These 10 Interview Tips Will Help You Win Your Next Beauty Pageant

Crystal Lee
16 min readJun 2, 2018
2013 Miss California Pageant (Fresno, CA)

Hi! I’m Crystal. I’m Miss California 2013 and 1st Runner up to Miss America 2014.

I’ve held over eight different titles and competed in over fourteen pageants both in the US and abroad. Pageants have been a big part of my life and I’ve also judged multiple pageants nationwide. I’ve even earned significant scholarships that helped me pay for my undergraduate & master’s degrees at Stanford University.

Many pageant hopefuls have reached out to me asking for advice over the years. After coaching my sister to win the 2018 Miss Chinatown USA pageant, it hit home that the advice I gave her actually worked.

You don’t need to be related to me to benefit from my experience and mentorship. This is the article that I wish that I had in 2007 (the year when I was first starting out).

The truth is: In 2007, I had no idea what I was doing and I made countless mistakes. As I continued competing, I got better and learned new things about myself.

Right now, you might be focused on winning that next beauty pageant. But the skills that you’ll learn and self-awareness that you’ll develop will enrich your life long after you stop competing.

Take it from me, I don’t compete anymore, but I use many of these skills on a daily basis.

Tip #1: Get your paperwork in tip top shape

Because it’s a significant part of your first impression.

Every contest starts with submitting a completed application. It’s mostly overlooked because paperwork is often thought of as a logistical obligation, something to “check-off-the-box”.

Your paperwork matters because it shows whether you can follow directions. Did you follow the organization-imposed rules around formatting and deadlines? Doing so is the surest way to be off to a good start with the pageant staff and judges.

For your fact sheet and competition materials for the judges, it should reflect a professional, friendly, put-together impression. Have it proofread so that it reads concisely and accurately. Typos and grammatical errors are distracting and can lead readers to think you don’t care.

Don’t forget to study the content on your fact sheet inside and out. Should you be asked about any of your listed skills or experiences, you will be called upon to speak authoritatively and genuinely.

This should go without saying, but make sure your fact sheet is 100% honest. I once judged a young woman who listed on her fact sheet that she spoke fluent Chinese. I asked her a simple question in Mandarin to test her. She froze, turned beet red, and stammered that she only knew a few words.

Interviews can reveal more than your personality; they reveal your character. If you get caught lying in your paperwork, you can kiss the crown goodbye. Don’t risk it!

Finally, enclose a flattering headshot that really looks like you. Over-airbrushed, glamor shots have been popular as of late. They’re fine as long as they set a realistic expectation.

Tip #2: Be Informed

Because you’re applying for a job to be a public figure.

The image of beauty queens took a hit when Miss Teen South Carolina 2007 famously bombed her onstage question. Despite the incident, many pageants today hold their representatives to a higher standard of self-awareness and intellect. To be a successful titleholder, you’ve got to be more than a pretty face.

We all know the stereotypes of women who are attractive but self-obsessed, clueless, and vain. Society loves to pit beauty queens in to this category. But most successful contestants are the opposite. You need leadership qualities and an awareness of current events. That starts with staying abreast on issues facing your community and your country.

But maybe you don’t read the news. What then?

You must start.

I barely followed news before starting to compete. Trying to absorb news stories without any existing context was confusing. I felt lost, embarrassed, and behind. I lacked the full story behind the issues being covered.

So I did lots of online research and asked friends and family to join me in discussions at mealtimes. Talking about current events in real life allowed me to get answers. I started dating my boyfriend, a political science major, who taught me why topics were controversial. It was helpful to hear both sides so I could develop my own opinion somewhere in the middle.

Be a sponge and read voraciously. Follow news outlets, read magazine articles, and listen to anything that will enhance your understanding of current affairs. Observe what’s trending on social media the morning of your interview in case judges decide to ask you about it.

The best time to become informed is long before the pageant. Start studying current events as early as you can. It’s the best base off for you to form your own opinions.

Tip #3: Have an Opinion

Because judges are not looking for a robot reciting a script. They want someone with her own perspective and beliefs.

Beauty queens have various media opportunities to be interviewed, attend press conferences, and speak out as a public figure. It’s good to stand by your personal opinion and do it articulately.

Judges are not supposed to score you based on the political leaning of your answer. If a judge disagrees with your controversial opinion, she can not give you a lower score purely because of ideological differences. You just need to express yourself diplomatically and confidently.

If a judge asks a follow up question or presses on, she may be challenging your answer to test your conviction. If that happens, do not waffle from your opinion. Hold your ground. Your self-assurance will bring you more respect and a higher score.

Tip #4: Know the pageant

Because like in a job interview, you need to know the company.

