Interview Tips

Interviews are the business world’s version of an audition. For a temp job, you’re going to have a more formal interview than for a promo gig. You probably won’t wear a suit to a promotional interview, but don’t look like you’ve just rolled out of bed either. Employers want to see you at your best.

I like to take a portfolio* that has a place for me to put my resumes and a pad of paper (where I can write down my notes and questions) along with a pen.

Bring at least 2 hard copies of your resume, and a promo company may ask for a headshot as well.

Ideally, have your resume printed out on resume paper*. It’s basically fancy printer paper. You can get it at an office supply store or on Amazon*.

Bring 2 forms of ID – this is usually your Social Security card and your Driver’s License, or your Passport. If they want to work together, they’ll have you fill out an I-9 and a W-4 form; you’ve probably seen these dozens of times, ask the receptionist if you have any questions on how to fill them out.

Get your ID and resume copies together and pack them the night before, don’t scramble around the morning of to get everything together.

Make a cheat sheet for yourself for these applications – they’re basically all the same. At one office I had to give at least 3 co-worker reference names & phone numbers, have those handy and you’ll sometimes have to write down your last 3 employers along with their address & phone numbers.

Dress professionally. If you don’t have a suit, wear a pair of black pants and a button-up shirt. Please make sure you press your clothes before you go. I always wear tennis shoes around the city, but I change into my nice dress shoes before I get off the subway and stash my tennies in my bag (but make sure to zip it up). I carry a computer bag that looks like a nice bag, but still has room to hold my portfolio and tennis shoes. Or just wear Rothy’s*. “The Point” style are my absolute go-to for when I need to look nice, but feel comfortable. They’re also great for office work, especially if you’re running around the city or the office doing errands all day.

Never arrive more than 10 minutes early, but DO NOT be late. I know, I know, with the subway being so unreliable I make sure I leave super-early – then scout out a coffee shop – or an audition studio that’s close that I can hang out in until it’s about time to go into the building. Most offices in New York City have security desks in the lobby, so leave yourself some extra time in case there’s a line at the security desk.

When you meet the temp agent, shake their hand and smile! They will probably ask you for your resume first thing, so have that ready to give to them, don’t spend a few minutes shuffling through your bags to get it.

The employer will probably open the conversation with “tell me a little about yourself,” so have about 30 seconds prepared.

(here’s an example) “I moved to New York in May to pursue musical theatre. In-between gigs I’ve been doing office temp and promotional work, and I really enjoy interacting with the public being a brand ambassador, so that’s why I’m here looking for another promo company to work with.”

A temp agency interview might include having to do computer proficiency tests, such as typing, Microsoft Word, Excel, etc. If you’re not too familiar with them check out what training Microsoft is offering here. Going through all the tests usually makes the interview last over an hour, so be prepared to be there for a while.

 At the end of the interview, the interviewer will inevitably ask you “do you have any questions for me?” Here’s where you can ask about anything you’ve jotted down during the interview, or ask a question from the research that you’ve done about the company in preparation for the interview. (Take 5-10 minutes before the interview to research the company online.) Questions like “what would my typical day look like” or “what’s the culture of the organization” are always good options.

Make sure you always use my magic question “How would you like me to let you know my availability?”

Usually an email on Thursday of each week is an efficient way to let them know you’re available and ready to work, while not bothering them. It’s like with your acting agent – if they’re on the phone with you, they can’t be on the phone with a casting director to get you an audition. So just keep in touch with a quick and friendly email informing them of your availability for the next week and when an opportunity comes up that you are right for, you’ll be on their mind (and in their Inbox).

 After you go home, shoot them a nice little email, or send a hand-written thank you. “It was a pleasure to meet with you today. Thanks for taking the time to share with me the (insert temp agency name here) process. I look forward to working together….” – you get the idea.

 Most employers love actors, so feel free to breathe, relax and be yourself. Be honest with the commitment you are willing to give (whether you want to do 1-day temp jobs, or jobs that last a week). You want to gain trust with your temp agent or promo manager. You probably won’t get the most desirable gigs to begin with, but if you shine like a star and have a great attitude and work ethic on not-so-fun ones, you’ll build a reputation (either way) and could become their go-to guy or gal when that choice gig comes up.

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