INTERVIEW

Ace Your Model Interview

Master the questions casting directors love and showcase your runway-ready confidence

6 Questions
45 min Prep Time
5 Categories
STAR Method
What You'll Learn
Equip aspiring and professional models with proven answers, strategies, and practice resources to excel in casting calls, agency interviews, and runway auditions.
  • Learn how to articulate runway experience
  • Showcase portfolio strengths effectively
  • Demonstrate professionalism under pressure
  • Highlight adaptability to fast‑changing fashion environments
Difficulty Mix
Easy: 0.4%
Medium: 0.4%
Hard: 0.2%
Prep Overview
Estimated Prep Time: 45 minutes
Formats: Behavioral, Scenario‑based, Industry Knowledge
Competency Map
Runway Presence: 25%
Portfolio Presentation: 20%
Professionalism: 20%
Adaptability: 20%
Industry Knowledge: 15%

Runway & Casting

Can you describe a time when you had to adapt quickly to a last‑minute change in a runway show?
Situation

During Fashion Week, the designer announced a change in the music tempo just 30 minutes before the show, requiring models to adjust their walk pace.

Task

I needed to synchronize my stride with the new beat while maintaining poise and ensuring the designer’s vision stayed intact.

Action

I gathered the other models, practiced the new timing on the runway floor, and used a metronome app on my phone to internalize the rhythm. I also communicated with the choreographer to confirm key moments.

Result

The show proceeded flawlessly; the audience praised the seamless flow, and the designer later thanked us for our professionalism, leading to repeat bookings for the season.

Follow‑up Questions
  • How did you keep calm under that pressure?
  • What did you learn about teamwork from that experience?
Evaluation Criteria
  • Clear STAR structure
  • Specific details (time, actions)
  • Demonstrates adaptability and teamwork
  • Shows positive result for the brand
Red Flags to Avoid
  • Vague description of the change
  • Blaming others for the issue
  • No measurable outcome
Answer Outline
  • Explain the unexpected change
  • State your responsibility to adjust quickly
  • Describe rehearsing the new timing with teammates
  • Highlight the successful outcome and positive feedback
Tip
Quantify the impact (e.g., audience reaction, designer feedback) to make your story memorable.
What do you do to prepare for a casting call?
Situation

Before each casting, I receive a brief with the brand’s aesthetic and the role’s requirements.

Task

My goal is to present myself as the ideal fit while showcasing my unique strengths.

Action

I research the brand’s recent campaigns, select outfits that align with the lookbook, update my portfolio on my tablet, and rehearse key poses and facial expressions. I also arrive early to warm up and review my comp card.

Result

Casting directors have noted my preparedness, and I’ve secured multiple bookings as a result of consistently arriving ready and confident.

Follow‑up Questions
  • Can you give an example of a brand where your research paid off?
  • How do you handle a casting that doesn’t match your usual style?
Evaluation Criteria
  • Demonstrates thorough research
  • Shows proactive preparation steps
  • Highlights punctuality and confidence
  • Links preparation to successful outcomes
Red Flags to Avoid
  • Generic answer without brand specifics
  • Mentioning lack of preparation
Answer Outline
  • Research brand and campaign style
  • Choose appropriate wardrobe and update portfolio
  • Rehearse poses and facial expressions
  • Arrive early to warm up and review comp card
Tip
Mention one concrete brand you researched recently to illustrate diligence.

Portfolio & Branding

How have you built and maintained a strong portfolio that showcases your versatility?
Situation

When I started my career, I only had a few editorial shots that highlighted high‑fashion looks.

Task

I needed a portfolio that demonstrated range—from runway to commercial and lifestyle work—to attract diverse clients.

Action

I collaborated with emerging photographers for test shoots covering street style, beauty, and activewear. I curated the best images, organized them by category, and updated my digital portfolio quarterly. I also created a personal branding guide to ensure consistent visual tone across all platforms.

Result

Within six months, I received inquiries from both high‑end designers and commercial brands, increasing my booking rate by 35% and expanding my client base.

