Expert: Kitty Kavey - 10/11/2008

Question
This is my first time ever trying to get into modeling and when i went on my first interview i was stuck because i have never gave it a thought why i really want to model i know that i like fashion and everyone tell me that i need to be modeling. what question do they ask and what answer shall i give them is there a right or wrong anser that i am 14 and confuse HELP!

Answer
Usually during an agency interview, they are trying to find out a bit about your personality - the agency may have a few standard questions they ask, or they can just be trying to engage you in conversation.

Referring to modeling, an agent is usually very experienced in being able to tell if you are photogenic, and they know what their clients are looking for.  Assuming you fit their criteria, the rest is just to see if they can work with you, and if you'd be a right fit for their agency.

It's not completely dissimilar to any other job interview - you may fit the qualifications for the job, but there is still usually an interview to see if your personality is right for them, and likewise, if their company is right for you.

The right answer is what is the truth for you - if you are applying for any job, but have an interest in and a passion for the type of work you are going for that's great.  

It may be helpful to gain some experience, even if it's in a non-professional setting, to figure out what the occupation of modeling means to you.  If you suggest that your pursuing modeling because everyone told you that's something you should do, it may be a signal to a company that you personally don't have the interest or the knowledge to pursue that line of work, successfully.

Modeling and acting are two occupations that can be done by younger people than some other occupations - but it is still a business, and generally it is expected that even at your young age you might have the ability to treat it as such.

With that being said, if you are in the same situation in the future, answer truthfully of course, and perhaps you can add something about what modeling means to you, that you realize it is a job - but that with the support of your parent(s) it it something that you really want to do.

Since a legitimate agency invests time and money into you, they just really want to know that this is not going to be something that you're just trying to see if you like it, or that you don't take it seriously.  

There are a lot of books written about the various types of modeling (available in your local library, bookstore or online) that you also may find helpful, bot to learn about the industry, and to help you be more comfortable during interviews.

Actors tend to do more interviews and auditions than models - but many jobs you do in the future may be a situation where you are asked questions and interviewed - so a little practice can be quite helpful, and you can even set up a mock interview with a friend or family member to feel more comfortable.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty