TIPS & STRATEGIES
For any form of
employment, you must interview before being hired. For models, this
means casting calls and go-sees. These formal interviews allow art
directors, fashion designers and photographers to see a variety of
candidates to find the one who works for their fashion campaigns. If you
are headed to a casting call or go-see, it is imperative that you plan
in advance and make a memorable impression.
Makeup and Dress
Models are meant to be blank canvases. Therefore, they want to see the real you. Ensure your makeup has a natural look. Use lighter colors, such as purple, mauve or light brown. Avoid heavy, dark eye makeup. While some agencies do not mind a fully made-up face, others prefer concealer, lip gloss and mascara only. Clothes should be simple. Do not wear overly flashy outfits and keep clothes items tight fitting so that designers can see your body’s natural shape. Wearing jeans and a plaint t-shirt is often the best, most natural look for an audition. Cover any tattoos and remove piercings.Know the Client
Each client has different needs. A fashion designer may be looking for a model for a new couture line, while a photographer may be looking for a model to do action scenes. Before heading to the audition, understand the style of the shoot, where the shoot takes place, the role you play in the shoot and what audience the client is trying to reach.Research the Industry
If you are just starting out in the industry, you must familiarize yourself with it. Research the types of clients out there, what photographers do and the different roles in the fashion industry. Understand what fashion styles are “in” today, what photographers work for what designers, and a few names for current designers frequenting fashion shows. Having knowledge of the European and Asian markets can also be helpful if you are auditioning for an international modeling agency.Be Prompt
Modeling and the jobs that come with it cost time and money. Clients want to see that you are prompt and can arrive at appointments -– especially photo shoots -– on time. Therefore, arrive 15 minutes early to your audition and wait patiently. By being punctual, you put forth the image of professionalism that most clients will be looking for.Make an Impression
A client could see anywhere from just a few to over a few dozen models during a single audition. Therefore, you must leave a lasting impression that makes the client remember you. Confidence goes a long way in an audition. It shows the client that you are secure with yourself and have a healthy self-image. Confidence, however, does not mean being cocky.Bring Your Portfolio
A model’s portfolio showcases past work and her range of modeling abilities. You should have a portfolio consisting of 10 to 25 photographs. Select from a variety of different looks, angles and fashion styles to show the most variety you can to the client. Having a mixture of fashion, editorial, commercial and casual looks is recommended. A few headshots are also important to show the client your ability to work as a beauty model.Do’s & Don’ts In Audition
DO’S
- Arrive early: 30 minutes prior to the start of the audition.
- Make yourself calm & comfortable while you are waiting outside for your audition.
- When you get your call make yourself easy and take your documents file properly in your hand.
- In front of the door take in 3 deep breaths and release them in 6 seconds.
- Softly knock the door(even if the door is open)
- Open the door very softly and take permission of the board for entry like-
- Sir…please may I come in.
- May I come in sir. And say thank you after permission.
- Softly close the door and wish the board with gentle standing posture-
- If there is any Female please wish her first.
- Remember time very carefully-
- Before 12 o’clock – Good Morning
- Between 12-4PM- Good Afternoon
- After 4 PM- Good Evening
- Wait till the board asks/ permits you to sit and say thanks before sitting.
- Sit in straight posture with hands in your lap/ thigh. Avoid fidgeting and slouching.
- Make your eye contact with the board.
- Voice must be Clear/ Audible / Humble and polite.
- Give your answers confidently.
- Always be positive. Be honest & be yourself.
- Take some pause while answering to the board.
- Always say thankyou very much sir when the board informs/ corrects you any where.
- When you are unable to answer any question say - Sorry sir I do not know
- Sir I have heard about it but I am unable to recall at the movement, sorry Sir.
- Sir I have read it somewhere but unable to recall, sorry Sir.
- Always pay full respect to the board.
- When Chairman says thanks, your audition is over say - You are welcome sir
- It’s my pleasure sir
- Before leaving the room you have to say-
- Thank you sir, thank you very much
- Have a nice day ( before 4 PM )
- After 6 PM you can say good night.
DON’T
- DO NOT BANG THE DOOR
- Don’t make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and your actions.
- Don’t make negative comments about previous employers or professors (or others).
- Don’t falsify application materials or answers to interview questions.
- Don’t treat the interview casually, as if you are just shopping around or doing the interview for practice. This is an insult to the interviewer and to the organization.
- Don’t give the impression that you are only interested in an organization because of its geographic location.
- Don’t give the impression you are only interested in salary; don’t ask about salary and benefit issues until the subject is brought up by your interviewer.
- Don’t act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.
- Don’t make the interviewer guess what type of work you are interested in; it is not the interviewer’s job to act as a career advisor to you.
- Don’t be unprepared for typical interview questions. You may not be asked all of them in every interview, but being unprepared looks foolish.
- A job search can be hard work and involves frustrations; don’t exhibit frustrations or a negative attitude in an interview.
- Don’t go to extremes with your posture; don’t slouch, and don’t sit rigidly on the edge of your chair.
- Don’t assume that a female interviewer is “Mrs.” or “Miss.” Address her as “Ma’am.” unless told otherwise. Her marital status is irrelevant for the purpose of the interview.
- Don’t chew gum or smell like having smoked.
- Don’t allow your cell phone to ring during the interview. (If it does, apologize quickly and ignore it.) Don’t take a cell phone call.
- Don’t take your parents, your pet, spouse, fiance, friends to an interview. If you are not grown up and independent enough to attend an interview alone, you’re insufficiently grown up and independent for a job. (They can certainly visit your new city, at their own expense, but cannot attend your interview.)
- Avoid hand movement.
- Avoid looking up and down.
- Avoid hiding eyes it shows lack of confidence.
- Do not forget to wish the board.
- Do not sit until the board asks to do so.
- Never put your file or hand on table
- Don’t show irritation while board questions
- Do not try to defend yourself in wrong answers.
- Do not make noise while sitting and leaving the chair
- Never ask questions to the board.
- Do not be nervous