Follow‑up Questions
  • Which shoot in your portfolio are you most proud of and why?
  • How do you decide when to retire older images?
Evaluation Criteria
  • Shows strategic planning
  • Highlights collaboration and proactive effort
  • Provides measurable outcome (booking increase)
  • Emphasizes consistent branding
Red Flags to Avoid
  • Only mentions high‑fashion without diversification
  • No evidence of ongoing updates
Answer Outline
  • Identify initial limited portfolio
  • Set goal for versatility
  • Collaborate on varied test shoots
  • Curate and regularly update portfolio
  • Develop branding guide
  • Result: diversified bookings
Tip
Reference specific types of shoots (e.g., runway, swimwear, lifestyle) to illustrate breadth.
Tell us about a collaboration with a photographer that significantly improved your portfolio.
Situation

I was approached by a renowned fashion photographer for a concept‑driven editorial that blended avant‑garde styling with streetwear.

Task

My objective was to deliver striking images that would stand out in my portfolio and attract editorial editors.

Action

I participated in mood‑board sessions, contributed ideas for poses and locations, and rehearsed movement sequences to match the photographer’s vision. During the shoot, I adapted quickly to unconventional lighting and provided feedback on framing to ensure the narrative stayed cohesive.

Result

The final series was featured in a leading fashion magazine’s online edition, receiving over 20,000 views in the first week. The images became a centerpiece of my portfolio, leading to three additional editorial offers.

Follow‑up Questions
  • What challenges did you face during that shoot?
  • How did you leverage the published images for future work?
Evaluation Criteria
  • Demonstrates creative partnership
  • Shows initiative in planning
  • Quantifies impact (views, offers)
  • Highlights adaptability
Red Flags to Avoid
  • Blaming photographer for challenges
  • No tangible outcome
Answer Outline
  • Describe high‑profile photographer collaboration
  • Set goal to enhance portfolio visibility
  • Engage in creative planning and execution
  • Adapt on set and provide constructive input
  • Result: publication and new offers
Tip
Mention the publication name or platform to add credibility, but keep it generic if unsure.

Professionalism & Ethics

Describe a situation where you had to handle a conflict with a designer or photographer.
Situation

During a backstage fitting, a designer criticized my posture, suggesting I wasn’t embodying the collection’s attitude.

Task

I needed to address the feedback constructively while maintaining a positive working relationship.

Action

I thanked the designer for the input, asked for specific pointers, and practiced the suggested adjustments during the remaining fitting time. I also followed up after the show with a brief email expressing appreciation for the guidance and sharing a photo of the final look.

Result

The designer praised my responsiveness, and the collaboration continued into the next season, resulting in a featured role in their runway lineup.

Follow‑up Questions
  • How do you prevent misunderstandings before they arise?
  • Can you give an example of turning criticism into a strength?
Evaluation Criteria
  • Shows calm, solution‑focused response
  • Demonstrates active listening
  • Highlights follow‑up professionalism
  • Leads to continued collaboration
Red Flags to Avoid
  • Defensive or blaming tone
  • Avoiding responsibility
Answer Outline
  • Acknowledge the conflict source
  • Seek specific feedback
  • Implement adjustments promptly
  • Follow up with gratitude
Tip
Emphasize the learning aspect and the positive outcome for future projects.
How do you stay informed about current fashion trends and incorporate them into your work?
Situation

Fashion cycles shift rapidly, especially during Fashion Weeks in major cities.

Task

I aim to keep my look and portfolio current to remain relevant to designers and brands.

Action

I subscribe to industry newsletters, follow key designers on social media, attend virtual runway streams, and regularly review trend reports from agencies like WGSN. I then integrate emerging colors, silhouettes, or styling cues into my test shoots and daily street‑style looks, updating my portfolio accordingly.

Result

My agents note that my updated looks align with market demand, leading to a 20% increase in bookings for trend‑driven campaigns over the past year.

Follow‑up Questions
  • Which recent trend have you incorporated most successfully?
  • How do you balance personal style with market trends?
Evaluation Criteria
  • Demonstrates proactive research
  • Shows practical application of trends
  • Provides measurable impact
Red Flags to Avoid
  • Claiming to follow trends without examples
Answer Outline
  • Subscribe to newsletters and follow designers
  • Watch runway streams and read trend reports
  • Apply trends in test shoots and street style
  • Update portfolio regularly
Tip
Cite a specific recent trend (e.g., neon accessories, oversized blazers) you’ve used.
ATS Tips
  • runway
  • portfolio
  • casting
  • fashion
  • photography
  • professionalism
  • adaptability
  • trend awareness
Build a standout model resume
Practice Pack
Timed Rounds: 30 minutes
Mix: Runway, Portfolio, Behavioral

Ready to land your dream runway gig? Get your personalized model resume now!

Create My Model Resume

More Interview Guides

Check out Resumly's Free AI Tools