Interview and Audition Tips

If you’ve been asked to come in for an interview or audition, congratulations–this means your resume, cover letter, and demo reel are working. If you find yourself getting more interview and auditions each time you tweak your resume, cover letter, or demo reel, it means you’re on the right track.

Remember, just because you’ve been asked to interview or audition does not mean you have the job or part. The interview/audition is just another hurdle you have to overcome, but it’s the major one. All things being equal, the interview/audition will either get you the job (or part) or not.

Like every other job skill, the interview/audition is something you need to practice in order to perfect. This can only be done over time as you continue to apply for jobs.

In the meantime here are some interview/audition basics that you need to make automatic:

• Be on time. 5 minutes early is on time. 5 minutes late is just that–late. You’ve got no one to blame but yourself if you show up late.
• Dress the part. A lot of media jobs don’t put much stock in attire, so don’t go showing up in a suit and tie for a production job. Scout the company before you show up for your interview to know what to wear. For an audition, understand what’s expected and dress the part.
• Get in character i.e. the right mindset before you leave your place–don’t wait until you walk in the door of the company you are interview/auditioning for.
• Be honest. If you don’t know something, say so (and that you’ll look it up as soon as the interview is over.)
• Don’t talk too much about yourself. The word “I” can be a dangerous thing as there is no “i” in team.
• Which brings us to this point–position yourself as a team player: someone who is quick to share success with others, willing to accept blame when warranted, and focused on what’s best to achieve a goal rather than what’s in it for yourself.
• Make sure you thank the interviewer/auditioner for the opportunity.
• Follow up with an email to thank them again for the opportunity. This follow up email can also answer anything you said “I don’t know” to in the interview and allow you a last chance to say anything you forgot to mention at the interview.