How a job interview is like an audition (and vice versa)

Like a few other industries, summer is considered the "off" season for actors.

Granted, I've booked some awesome stuff in the dead of June, but typically things go quiet during the awkward time between pilot season and the commercial high holidays. If you don't believe me, here is a great article about it from Backstage.

This inevitably leads to panic and dumpster diving. Well, maybe not the dumpster diving, but I can't say I haven't considered it to score a free meal.

It also leads to resignation that a survival job is in order.

Now, I have a "survival" job of sorts: babysitting. However, my core families seem to have left on vacation for most of the summer, and no, they didn't have the good sense to take me with them.

That leaves me...broke. What's a girl to do? Hit those job boards, of course.

Of course, after meeting with a few difference hiring managers, I've concluded that interviews are just glorified auditions. Sure, you might be overqualified, under qualified, not qualified at all, but at the end of the day, it's a performance, plain and simple. You rehearse (research the company, possible interview questions), you dress up (designer suit, check!), you struggle with nerves (shaky hands, sweaty palms), etc.

So what can the best actors teach the best job candidates, and vice versa? Here are a few crossover tidbits:

Look the part

You wouldn't show up to an audition for a face wash dressed in a gorilla suit, so why would you look like you're going on a Sunday stroll when you roll into a job interview? Research the company's culture. If they're traditional, stick to darker colors. However, I would still avoid black as a) it doesn't stand out b) appears too somber and c) it's a cat hair/lint/deodorant magnet. If it's a young, edgy design firm, you might be able to express your fashion sense a bit more.

Know your "lines"

Practice common interview questions and know how you're going to respond to some curveballs. Also, research job-specific questions you might get asked. For example, I was just asked about analytics and API for a digital marketing position, and it threw me because that's not my wheelhouse. However, API is fundamental in today's digital marketing.

Also, research the company/position and know the position enough to have a set of questions. Same goes for auditions - if a casting director opens the floor for questions, at the very least have one thoughtful question.

Of course, it's important to always convey sincerity and truth. You don't want to come across as fake or rehearsed.

Improv is your friend

Being able to think on your feet and read others is crucial during a job interview. It's also crucial in an improv scene. Really listen to what the interviewer has to say. Take notes if necessary. Have thoughtful responses in your mental grab bag. It's okay to play into the situation a bit, i.e. if the interviewer is jokey and laid back, mimic a more laid back demeanor. Have anecdotes ready. Always stick to your "character."

Stay positive

Also like in improv, it's important to always stay positive during an interview. Always phrase things in a positive manner. Never leave a question of a comment just hanging. Always have something to bring to the "scene."

You'll probably get the dreaded, "what's your biggest weakness?" or "what did you hate about your last job." They're trying to trick you into a negative answer. Don't be fooled! Get creative and come up with clever responses before you're caught off guard, mouth open, drool dripping down your chin...

Just breathe

Every actor knows the importance of breath. I've found it helps calm my nerves and makes me appear more confident in my actions. Same goes for a job interview. Make sure you have enough air to complete a sentence clearly, audibly, and without pause. Every answer, or question, should reveal a little bit about you as a person, your "character" if you will.

Do you have any interview/audition crossover stories? What about the annoying "interview audition?" Share your experience in the comments below!