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Nail Your Agent Interview: How to Prepare and What to Expect

By The Up-To-Date Actor, June 20, 2025

So you’ve secured a meeting with a talent agent—congratulations! This is a major step in your career. But before you walk through the door (or log on to Zoom), preparation is key. Agent interviews are part conversation, part audition, and part business meeting. They’re not just assessing your talent—they’re assessing your readiness.

Here’s how to prepare for your interview—and the questions you should be ready to answer with confidence and clarity.

Know Your Goals (and Be Able to Articulate Them)

Agents want to know why you’re seeking representation now. Be ready to talk about:

• Where you are in your career
• What you’re looking for in an agent
• The kind of work you’re focused on (TV, film, theater, commercial, voiceover)
• Long-term goals (regional work, series regular, Broadway, etc.)

Pro Tip: Avoid vague answers like “I just want to work.” Be specific and focused—it shows you’re serious and strategic.

Do Your Homework

Agents expect you to know who they are and what they do.

• Look up their roster. Do they rep actors with similar types or credits?
• Check recent client bookings or agency press.
• Familiarize yourself with the agency’s vibe—boutique? Bi-coastal? Strong in commercials?
• Be prepared with 5-10 projects in your area of focus (TV, Theatre, Film) that match your castable type. Know who is casting these projects
• Be ready with your list of casting directors who are familiar with your work (from auditions, networking events, classes, etc.). Your personal database helps make an agent's job easier and gives them more confidence in your ability to book work.

Why this matters: This tells the agent you’re not just blindly submitting—you’re making an informed, professional decision.

Questions You Should Be Ready to Answer

Here are some of the most common (and revealing) questions agents ask:

1. “Tell me about yourself.”

Keep it concise and relevant to your acting career. Include where you’re from (briefly), how you got started, and a few recent or standout projects.

2. “What are you looking for in an agent?”

Be honest, but positive. Avoid complaining about past reps. Focus on collaboration, communication style, and shared goals.

3. “What’s your type and how are you most often cast?”

This is critical. Be ready to describe:

• Your age range
• The roles you typically book or get called in for
• Your brand or “lane” in the industry

For more detailed help defining your castable type, see our previous blog: Top Tips to Find Your Type as an Actor

4. “What have you booked lately?”

Even if you haven’t booked something recently, be ready to speak to:

• Recent auditions
• Callbacks
• Training, self-produced work, or momentum

5. “How do you market yourself?”

Highlight your professionalism:

• Updated headshots and résumé
• Self-tape setup - Show them you’re equipped and ready. Mention your setup, lighting, sound, and how you approach taping.
• Online presence (Casting Networks, Actors Access, personal site)

What to Bring (or Send Ahead)

Have these ready, whether in person or digitally:

• Updated headshot and résumé
• Reel or footage links
• A personal database/list of Casting Directors who know your work
• A one-sheet or professional overview (optional but impressive)
• A list of recent and upcoming projects

Smart Questions to Ask Them

You're interviewing them, too. Show your business savvy and commitment by asking strong, informed questions like:

• “These are 3–5 (Atlanta, LA, NYC) based TV or theatre shows I’m a fit for. Can you get me seen for them?”
• How do you like to communicate with clients and how often?
• “In addition to Film & TV, I’m passionate about theatre. What are your thoughts on pursuing NYC/regional theatre as well?”
• “Do you freelance, or is this exclusive representation—and for which areas (TV, film, commercial, VO, theatre)?”
• “What are your union affiliations and commission fees?”
• “If I already have (or am seeking) a manager/agent, how do you view working as a team?”

These questions show you’re thinking ahead and serious about building the right team, not just waiting to be “discovered.”

Final Checklist: Are You Interview-Ready?

• You know your casting type, age range, and niche
• You’ve identified 3–5 casting directors familiar with your work
• You can clearly explain your current career focus and goals
• You’re ready to talk about creative projects and recent activity
• You have materials organized and updated
• You’ve prepared specific, professional questions to ask

Final Tips

Be yourself. Authenticity is more powerful than perfection. You are not selling yourself. They are already interested.

Show your work ethic. Agents want to partner with actors who are proactive, not passive.

Follow up. Send a thank-you note or email after the meeting, whether or not you get signed.

The Bottom Line

Agent interviews are a powerful opportunity to step forward in your career—not just as an artist, but as a business-minded creative. Go in with confidence, clarity, and curiosity. Whether you get signed today or not, showing up prepared and professional will always leave the door open for tomorrow.