How to stop being shy - TV drag star Divina de Campo's top tips on learning confidence

Divina de Campo certainly knows a thing or two about standing out from the crowd.

A glamorous combination of sequins, big hair and sparkling personality helped propel the star all the way through to the final of BBC reality TV hit RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.

But viewers might be surprised to know that Divina couldn’t always count on the extraordinary confidence that’s got her to where she is today. It is, she admits, something she’s had to work on. Going out dressed up for the first time as Christina Aguilera from the Moulin Rouge music video was, she says, the turning point, giving her a feeling of “absolute freedom”.

Overcoming shyness and learning to show off one’s best self is something anyone can do, Divina says. Especially when it comes to nailing an all-important job interview and leaving an unforgettable impression with a future employer.

“A job search can be just like a drag show,” says Divina. “To wow those judges and put yourself ahead of the competition, you need to showcase your best self so that they see how fabulous you really are. Having been around the block a few times I can tell you that, unless you’re applying to be a spy, ‘blending in’ is a big no-no!”

Standing out in the job market is more important than ever right now. New research commissioned by BT reveals that the average UK jobseeker has been rejected from 16 roles during the past year, with 44 percent admitting it had affected their self-confidence.

And with the effects of the Covid-19 crisis leading to fewer vacancies than this time last year and significantly more applicants, it’s not surprising that over half of people say they have kept job applications a secret from friends and family.

Above all, says Divina, it’s about being yourself. “Work out who YOU want to be, not what you think will impress someone, or what you think they want you to be,” adds Divina. “It needs to be you – your marvellous, gorgeous, sensational self!

“Think about how you want to get your message across – everything says something about you, how you dress, how you describe yourself, even how you sit. People may not recall exactly what you said but you’ll have made an impact if they remember how you made them feel.”

Entering RuPaul’s Drag Race UK was like being in the Olympics of drag, adds Divina, and she wanted to see where on the race track she’d finish. And she’s in no doubt – putting herself out there and being memorable helped her make it to the final, and can be the key to success when looking for a new job.