Anyone interviewing for a job should come in prepared, having done research on the business.

In this case, the pageant is the company and you are the job applicant.

Just as a company has investors, pageants have sponsors. A contestant who knows it’s sponsors, in addition to the pageant’s history, leadership, mission, and titleholders is more prepared than a contestant who merely “wings it.”

Get up to speed by studying the pageant’s website and social media posting. Contact pageant “alumni” (prior contestants) for informational interviews to see what they thought about the experience and what they would do differently. Former titleholders might be able to give you an idea of the pageant’s past, present, and future goals.

Another area you should know is the scoring breakdown. Like a class grading rubric, judges’ scorecards are tabulated by auditors to select the winner. You’ve got to know the rules of the game in order to win the game.

Different pageants have different rules. Your chances of winning may increase in a system that scores heavily in favor of your strengths. For instance, a contestant with a talent is more suited for the Miss America system than Miss USA, which doesn’t showcase talent. A teen contestant with excellent grades might be a great fit for Teen of America, which rewards highly for academic achievement.

Judging criteria in hand, analyze your own strengths and weaknesses. Use it to decide if you’re a good fit for the program, and if so, how to construct a strategy for you to do your personal best.

Most reputable systems’ scoring breakdowns are either posted publicly or will be shared upon request. If you’re unable to see judging criteria even after contacting organizers, you may want to reconsider competing. A legitimate scoring system and auditing process is a requirement for a fair competition.

Tip #5: Know Yourself

Because self-awareness will help you go about life with confidence.

I entered my first pageant as a high schooler, a hormonal, anxious teen unsure of who she was. After competing in my first pageant, I realized it gave me much-needed structure to become the best version of myself.

It put me on the fast track to maturity and invaluable life skills for success. With my newfound confidence I participated more in class, joined student groups, and forged better relationships with my teachers. It all got me elected Student Body President and earned me positive teacher recommendations that got me in to Stanford University.

Public speaking practice let me tap in to my naturally outgoing personality and talk to folks of all ages. Unlike oral exams in Chinese school where I was quizzed on memorized information from a textbook, pageant interviews only required that I speak openly about myself. It lifted away the fear that I would say the wrong answer.

You can cultivate your inner confidence and better “know thyself” by practicing answering questions. An online search will turn up lists of hypothetical questions that you can download and self-quiz.

As a general rule of thumb, avoid dragging an answer out for longer than thirty seconds. If you do, it better be something you really want the judges to know. Long-winded answers take too much of your already-limited interview time.

Above all else, the judges seek the most authentic version of you. Show them. You’re the only person who knows why you’re the best person for the title. Advocate for yourself and work it *snap snap*!

Tip #6: Look the Part

Because even though it’s “scholarship competition”, it’s also a beauty pageant.

The truth is, how we look matters. We judge books by their covers. In the world of beauty pageants, there is rather obvious pressure to look your best at all times. You need to look your best.

It doesn’t mean starving yourself, getting fake boobs, or radically changing your look to satisfy what you think the pageant is looking for. It means being intentional about your grooming and styling choices. Looking your best during the judges’ interview is must.

Statistically speaking, if you look fabulous during the interview, you will score higher. Okay, just kidding — there are no statistics that prove that — but in my years of judging, I’ve seen that your appearance is the strongest factor in your first impression. Only if you look great and feel good about yourself, will you leave the judges feeling good about you.

Makeup

As a rule of thumb, don’t overdo your interview makeup, especially if the conversation has you up close to the judges. Up close, heavy stage makeup can be highly unflattering if there isn’t directional lighting pointed at your face. Choose natural-looking eyelashes and neutral shades of eyeshadows, contouring, and lipstick.

As a tip for the less experienced, you can bring your makeup bag to the interview holding area and scope out the competition to see how much makeup they’re wearing. Arrive with a “no-makeup-makeup-look” base and apply more if you notice the others wearing heavier makeup than you. (However, this won’t be ideal everyone. You might prefer spending your pre-interview time focused and meditating instead of frantically layering on mascara.)

Hair

Many contestants stress about hair. After all, it’s big part in your overall look. “Your hair is the ball gown you never take off.” Whether you choose to leave your hair down or sweep it up in a ponytail, practice how you’re going to style it.

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to be comfortable styling your hair. You should plan the date of your last wash, know how to sleep in it the night before, and be fully comfortable with any styling tools (curling iron, rollers, etc.)

It’s key to not touch it during the interview. I’ve judged several women who don’t even realize they’re touching their hair during the interview. It’s unfortunately distracting and temporarily pulls the focus away from the speaker. Female politicians are coached to avoid it, and you should too.

