Personal Interview Tips
Do not lie on your paper work or in the interview. If you get caught in a lie, or one of the judges is an excellent poker player, your bluff WILL cost you.
On your fact sheet, don't give it all away. make statements somewhat vague so the judges have something to ask about.
You do not have to have perfect grades or have something super impressive on your fact sheet to impress the judges. What will make you stand out is something unique that not many people have done or can do. Play the flute? Juggle? Breed hamsters? WRITE IT DOWN! Judges love unique facts!
Be sure to know your current events and important issues that are being dicussed in the news, local and world wide. (CNN is a great source television source)
Read up on some famous titleholders, especially if you're competing in the Miss America or Miss USA systems.
The interview is not an interrogation, it is a converstaion where the judges can get to know YOU better.
Make sure you know your platform inside and out, you never know what you will be asked.
Do not hesitate to ask questions during the interview, the judges will be happy to answer them for you.
If you are asked a question and do not know the answer, simply direct your answer into a different direction, the judges will simply ask you about what you say.
Form opinions about EVERYTHING, from your opinion on the death penalty to what your favorite animal is.
Make sure you let your personality shine through out the interview, just simply be you.
About 99.9% of your interview will be based on your fact sheet, still be aware of your current events just incase they throw one of those questions on you.
Make sure you keep your answers short and precise. Make sure you do not use words such as: um, like, well, yeah, or nah. They want to make sure the next title holder can speak properly in front of the public. After all, she will be representing their pageant for a full caldendar year.
Only tell a story if it is relevant to a question they ask you. Do not go on about a story that paints you in a negative light or goes too long.Simply state your main point and be positive.
Choose 3 words that describe you, it is a question i have been asked at almost every pageant. Make sure you pick 3 strong adjectives that make you sound strong and confident.
During the interview you should wear a nice suit, small earrings, and very little make up. They want to get to know you, not how pretty you can be.
Have your family and friends quiz you every day. The more you practice the better you will be.
Remember you are applying for a job! Remind yourself how you would act on a job interview and understand that being a title holder is like a full time job.
