - applicant to medical school." I BECOME "DOCTOR Jane Smith." Then I pretend I'm ACTING like myself. Does that make sense? If you stay "in character" you don't get nervous. Except the "character" is really you. 🙂

For the physical appearance: I always look way younger than I am. It runs in my family. My mom is nearing 60 but doesn't look a day over 35. The older you get, the more you enjoy it. 🙂 But for now, splurge on some interview clothes that are chic and trendy. Go to the salon and spend some cash on a GREAT cut and color. Have the stylist show you how to fix it so you look more mature. If nothing else, it's worth the cash (IMO) because you FEEL more confident. Buy great pumps. (I'm 5'9'' so I have a harder time getting away with heels) Get your nails done.

Seriously, it's gonna make you feel a ton better about yourself. Normally I am more of the "it's what's inside that means the most" type of person, but you've got to have a quick self-confidence boost. Splurge a little (if you can) and trust yourself that you really ARE awesome and know your stuff and deserve to be there just as much as the next guy!
 
guppy3 said:
Thank you for everyone who responded!

I am female (can't believe I forgot to add that detail). I will definitely attempt to get more professional clothes (probably stick with traditional black and white?). I never thought about it, but I do have a habit of saying "cool" that I really need to fix 😳

I kind of become a different person when I'm volunteering with kids, I talk about stuff on their level and we laugh about the same things, and I basically act like a kid. Not many people are willing to or are comfortable doing this so I feel that it's a strong point that I would like to convey during interviews. How do I balance this with looking and sounding professional and mature? Do you think that mentioning some of the things that I've done with kids would detract from a professional image?

I want to be myself in interviews, but I'm worried that they won't like who I am. As you can tell I'm already getting nervous about interviews even though they're several months away.
Click to expand...

aim for synonyms like "amazing" etc.

i think it is important that you do mention these qualities during an interview, because it shows that you are able to relate to the patient and be comfortable talking to them on their level. they can teach you how to be a doctor, but they probably can't teach you how to get comfortable. that is something that comes with experience and practice (but please, someone correct me if i'm wrong). you would balance it by relating to each individual on their level. you wouldn't talk to the parent in the same manner as you would talk to your patient, the child. i would mention whatever experience you have and i'm not sure why you think it could be seen as unprofessional that you've spent time with kids and have a strong interest in peds.

be yourself! if they don't like you, then it just means they didn't think you were a good fit for their school.
 
guppy3 said:
Thank you for everyone who responded!

I am female (can't believe I forgot to add that detail). I will definitely attempt to get more professional clothes (probably stick with traditional black and white?). I never thought about it, but I do have a habit of saying "cool" that I really need to fix 😳

I kind of become a different person when I'm volunteering with kids, I talk about stuff on their level and we laugh about the same things, and I basically act like a kid. Not many people are willing to or are comfortable doing this so I feel that it's a strong point that I would like to convey during interviews. How do I balance this with looking and sounding professional and mature? Do you think that mentioning some of the things that I've done with kids would detract from a professional image?

I want to be myself in interviews, but I'm worried that they won't like who I am. As you can tell I'm already getting nervous about interviews even though they're several months away.

P.S. I'm such a loser but I'm so excited to finally be posting stuff on SDN hehe and I really appreciate all the responses!
Click to expand...

My recommendation stands. 😀
 
I have experience interviewing some 100 applicants for a hospital volunteering program that deals with sensitive hands-on patient care. I want to be as blunt as I can: if you look as young as you say you do and you profess to want to "work with children" and you claim that you "act like a kid" when dealing with youngsters, then you will have a very hard time being taken seriously.

Now allow me to elaborate in order to clarify why this manner of presenting yourself is inappropriate. The bottom line is that as a pediatrician, your job is to help children overcome illness with extensive parental involvement. Are you a parent? Do you know what it is like to have your own child become ill? Most of our applicants who like working with kids are under the mis-impression that being a pediatrician will be like working as a daycare employee: Lots of kids, minimal parental involvement. The reality is that pediatricians deal with parents on a professional level almost as often as they deal with kids.

Pediatricians are "grown-up" doctors first who are also able to interact well with kids. SO, at your interview, if you want to explain why you want to be a pediatrician, you should speak towards a desire to help families get through pediatric crises, and refrain from mentioning how you like to "make kids feel better by interacting on their level."
 
Naijaba said:
I have experience interviewing some 100 applicants for a hospital volunteering program that deals with sensitive hands-on patient care. I want to be as blunt as I can: if you look as young as you say you do and you profess to want to "work with children" and you claim that you "act like a kid" when dealing with youngsters, then you will have a very hard time being taken seriously.

Now allow me to elaborate in order to clarify why this manner of presenting yourself is inappropriate. The bottom line is that as a pediatrician, your job is to help children overcome illness with extensive parental involvement. Are you a parent? Do you know what it is like to have your own child become ill? Most of our applicants who like working with kids are under the mis-impression that being a pediatrician will be like working as a daycare employee: Lots of kids, minimal parental involvement. The reality is that pediatricians deal with parents on a professional level almost as often as they deal with kids.

Pediatricians are "grown-up" doctors first who are also able to interact well with kids. SO, at your interview, if you want to explain why you want to be a pediatrician, you should speak towards a desire to help families get through pediatric crises, and refrain from mentioning how you like to "make kids feel better by interacting on their level."
Click to expand...


Having worked with kids (and their parents) professionally for quite some time (including supervising staff, case management at a pediatric psych facility, and working pediatric psych in direct care), I would agree with your concerns under certain circumstances. However, what the OP said does not necessarily indicate she will not be taken seriously. Interacting "like a kid" with kids can be a great thing. Being able to relate to them is an invaluable skill as long as you are also able to snap into a professional mode with the parents. I think to make the judgment that the OP would be unable to gain the respect of parents is one that would have to be made after meeting an observing her, not simply hearing her tell about her current weaknesses, which she could be misrepresenting, overstating, or understating.

That having been said, OP, if you have difficulty getting your peers and even those older and wiser than you to respect you, you may have difficulty being taken seriously. It's most certainly something to consider. Good luck!
 
apumic said:
Having worked with kids (and their parents) professionally for quite some time (including supervising staff, case management at a pediatric psych facility, and working pediatric psych in direct care), I would agree with your concerns under certain circumstances. However, what the OP said does not necessarily indicate she will not be taken seriously. Interacting "like a kid" with kids can be a great thing. Being able to relate to them is an invaluable skill as long as you are also able to snap into a professional mode with the parents. I think to make the judgment that the OP would be unable to gain the respect of parents is one that would have to be made after meeting an observing her, not simply hearing her tell about her current weaknesses, which she could be misrepresenting, overstating, or understating.

That having been said, OP, if you have difficulty getting your peers and even those older and wiser than you to respect you, you may have difficulty being taken seriously. It's most certainly something to consider. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Well said!
 
guppy3 said:
Thank you for everyone who responded!

I am female (can't believe I forgot to add that detail). I will definitely attempt to get more professional clothes (probably stick with traditional black and white?). I never thought about it, but I do have a habit of saying "cool" that I really need to fix 😳
Click to expand...

I would recommend adding some color to your look. It doesn't have to be a flashy and obnoxious color. Just black and white might make you look like a waitress!
 
guppy3 said:
Hi!

I have searched the forums but couldn't find a question that specifically answers my own. I'm asking this question because I feel that people don't take me seriously at first glance and I'm afraid that this will impact me during interviews. I'm sick of people writing me off.

I look really young (high school), am only 5'1'' and I have a high voice that gets even higher when I'm nervous (i.e. during interviews). I'm going into pediatrics as well, mostly because I get along well with children and my dream job involves being with children every day, and I don't want the admissions committee to think that I'm childlike and that's why I fit in with them. I'll admit, I have my childish moments like watching cartoons and dancing around with the kids I volunteer with, but I am serious about my work and my intent to go to medical school.

Does anyone have any advice? I've been trying to lower my voice a little and act a little more mature, but it's hard to maintain and will probably disappear completely once I start interviewing :/

Thanks!
Click to expand...
The best way you can achieve maturity is by confidence. When your interviewer is talking to you, look directly into his eyes. Don't hesitate to admit that you don't know something instead of just blurting out anything to give an answer. If the question is difficult (ethics?), take a moment to think about it before you respond, with or without asking the permission of your interviewer - depending on whether you need 10 seconds or 20. If the question appears to be particularly arcane (or if you want more time to answer it properly), give your first answer as a question and let your interviewer elaborate. Meanwhile, you should use that time to craft an eloquent answer.
 
Start smoking cigarettes and drinking whiskey. The whiskey and smoke will deepen your voice and give you wrinkles.
 
I'd add that you can make a big difference by dressing very businesslike.
 
You should have eaten you're veges. I did and i'm 6 2''. albeit i am a male.
 
I agree with the poster who pointed out that you're one of many 21-yr-olds (or so) talking to 50-yr-olds. I doubt they'll be impressed with extra eyeliner.

First, they want to know if you have the maturity, not if you can pretend. I have a co-worker who looks 12. She's 21, and extremely intelligent and capable. While there are those awkward moments for her when people assume she's a child, they soon learn that they are wrong. Then they have the opportunity to respect her capabilities. Also, once they see that they were wrong to suppose that you were so young, they will likely chalk it up to "all those 21-yr-olds look the same anyway" and move on.

As far as practical advice and not simple rambling, do some practice interviews with people who don't know you very well. Dress the part, and ask people (older co-workers or professors?) to give you an honest evaluation. If you are confident, it will shine through. If you're paranoid about not being taken seriously, it probably won't go well for you.
 
Embrace it. Have confidence and retry later if needed. Youth isn't something that you should be embarrassed about. Maiority will come with self-confidence. Hey, if you are confident about who you are it will be noticeable.

You could also say you are gay.
 
nobody will judge you for not being stylish or matching colors or having quality materials. They will judge you for not trying. Just try, or at least pretend you are taking things seriously and wear your best thing while doing your interviews and job(s).

Funny scene in Remember the Titans - when Denzel yells at his future football team about the first day of practice, having all the guys wear a suit. If you dont have one, borrow one from your dad, if he doesnt have one get one from your neighbor, basically steal one or rent one or your not showing up. Terrible side story but his point was, you do need to try and look professional for anything you deem important.
 
Melicopter said:
First, they want to know if you have the maturity, not if you can pretend. I have a co-worker who looks 12. She's 21, and extremely intelligent and capable. While there are those awkward moments for her when people assume she's a child, they soon learn that they are wrong. Then they have the opportunity to respect her capabilities. Also, once they see that they were wrong to suppose that you were so young, they will likely chalk it up to "all those 21-yr-olds look the same anyway" and move on.
Click to expand...
Reid-criminal-minds-5987214-631-975.jpg



people think he's 12....but then he's like oh i have three ph.d's!!!!!!!!! and i can beat you in trivial pursuit.
 
Sorry OP, but the name "guppy" is not helping your cause.
 
Smoke cigarettes and speak of your sexual exploits at length.
 
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