How to Interview and Audition Like a Magician
(you know you like the rhyme . . .)
”The real secret of magic lies in the performance.”
–David Copperfield
Magicians have a lot to teach this world. They do amazing things right in front of our eyes and they do it with a flair that cannot be beaten. Their style and performance are flawless and because of that they can create miracles out of ordinary objects. But what can the magicians teach the rest of use about the art of interviewing and auditioning? A master magician is a master showman and marketer of himself and that is what we must become to be effective in any job interview.
The magician’s code is a set of guide lines that great magician’s live by. They are rules for a spectacular performance that are upheld by the greatest artists of all time. But this code can be put to effective use by anyone in an audition situation.
The Magic Code:
Only Let Them See What You Want Them To See – we’ve all heard of magician’s using smoke and mirrors to create their illusions. There’s nothing to say that we can’t use the same ideas when trying to impress an interviewer. This rule is as good as saying “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” When going into a job interview or an audition, make sure that your best foot is forward. Do not arrive late if at all possible. Do not show up looking disheveled or rushed as it can seem as if you have better things to be doing.
Remember that every interviewer and auditioner is looking for the perfect candidate and they will always be hoping that that candidate is you. Put forward a façade of immaculate and easy success and people will believe what they see. Even if you don’t believe you are confident and immaculate, fake it. Even just pretending to be confident can go a long way.
Never Reveal How You Did The Trick – so often we down play our own successes because we think it is modest. Modesty isn’t rejecting your success, it’s removing your vanity from that success. If you happen to do something that is “accidentally impressive,” don’t reveal that it wasn’t meant to happen. Never down-play what you have done in the past as being easy, never say “Oh, it was nothing, really.” That sends the message that you got lucky, not that you are talented.
On the other side of that coin, never reveal your mistakes. If you are an actor and you forget your lines, don’t tell anyone you did it. If you are a dancer and you miss a step, don’t stop and tell everyone how you screwed it up. Remember that your mistakes are easily missed by everyone besides you. There’s a pretty good chance that no one noticed and that you’re only pointing it out by saying something. If on the other hand they did notice your mistake, you will look infinitely more professional if you can continue without being affected by it.
Always Leave Them Wanting More – or “Never over-stay your welcome.” Always make sure that once you’ve been impressive and polished, you leave them with that image. Don’t relax until you’re in your car on the way home. It’s a complete possibility to fail an interview or an audition, even after it’s over.
Make sure that you give them a reason to want to see you again. Make them want to see what you can bring to the position they’re looking to fill; make them want to see what other talents you possess. Even more importantly, leave them feeling as if they would want to work with you everyday.
Interviews and auditions are all about making yourself look good, both on paper and in person. You won’t be able to pack all of your talents and good qualities into the short amount of time you will have, so don’t try. Succeed at the tasks presented to you and believe that you are impressive. A little smoke and mirrors never hurt anybody, but remember that the key here isn’t to deceive anyone. Don’t try to be someone else, don’t try to be different than you are, simply amplify your good traits and down-play those that are less than admirable. Lying or pretending to be someone you aren’t may get you a job, but it won’t help you keep it. The key here is to simply become the best version of yourself you can be. That’s the trick, you see, but don’t tell anyone I told you . . . 
Filed Under Articles, Survival, How To, Career
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2 Responses to “How to Interview and Audition Like a Magician”
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Great article!!!
Some points I can relate from my past experiences and I am a magician and escape artist.
Great tips and insight. Don’t forget the cardinal rule for magicians;
Always be prepared and practice, practice, practice.