Another annoyance I’ve seen is contestants committing something I call the “fringe tic.” It’s a quick sideways-and-back jerk of the head to remove hair out of the eyes without using her hands. It’s most common with women with side-swept bangs, and if it’s a habit in her daily life, no wonder that behavior makes its way into the interview too.

It comes across as an odd tic and makes me assume she needs a trim, washed her hair too recently, or didn’t use enough hair spray. If you have a fringe haircut, ensure it stays in place without any extraneous head movements.

Clothing

Wardrobe is a big part of the fun and fanfare in pageantry. What you wear is one of the most memorable aspects of your interview because it’s the packaging that encases the product (you). Judges jot down the color of your outfit to jog their memory for later.

Select an outfit that works for your body type and skin tone. You can determine if you have a warm, cool, or neutral undertone by going to a MAC makeup counter for a foundation test. Generally, women with warm skin tones look good in warmer shades like golds and reds. Those with cool skin tones look good in cooler shades like blues and emeralds.

You should also research what style of interview outfit is most appropriate for your pageant. Some organizations ask that you dress as you would for a banking or consulting interview. Others appreciate more pizzazz and flamboyance. Do not wear a hat, purse or bring your phone. Avoid anything fully-sequined, floor-length, and cocktail attire. Choose footwear that you’re comfortable standing in and accessories that are silent.

Most importantly, choose an ensemble that you adore! When you like how you look, you’ll exude a happier and more confident vibe. If look like a million bucks, you’ll feel like a million bucks.

Getting Help

Even if you hire a hair and makeup team, you should be able to get ready on your own. If you win, you’ll have a year’s worth of appearances to attend. Doing your own hair and makeup saves you money, time, and gives you greater control over the end result. Nobody is going to care more about, or better know, your face than you.

I’ve been able to sleep in countless times because I did not have to wake up for hair and makeup three hours before a morning appearance. The money I saved by not hiring a makeup artist I invested in makeup products for myself. Learning how to do my own hair and makeup removed the guilt of jumping in the shower just to see an ephemeral service wash down the drain.

However, there are occasions when hiring a professional is a good idea. Afterall, there’s a reason why brides opt for that on their wedding day. Some makeup artists can be positive confidantes as well as skilled experts at working on your face in a way that you haven’t yet learned.

Tip #7: Practice

Because practice is the way to improve at anything in life.

You can not expect to improve your interview game without practicing. Create time to practice, in some way, every day during the six months before the competition. If you have a prep committee or coach, request as many mock interviews as possible.

What helped me the most before competing at Miss America was doing mock interviews over the phone with former contestants. I answered questions rapidfire, one after the other, and received immediate feedback. It helped correct bad habits like using filler words and reinstating the question to buy myself time to think about my answer.

Everyone has a different comfort level with the interview. If you’re a beginner struggling to speak in public, find opportunities in real life to practice spontaneous public speaking. Raise your hand more in class, teach a workshop, speak at church, take a public speaking or improv class, and chime in during group conversations.

Try a full run-through dress rehearsal. One month before the competition, perform every area of competition as if it were the real thing. Your family and friends can be your “judges.” Get into your full competition wardrobe including hair and makeup.

Your goal should be to control as many variables as possible. Minimize leaving anything to chance during the production. In any live show there will be unexpected challenges. Your mic might cut out, the stage may be slippery, or a crying baby may distract you. By thoroughly rehearsing your routine beforehand, you’ll be prepared for anything.

Tip #8: Run Your Own Race

Because it’s your time to shine.

Contestants worry about their competition. There’s always someone prettier, taller, thinner, more stylish, and more threatening. After years of competing, I’ve realized that the only way to perform at my best was to tune out the competition and focus on myself.

Judges are looking for the best version of you. Worrying about other contestants means you’re no longer focused on yourself.

Everyone has a finite amount of energy and bandwidth. Any amount spent worrying over other competitors takes away from your own focus. Protect your energy and avoid conversations that leave you feeling drained. It’s okay to be selfish and make yourself your top priority.

Though it is tempting and easy to stalk your competitors online, it’s a bad idea. Let them look you up, but don’t reciprocate. You’ll end up squandering your energy on things that are unproductive and outside of your control.

During rehearsal, assume it’s the real thing. Practice your opening number, facial expressions, and onstage areas full-out. Don’t be shy in front of the other contestants; use the opportunity to get comfortable doing exactly what you will do onstage. It’s your dedicated time to get the steps and muscle memory in to your body. Don’t waste this opportunity to practice (see Tip #7).

