Why Am I Not Getting Hired as a Promotional Model?
Why Am I Not Getting Hired as a Promotional Model?
It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog specifically for promotional models, so today is your lucky day! Hope you trade show booth models and event hostesses are ready, because I’m about to hit you with some serious knowledge. 
Hands down, the most frequently asked question I hear from trade show models on a daily (YES! I said daily) basis is: I apply to your events, but never get booked. Why can’t I get hired as a promotional model? Well, Jane, it could be for a number of reasons. Let’s start from the top!
Why Can’t I Get Hired as a Promotional Model?
1. Your Profile Needs Some Work:
I hate to put it so bluntly, but in this industry image and experience are everything. So, review and update your profile. Would you hire someone with any incomplete or out-of-date resume? We didn’t think so. It works the same way for clients.
2. Your Main Profile Image Isn’t Up to Par:
Your main image is the sole reason a client decides to click through to your full profile. So, choose wisely. Is your main image worth a second click? See examples of ideal main profile photos below.
3. Your Rates Are Too High:
I understand that some models are VERY experienced and I agree that they deserve higher rates. But, charging a high rate to pass out flyers and collect leads isn’t going to get you hired as a promotional model. By all means, main
tain your standards- but, be logical. Decrease your rates for events with simple responsibilities and increase them for gigs, like spokes model positions, which require more sophisticated responsibilities.
4. Your Rates are Too Low:
Do you think you’re cheating the system by requesting extremely low rates? You’re not. You’re only making your skillset look elementary in comparison to the other brand ambassadors (and in turn making most clients bypass your profile). Plus! You are throwing off the industry curve, come on man, don’t be that guy! Instead, request respectable rates that are within reason.
5. You Respond to Model Availability Emails Too Late:
I understand that we all have busy lives and don’t always have time to check our email- but in this industry if you don’t respond to a model availability email within 48 hours it’s unlikely that you will get booked. Clients, like models, have many options to choose from. Make sure you’re one of them.
Promotional Model Advice– Keep in mind that this industry is VERY competitive. There are times when dozens of booth hostesses apply for an event that only has one position available. So, don’t get discouraged! Keep trying!
6. You Don’t Work a Variety of Events:
Sometimes, it takes one street team promotion or flyer gig for you to get your foot in the door and for an agency to realize you’re a rock star brand ambassador. So, to increase your booking chances, be willing to work a variety of events in the beginning so you have the opportunity to prove your worth.
7. You Don’t Follow Directions:
If an agency asks you to reply with specific information, make sure you include it in your reply! Agencies don’t have time to chase models around for information- so instead they are likely to delete your submission and keep the models whose submissions followed directions.
8. You Aren’t Proactive:
There are 1,000s of trade show models in an agency’s database (and more are added every day). It’s nearly impossible for an agency to remember who you are. So, be proactive. Contact us and introduce yourself.
9. You Aren’t Networking Enough:
If a promo hostess can no longer work an event he or she will probably contact other promo models and recommend them to the agency as a replacement. This might be just what you need to get your foot in the door with the agency. So, network, network, network.
10. You’re Not What the Client is Looking For:
Sometimes you just don’t meet the client’s requirements, maybe you’re too tall, too short, over-qualified, under-qualified, aren’t bilingual, or have the wrong hair color. For whatever reason, clients tend to be picky and there’s nothing we can do about it. Just keep submitting for events. I guarantee there are clients out there that consider you the ideal talent. Be Patient. It will happen.
While I can’t speak for every event staffing agency, I’m sure many of them would agree with these points. So, if you’re not getting hired as a promotional model take a look at this list and see what you are doing (or not doing) and take it into consideration the next time you’re wondering why you aren’t getting booked.
