There are a number of ways a contestant can standout in an interview. Some of which are good, others not so good. Of course, you want to standout for the right reasons, and that’s what we’re diving into today.
One thing I ask my clients during our interview coaching appointment is, “What are your plans for hair and makeup?” I ask, because this is one of the first things a judge notices. Here are some key pointers. Remember, your entire makeup look should be cohesive, with all elements blending together. No one element should distract from your entire look.
Makeup:
- Stick with warm tones for your eye shadow color. Avoid black, grey, or too much shimmer because it can look harsh or distracting.
- Eyelashes should look natural and open the eyes. Forgetting to trim lash strips to the shape of your eye typically results in droopy or heavy looking eyes. If you have naturally long lashes, you might not need to wear false lashes. Instead try adding individual lashes for extra volume.
- If you have lash extensions make sure they are not too long or voluminous.
- Keep your lip color neutral.
- Match your foundation color to your neck. If you plan to spray tan, then do a test run and match your foundation to your spray tan color, this way your face will match your body.
- Do not over contour or highlight. Judges interviews are in close proximity to you. This isn’t the time to exaggerate your features to the point where you look cartoonish.
Hair:
- Keep it simple and styled to compliment your outfit. You do not need an elaborate updo, or hair accessories for interview.
- Make sure your hair is polished. In some pageant systems you can get away with hair that is sprayed stiff, but in most cases there should be some movement to your hair. Whether you style your hair straight or curly, make sure that you hairspray flyaways and brush through the style, so it does not look piecey.
- For some hair inspiration for younger contestants, check out this fast and simple hairstyle VIDEO.
- Make sure any extensions are matched to your hair color, and cut into your hair style, so they look like your real hair.
Wardrobe:
The next visual that catches a judge’s eye is wardrobe. Don’t over think this part of pageant prep. Keep in mind that you are competing for the best interview, not the cutest interview outfit. Most pageant systems do not take contestant’s interview wardrobe into consideration for scoring. Girls that I love in interview do not wear the most creative outfits, but they do select pieces that compliment their skin, body type, age division, and they are fitted to perfection. All types of interview outfits can look great if you keep those things in mind. Add an age appropriate pair of shoes and you’re all set. Keep accessories to a minimum, especially ones that can make noise, like a bangle bracelet.
"As soon as you enter the room, judge’s are observing your eye contact, posture, smile, walk, and overall body language."
The last non-verbal element of interview is body language. As soon as you enter the room, judge’s are observing your eye contact, posture, smile, walk, and overall body language. If you are sitting for an interview, practice maintaining your posture, natural eye contact, smiling while you speak, crossing your legs at the ankles, and placing your hands in your lap. If you like to talk with your hands, feel free to do so as long your movements do not go over the top and become distracting. If you are standing for interview be aware of those same things. Practice subtly shifting your weight during questions, as well as gesturing as you speak. Watching a contestant go through an entire interview with her hands on her hips or glued to her sides is incredibly uncomfortable to watch, and does not come across as natural.
"Contestants who rush through interview often overwhelm judges and come across as too eager or not well suited for the job."
“It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.” There’s an element of delivery in every remarkable interview that should be noted. Being prepared to answer questions is one thing, but answering in a way that is pleasant and confident, is another. A mark of a confident contestant is one who knows how to project her voice, without shouting at a judge; she speaks at a reasonable pace so she has time to articulate her words, as well as think of the best possible response. Contestants who rush through interview often overwhelm judges and come across as too eager or not well suited for the job.
"Suddenly, I understood her style, and even though I was not a fan of her wardrobe choice, I could appreciate why she chose it."
The last part of a stand out interview is quality content, preparing to provide answers that give judges insight into who you are, and your goals. Recently I interviewed a teen contestant; she entered the room in a simple cocktail dress with a fur stole draped over her shoulder, certainly not what you’d expect to see in an interview. I asked her what she aspired to be, her answer… “A model,” which is typical for first time pageant contestants. She went on to say that she’d always dreamt of becoming a model and that it’s something she is pursuing. She further explained, “I love fashion, and I always dress up! (gesturing towards her outfit) This is ME.” Suddenly, I understood her style, and even though I was not a fan of her wardrobe choice, I could appreciate why she chose it.
"In less than 30 seconds, I was a fan of that contestant; I was rooting for her because..."
Next, I asked, “Why did you enter the pageant?” With true sincerity, she broke eye contact, momentarily, and said, “I lost my younger cousin to cancer two years ago. She said Lady, because that’s what she called me; Lady I know that becoming a model has always been your dream. Promise me you’ll go after that. I think that experiencing a pageant, and being on stage will help me to accomplish that dream and keep my promise.” In less than 30 seconds, I was a fan of that contestant; I was rooting for her because she did several things: she spoke with confidence, demonstrated personality, and substantiated her answers with a personal story that was completely unique to her. Without guidance or coaching, it takes some contestants years to learn how to do what she did, naturally. I hope her interview is something that you will learn from so that you too and develop content that gets every judge on your team, rooting for your success!
