Why you won't get feedback after a casting

A casting is like the modelling equivalent of a job interview.

In fact, they have a lot of things in common.

Often, a casting is the last step before you are offered a contract or a job. You meet up with the people who have the power to make the decision and you are in competition with the other models who are also fighting for the same opportunity.

After the casting, you will find out whether you have been successful or not in securing the opportunity. In some instances not hearing back also means you have unfortunately not got the contract/job.

So, when you aren't successful it is totally normal to want feedback. After all, in the normal job market when you aren't successful in securing a job it's pretty standard to reach out to the interviewer and request feedback to help you improve for next time.

So, you'd think that it would be the same in the modelling world too. Surely there's something useful that the agent can tell you that will help you improve your chances in the future... right?

Well, unfortunately, this is where model castings and normal job interviews are a bit different. In fact, it's very rare that you will ever get any feedback after a casting at all. It will either be a yes or a no - and that's it!

You might be wondering why this is the case.

Why is it that casting agents don't normally provide feedback?

Well there are a couple of reasons...

1. Agents meet heaps of models in one day (and spend a really small amount of time with each!)

One of the biggest reasons you don't receive any feedback is because often a casting agent will meet 10s (or even 100s!) of models in one day. So, instead of writing notes on every single model, most of the time they will just jot down a few notes on the models who are standing out to them.

2. Agents are looking for something specific

You also have to remember that every single agent/brand is looking for something different and specific. As tough as it can be to accept, if you don't match the look that they are after at that time, it's going to be virtually impossible for you to land an opportunity with them.

This means that the reason you weren't successful probably has nothing to do with your performance at all and more to do with your look not quite matching what they were searching for at that moment. This means that even if you did get feedback it would be of no use to you because it could involve something you have no control over!

Think about it like this - a brand might be after a model with exactly size 9 feet. If you have size 10 feet, unfortunately you just won't fit into the shoes - and there is absolutely nothing you can do about that!

Although there is often a bit of a check list of things that a brand or agency might be looking for in a casting, this information is almost never released. This is because there's always exceptions to the rule and sometimes those that are different are the perfect fit too. Releasing the checklist would not only be super limiting for the agency/brand but would also potentially deter models who could have been the exception!

Remember, it's nothing to do with you not being beautiful enough. there is no need to feel insecure about the way you look if you don't get a job - it just means you haven't found your perfect Agent/job yet!

Trying to drill down on the specifics of why you didn't get a modelling job or contract can lead to massive insecurities and can really harm your self esteem. We would recommend instead focusing on the things you CAN control, keeping your head up and working towards securing your next casting!

So what can you do to improve your chances of success for your next casting?

1. Have MORE castings

Every single agent is looking for something different. Eventually, if you meet with enough agents and brands, chances are that you will be the perfect fit and will get your chance to shine.

Even some of the world's most successful models have faced rejection. Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen, who was ranked number 1 on Forbes top earning models list in 2012, was rejected 42 times before landing her first major job walking for Alexander McQueen. She went on to work for nearly every major brand worldwide.

Gisele Bündchen. Source: Blast

If you can learn anything from Gisele it is that persistence really does pay off. Don't let rejection hold you back!

2. Practise your modelling skills with a professional and ask them for feedback in the moment! 

If you're worried about your catwalking, posing, or general performance in a casting, it's a good idea to have a chat to a professional model training academy or if you have an agent then talk to them directly. Training is always a good idea and getting 1-on-1 feedback outside of a casting environment is a great chance to improve.

We run a heap of different model training programs including our Online Model Search, 1 day events and 3 day events! Find out more here. 

3. Work on your confidence

Confidence is going to be really important if you are serious about becoming a model. Don't be hurt if you don't land a job, move forward and do not fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other models.

Every single model has something completely unique that makes them stand out. Just remember that there will be an agent or brand out there that is looking for exactly what you have so you just need to be patient!

4. Don't underestimate the power of your socials

We've said it before and we'll say it again - don't underestimate the power of your social media! 

Agents and brands are looking to social media more and more to make their decisions. Your social media - particularly your Instagram - could be the difference between you getting a job and just missing out!!

Here are some tips we have to improve your social media!

Share this