The other night I had the pleasure of listening to a bunch of actors audition for a play.
I’m stage managing the show, which basically means I’m in charge of logistics, and I was assisting the director in checking people in and collecting their acting resumes.
I do this once a year for this particular theater company as a way of being involved in the local theatrical community.
I watched as the men and women held sections of the script (called “sides”) and enacted scenes for the director. His task was to assess who could handle the characterizations and which actors seemed to work well together.
I’ve been there myself, auditioning for a show. This type of job interview (even if in community theater actors, or stage managers, are not always paid) can be particularly stressful. Often, the other “candidates” are watching you perform.
I was impressed by the level of preparation of this group of auditioners. They clearly were familiar with the script (a George Bernard Shaw play, “Heartbreak House”), and did not seem extremely nervous. Perhaps they hid it well.
I began to think of the ways that actors can inspire other job seekers. If you are looking for a job right now, anticipating interviews, actors could provide you with some solid interview prep tips:
- Research: Actors prepare for auditions by thoroughly understanding the play and how the character they are reading fits into the story. You want to do the same thing with the company. Know its problems and challenges. Know the industry.
- Character Analysis: Actors spend time analyzing their characters, understanding their motivations, relationships, and development throughout the play. For you, this means knowing what’s involved in the role you are interviewing for and how you fit. It also means knowing who is interviewing you! Research the team and know what they do and, if possible, some other things about them. Use LinkedIn and Google.
- Memorizing Lines: For the audition, actors sometimes memorize specific monologues or scenes provided by the casting directors. What does this mean for a typical job seeker? It means that you thoroughly understand and remember why you want the job and why you’re a good fit and have stored in your mind the stories that prove you can handle the work.
- Voice and Movement Work: Depending on the play, actors may work on their voice and movement to suit the character or the style of the play. This could involve accent training, physical conditioning, or movement workshops to accurately portray the character. For you, this can mean practicing talking about yourself, so you can get comfortable in a conversation. It also can mean dressing the part—choosing an outfit that will help you step into the power and confidence you need to make a persuasive bid for the role.
- Rehearsal: Practice is key. Actors rehearse their scenes or monologues repeatedly, often in front of a mirror, with a coach, or with peers to get feedback and make adjustments. Practicing interview responses is very much like this. Work with a coach or a trusted friend and practice telling those stories of your resilience and success.
- Physical and Mental Preparation: Physical appearance can be part of the preparation, dressing in a way that suggests the character without being in full costume. This goes back to dressing the part for your interview, but also to getting enough sleep and doing some deep breathing before your interview begins. If it’s digital, get your space in shape. Get everything organized and arranged ahead of time and test the system with your coach or a friend.
- Feedback and Reflection: After the audition, reflective actors seek feedback where possible, analyze their performance, and consider what they could improve for next time. You can do this, too. After your interview, review briefly, alone or with your coach, what aspects you felt good about and where you feel you could improve.
Interviewing is challenging, and being under-prepared can cost you the job. I meet a lot of people who don’t take time to get ready for this extremely important aspect of their searches.
So, consider these tips, take time to plan, and you will show up like a pro and ace your next interview! Reach out to me at ruth@confidentcareersearch.com if you need some help, and let’s schedule some time to get you ready!
