Pageant Interview Questions (PIQ)

I just made that up… PIQ. Maybe it will stick. Pageant interviews, for me, used to be nerve racking. As a preteen through teen pageant years. The thought of the “unknown question” and all of the negative thoughts of “what could happen” during interview, I was a mess. Then one day, a judge asked me one question that I will never forget.

How would you describe the sunset to a blind person?

My confidence grew ten times that day. Just from one random question. My mind was blown. I walked out of the interview, ready to tell my mother about the experience. She couldn’t believe I remembered all of the questions, for once. I call it pageantry fog. My response to this question…

 “It’s the warm feeling you get when you’re with someone you love.. just beautiful and safe”

Let me just say it did take a while for me to say that… only BECAUSE that really made me show my poker face. I didn’t win, but I will never forget this question.

You’re really pretty… do you find it difficult to work with women?

I remember this like it was an hour ago. I really loved the outfit I was wearing. I am a thrift shopper, and love bringing vintage pieces back to life. Plus… it… had.. POCKETS! A piano pencil dress with pockets? You’d wear it too. I felt very confident in this outfit, and it showed. I sat down starting off with “Hello how are you?” The judge takes one look.. stares for about five minutes… my pageant smile was turning into a weird “Are you ok?” Smile. Then asks the question as if we don’t have a time limit for interview. My response…

 I wouldn’t say it’s difficult, I am confident in how I look and associate myself with groups of women that don’t judge a book by its cover.

(Mic drop)

When I say I answered that right before the time person said “TIME” The perfect exit for the perfect answer. In my opinion.

I love your suit, where did you get this?

Long story but short story time, my grandmother and mom would make my suits, gowns, runway outfits, etc. So that my outfits would be unique, and they always were. I wore a red suit that had a very shiny material, and glass like buttons. I looked and felt like a million bucks. However, I was not expecting the judge to ask me about my suit, I was ready for my question! So this one minute turned into a full conversation about my family being seamstresses, and how my wardrobe for that pageant, was made by my grandmother. My grandmother was an amazing woman. Taught me how to be classy, and to always have a pen and red lipstick in your purse.

Do you compete in a lot of pageants? It looks like you do...

First of all... I wanted to tie my hair up and take off my earrings. However I kept my composure. Read that question again, but this time.. read it in a very snarky voice.

Yes I do, that's one of the many reasons why I am here.. Do you or did you compete in many pageants?

Sometimes you just have to keep things short and sweet, and hit them with a question to show the judge how they are treating you. Once I gave my answer, the demeanor of the judge changed within one second. I think, in my opinion, when judges see that you are a great competitior, they try to "trip you up". I wasn't going to let her energy affect my interview.

These are just a few of the many questions I have been asked in a pageant interview. I absolutely believe what pageants can do, and continue to do for women. However you have to remember that judges are humans with emotions. It is ok to remind them in a very demure and cutesy way that they have a job, and you are an applicant. Be confident in your interviews, stand your ground, win the crown!