Sometimes contestants give minimal effort during rehearsal because they want to “hide” their talents before the show. This is silly. Being at rehearsal means that the show is likely any day now. Be a professional and perform like you mean it. If anything, the choreographer will notice you and appreciate it.

If you’re a good dancer, help the non-dancers learn the opening number steps. You’ll build goodwill. It’s also the nice thing to do. With a ballet background, I enjoyed teaching other contestants the steps because it helped me learn it even more. You can never practice too much.

Tip #9: Consider a Coach or Advisor

Because an expert can make a real difference.

What if this is your first pageant and have absolutely no idea where to start? Or if you’re a returning contestant but don’t know how to improve?

You might want to consider having a dedicated pageant guide to help you prepare. A third-party coach or seasoned advisor will focus on the areas you should most improve.

Some coaches specialize in certain competition categories and pageant systems. Other coaches also design evening gowns and also do hair and makeup. The right coach makes all the difference.

As with a personal trainer or a therapist, the effectiveness of the coach depends on your learning style and the natural chemistry between you both. Meet with different coaches to get a feel for their unique approaches. Choose someone whose advice you trust. Choose someone who you feel is firmly in your camp. Choose someone who is invested in your personal success on and off stage.

Finding a coach through word-of-mouth recommendations from pageant alumni who have placed well in prior years is the best way. You could also search online or on social media. There are great coaches who have never themselves entered a pageant.

It’s important that your coach is up-to-date on the pageant world. They should be receiving a steady stream of feedback from their clients about what’s working, what judges aren’t responding well to, and what the national systems seek. It evolves every year.

Pageants crown new winners annually. And based on who wins each year, a great coach can break down the qualities that their clients should focus on for the following year.

If you’re a self-starter, prefer to fly solo, or if you can’t afford a coach, you can still win a pageant.

I never had a pageant coach. I didn’t have the money to pay for one.

I spent a lot of time watching YouTube videos on pageant tips, hair, and makeup. I prepared for the swimsuit competition by copying nutrition and gym routines shared in online bodybuilding forums. I read books on modeling to understand poise, grooming, and skincare. I even took a technical public speaking class. You can too.

Tip #10: Relax

Because a calm emotional state puts the audience at ease.

Have you ever heard a nervous person talk? It’s awkward and uncomfortable. It comes through in the speaker’s voice and body language.

Any outward signs of nervousness like stuttering, avoiding eye contact, shaking, and excessive sweating will make the judges uncomfortable. Manage your energy levels so that you’re neither overexcited nor sluggish. Being too excitable can feel disingenuous, while being low-energy can come across unconfident.

Everyone is nervous during the interview, but try not to show it. I practiced many times to overcome my sweaty palms and shaky, nervous voice. I was nervous during my greatest interview, but on the outside, I appeared genuinely calm and relaxed. It’s easier said than done, but it is absolutely possible to pull off.

When I need to calm my nerves, I take a deep slow breath, close my eyes, and visualize a place of serenity. It could be a beach, scuba diving, or your favorite vacation spot. For me, it is the quiet moments in my bed before I fall asleep. Channel that feeling of calmness and let it wash over you before you step into the interview room.

The night before my interview, I would visualize myself calm and collected. I’d think about what it would feel like to maintain eye contact with the judging panel, what it would feel like in my interview outfit, how my feet would feel in my heels, and how my breathing would be slow and steady. I readied my mind by mentally visualizing the entire interview.

Another technique to calm nerves is going for a run. I’d do a cardio workout first thing in the morning to expend any fidgety energy. By the time I was to start my interview, I’d be chilled out.

If you still find it hard to relax for your interview, don’t worry. It is completely normal to feel a bit of nervousness. I still get nervous from time-to-time, especially during auditions. You are nervous because you care. The only way to overcome that nervousness is to practice, practice, practice.

Tip #11: Just kidding

Because the title of this article says “These 10 Interview Tips Will Help You Win Your Next Beauty Pageant.”

The reality of pageants is that out of a large pool of contestants, only a small number will ever break through and win. Even among those who succeed, no one wins all the time. That’s life.

I know what it’s like to lose a pageant. I’ve lost a few. It is heartbreaking and devastating. You want to give up. Almost all pageant winners will tell you that they lost more than they won. Pageants teach you humility.

In fact many of those who get the most out of the competition do not walk away with the crown. Pageants are not the only thing in life. It’s just one part of your life. And the skills and friendships that you develop will only make your life fuller for years to come.

No matter if you win or lose a pageant, you are already an interesting, dynamic person because of your life experiences.

Please feel free to reach out to me at crystalpageant@gmail.com or leave a comment on my YouTube channel . I’m rooting for you.

All my best,

Crystal

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