It’s not only about good looks anymore. You will have to prove your readiness for the modeling job in a short interview. You will have to convince the hiring managers from the agency that you:
- Have good communication skills and it is easy to work with you.
- Are ready to handle difficult aspects of modeling job, such as long photo shots, tiring days, excessive traveling, and criticism.
- Understand what it takes to do this job, and are ready to continuously take care of your body and looks.
Let’s have a look at some questions they will use while interviewing you.
Table of Contents
Why do you want to be a model?
Many people have unrealistic expectations and ideas about modeling. While a fraction of professional models earn a fortune, and about ten percent of people make their full time living with the job, modeling is mostly a hobby (or a part-time job) for the majority of men and women from the pictures.
When you are just starting your career in modeling, you never know what the future will bring. Tell the interviewers that you look at this opportunity as the way to earn some extra money, to learn new things and to meet interesting people. You can talk also about other goals you have in life–such as graduating from the high school (or college), and pursuing this or that career path.
Aspiring models who do not see themselves on the cover of Vogue magazine the next month, but approach their chance in modeling with modesty, are the best hires for the agencies. Try to stay humble in your interview.
* Special tip: We have 7 great sample answers online for this question. You can check them out here: Why do you want to be a model?
How do you imagine a typical day in work?
Job of a model is a hard work. Photographers are never satisfied, they have to take one more shot another time, change the lights, change the surroundings, change everything. And then they will start all over again. Modeling sessions are often strenuous, and a good applicant for this job expects tough days.
Say your interviewers that you expect long days, that you are ready to stay focused on the task at hand, that you do not imagine making a few pictures, taking money and going home. The exact description of a working day depends on the particular contract you will get.
Do not forget to check also: What are your weaknesses? Learn how to answer the dreaded interview question.
Do you have any experience with criticism? How do you handle it?
This is a test of your attitude. Good models are always ready to receive criticism, they actually embrace it since it helps them to improve in their job, and become better models. Tell the interviewers that you are eager to learn from the professionals, and won’t take any criticism personally. You simply take it as an opportunity to become a better model–something that you try to achieve.
What’s more, you know that you are just starting in the field. You will make mistakes, which is completely natural and normal for everyone. And you are grateful when professionals tell you right away if you do something wrong. Because you want to learn quickly and become better in your work… for some inspiration, you can also check 7 sample answers to “Tell us about a time when your work was criticized” interview question.
How much do you want to earn? / What are your salary expectations?
Typical modeling contracts start at $100 per hour, for new models. Some agencies may pay even $250, depending on their budget and a particular campaign. Of course we speak here about numbers from the US, and if you apply for a modeling job somewhere else, the numbers will be different.
Realistically, when you are just starting in this profession, you can expect to earn between $500 and $3,000 per day of shooting. Once you make a name for yourself (if this is your goal) the contracts will get much more interesting… But everything takes time, and you should not say the hiring managers that you want to earn $10,000 per day from the get-go :).
On the other hand, models typically do not work 200 hours a month. You may do some modelling sessions or even long weekends of shooting in an interesting location, but then you may be without any gig for a week or two. Because of that you logically need to earn more per hour, or per day of shooting.
What is your availability? What days and hours can you work?
Most modeling professionals start their career in their teenage years. If it is also your case, you are likely still studying and won’t be available for shooting every other day. Try to prepare your weekly schedule, and think about days and hours when you can work.
And while school may be your first priority (and rightly so), you should place your modeling career on the second place. Try to convince the interviewers that you take this opportunity seriously, and won’t be available only when you don’t have your music classes, or a date with your boyfriend.
Surely, you have your duties at school and family, but apart from that you are flexible and will happily cancel your other program and do some shooting. You understand that you aren’t a superstar yet, and have to adjust your schedule to the schedule of photographers and other professionals.
What sorts of settings/clothes/brands do you prefer to shoot for, or wear?
You have a few options for a good answer to this question. First one is saying that you do not really have any favorite brands of clothes. You like the variety the market offers, and like to try a bit of everything. Not having any preferences, you’ll be happy for any opportunity to participate in the photo session with professionals.
Another alternative is referring to the brands or settings they typically shoot in. Check the website of the modeling agency where you apply for the job (or magazine, studio, anything), and their latest pictures. Notice the brands the models wear, and then refer to them in your interview.
Third alternative is referring to sustainable fashion. Environmental aspect is getting traction in all industries, including fashion and modeling. You can tell the interviewers that you prefer to wear clothes that were produced with sustainable methods, and in factories with safe conditions and fair payment for laborers. This may win you a favor of some interviewers.
Some other questions you may get
- What do you think about the competition in this industry, and the relationships models have with each other?
- What do you consider the toughest aspect of this job?
- Why should we hire you?
- What motivates you the most in this job?
- Where do you see yourself in ten years from now?
- How would your best friends describe you?
- Describe your passion for apparel and footwear.
- Do you have any questions?
Conclusion and next steps
Photographers and editors can do wonders nowadays. Model agencies do not need to hire the best looking girls anymore. But they want to hire people they can work with, people who have a good understanding for the job of a model, and who can handle the tough aspects of this profession.
True, you still need to look good, and have charisma, to have any chance of getting hired. But you can significantly improve your chances of signing an interesting work contract with good interview answers, explaining why you want to be a model, and by doing everything right in your interview. Read the following articles to continue with your preparation:
- How to overcome interview nerves – Learn how to stay calm and deliver your very best.
- Interview attire special tips – Every detail counts in this interview, and you should choose the right clothes.
- Hostess interview questions and answers.
