The Pageant Interview

A Contestant's Guide to Interviewing

May 2, 2009 Renee Ruby

First impressions are what a pageant interview is all about. After that, personality, knowledge and conversation skills can be focused upon.

The interview portion of the pageant competition is the most important segment of the competition. It is the very first time the judges will see the contestant in person. The old cliché, “First impressions count the most” is very true. Without a good first impression, the judges may lose focus on the contestant and possibly miss important details of the interview. Judges that are impressed by a contestant from the beginning are already eager for more and looking forward to good interview.

It is important that the contestant approach the interview competition much like one would approach a job interview in the business world. In essence, it is applying for a job, the job to promote that pageant for one year. Just as potential employers have certain criteria that they are looking for in a potential employee, a panel of pageant judges has a set criteria that they are looking for in a contestant to be the next titleholder. This is the contestant’s opportunity to demonstrate to the judges (usually in a very limited amount of time) that she has the qualities and characteristics they are looking for.

Dress to Impress

Dress for the interview should be professional. A very nice two piece business suit (could be skirt or pants, although skirts are more prevalent) is appropriate for the interview.

Solid colors are nice, and are probably preferably for a shorter contestant. A taller contestant may be better able to carry off an interview suit that is multicolored. Choose a color that is comparable to the contestant’s personal coloring (hair, eyes, skin).

Taupe shoes are a necessity in interview, and they should be closed toed. Shoes that match the suit (for example black shoes with a black suit) are not acceptable. The judge's eyes should focus on the contestant's face and not drift to peek at trendy shoes. It is the contestant’s personal preference whether or not to wear pantyhose in interview. If the contestant does wear pantyhose, it is important to match the contestant’s skin well regardless of the color of the suit. For instance, one should not wear black hose with a black suit, and a darker skinned girl should not wear light pantyhose. Speaking of undergarments, contestants should be careful that no lines show under the skirt in front or back.

The cut of a pageant interview suit should be tasteful and professional, but also tailored to the contestant’s figure. Please make note that tailored to the figure does not mean extremely tight. In addition, hem length is important to take into consideration. Remember that the contestant will have to sit down in this skirt as well as stand up. Make certain that the skirt is not too short either way. A proper hem length is probably two to three inches above the knee.

Personal Appearance

Make-up and hair should be daytime looks not evening looks. A contestant should not walk into interview looking like she is ready to walk out on stage. Stage make-up is heavier and more dramatic than interview make-up. However, many girls believe that they do not need a professional to do hair and make-up for interview. This is not so. Most assuredly the proper professional can correct flaws and make the contestant look fabulous without making the contestant look so “made-up.”

Remember that the very first impression is in interview. You want to look your very best. Keep jewelry to a minimum in interview. A nice pair of stud earrings or classic pearls are all of the jewelry that one needs in interview.

Contestant Biography

The biographical sheet is just as important to a successful interview as the contestant’s appearance, if not more so. Often times, the judges have an opportunity to review the bio sheets before the contestant ever walks into the room. The appearance and content of the bio sheet will cause the judge(s) to start to form an impression of the contestant at the outset.

First, the bio sheet needs to be typed and preferably remain on the original form with no attachments. The judges' time to read these bio sheets is limited. They do not have time to read pages and pages of information. The contestant will have the opportunity to talk to them and elaborate on what is on the bio sheet during the interview.

Secondly, the contestant should complete her own bio sheet, know what is on it, and know that all information is correct and truthful. Many a contestant has made herself look foolish in an interview for not following this rule.

Finally, use the bio as an opportunity to “sell yourself.” Include all information about honors, awards, interesting hobbies, future goals and ambitions, and activities. This gives the judges a better idea of who the contestant is as an individual. It also serves to guide the questioning process of the interview. In essence, the bio sheet is usually the road map that the interview will follow. A great bio will often make for a great interview and vice versa.

In essence, the pageant interview is a combination of first impressions. When the first impression is good then the judges are more likely to stay focused on the contestant. Without good first impressions the judges are more likely to ask pat interview questions without really listening to the answers. When the contestant puts together all the necessary elements of an interview she can be assured that the interview will go well. The rest is up to the judges.

The copyright of the article The Pageant Interview in Career Advice is owned by Renee Ruby. Permission to republish The Pageant Interview in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Interview Suit

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