How to Act and Show Up Professionally For an Acting Interview

I get it. You’ve finally landed an interview. You know you’re talented and now you’ve got to show up and sell yourself. On one hand, you need to take it seriously and show up as your best. On the other hand, you don’t want to stop being you, or overthink the process and ruin it for yourself.

So now what?

It’s about showing up professionally and confidently so you can do what you were meant to do.

Keep in mind, that interviews are often just "talk," unless they are a kind of invited general audition which is combined with a brief interview. It's a good idea to run several mock interviews with fellow actors who have been through the experience. Sometimes it pays to see a coach for an hour's work on interview techniques.

Here's what you want to remember. You'll find that most interviews will be rather boring, polite and short. People just want to get a sense of whether you are marketable and whether or not you will be pleasant or suitable to work with.

To conclude on a more positive note, here are a few general pointers for interviews:

• Good manners are noted and very appreciated.
• Sitting in a chair properly shows respect.
• Showing up organized sets you up for a great first impression.
• (Chewing gum also creates an impression, but not the kind you want to make!)
• Follow the leader. Take conversation cues from the interviewer or agent. Are they formal? Breezy? Cool? Professionally distant? Follow suit.
• Always be on time; never more than five minutes early and not a single minute late.
• Don't complain if you are kept waiting. Agents are busy and have constant demands from casting offices who have emergencies. It is not an insult to you personally.

Here are some basic interview tips to avoid:

• Interviews are conducted by the interviewer. Follow their lead and answer their questions honestly and simply.  Do not babble.
• Alternatively, don't be afraid to answer. The flip side of babbling is to sit quietly and afraid, only mumbling yes and no.
• You've got to be ready for almost any topic during an interview. Think quickly, be sincere and diplomatic. Be open with your thoughts but don't let it get too personal. It's not appropriate to tangent about your love life or discuss the negative people or circumstances in your life.
• Never complain or bad mouth people you've worked with past.
• Do not discuss politics or religion.

Remember, if you are called in for an interview it is because they are interested in you. Something about your resume or looks or performance caught their attention. YOU are who they are wanting to know! So create an interview persona whose major trait is charm. Make your interview the pleasant highlight of their day. They will remember that and you will achieve your goal: an agent, a manager, or a role.

We, at the New York Acting School for Film and Television, are here to provide you with classes, tools and coaching to get you from dreams to success.  Let us know how we can best serve you!