A Complete Pageant Application

While it may seem like the paperwork process to compete in a local competition is challenging, the rigors of creating a good application represent life skills that will serve you well both in and outside the pageant world. The care with which you prepare your resume and platform statement are a harbinger of the way you will approach your year of service if you are selected as a titleholder.

Here are some tips to make sure you don't have to re-do something or have paperwork that doesn't represent the awesome person you are:

--Use the checklist to be sure everything is turned in. That includes supporting documents required by the contract. 

--Go over the posted instructions for the document to make sure you have done everything requested.

--If you needed to sign something, make sure you signed it. If it needs to be notarized, make sure you bring it to a notary and they will verify your identity before you sign it. You can find a notary at your bank, at your university business office, at a law office, or a tax preparer. A notary is sworn to verify you are who you say you are and that you are the one signing the document. They have certain processes they are required to follow in order to keep their notary privilege. 

--Be aware of the file formats that are requested. For example, an online link to your music track online won't do if there isn't internet access available in the auditorium. Plus, you need to cut the track to length, so it is best to use an mp3 or mp4 format. A well run program won't just stop the track at time, plus that isn't a good way for you to have a great performance.

--For your resume and platform, you can assure predictable presentation if you export your file to a pdf format before sending it to your director. I've seen resumes that go to a 2nd page on my computer, even though the contestant made sure it was a single page. Unfortunately, the judges only get the first page, so it doesn't look good for your document to end mid sentence.

Those contestants who make sure to follow every instruction and get everything in on time have a special place in the director's heart. Plus, they have the time to spend going through their paperwork to make sure they are totally prepared for the competition. Last minute items on pageant day really take you away from concentrating on your interview and performance.

Hopefully that helps you complete everything. Of course, if you don't know for certain, always feel free to ask. Chances are, your question will help the director clarify the paperwork or provide instructions to make it easier for everyone.