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What Do Model Agencies Look for in a Female?

By Laura
Updated: April 20, 2024
6 minutes
What Do Model Agencies Look for

Did you dream of becoming a model in your childhood and have you finally decided to pursue that dream? If yes, congratulations that you have a goal in your life. It is the time to set your feet on the journey to accomplish that goal.

While certain modeling companies scout new faces themselves, do not wait for a professional to approach you and start sending your portfolio to some active modeling agencies.

The question here would be what do you need to become a model and what do modeling agencies look for in a female, right? Therefore, let us help you decode the basics of entering the modeling world.

Table of Contents:

Part 1: Physical AttributesPhysical Attributes

Although you might already be aware of the first thing that companies look for in a female model, let us further elaborate on which physical attributes increase the chances of your recruitment.

Height

A model, especially a runway model, needs to be tall. Agencies prefer women over 5’7” – 5’9” height. Measure your bare feet height and flat hair so that you are aware of the impression your height will have on the interviewers.

If you are shorter than 5’7”, do not be disappointed as even the modeling world is full of diversity and you might be recruited as an editorial or print model.

Physique

A slim body, less weight, a thin waist, long legs, and an hourglass figure are important for modeling. A perfect physique is exactly what makes world-famous models go on a diet and exercise all the time.

However, you would be glad to know that people are now accepting models of different shapes and sizes. As long as you have a well-proportionate and toned body, you stand a chance.

Facial and Physical Features

While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, a model is definitely judged for her facial and physical features. Plump lips, high cheekbones, thin chin, deep eyes, long neck, slim fingers, and gorgeous hair are some of the things you can work on.

As we cannot change our facial features without plastic surgery, ensure that your overall appearance is attractive. Also, check How To Choose A Quality Nail Care Salon. (7+ Tips).

Also, features like long eyelashes, freckles, and dimples can be a plus point.

Part 2: Personality and NaturePersonality and Nature

If you think about why many beautiful women cannot become models, the answer will be their flawed personalities or poor work ethics. So, you need much more than mere physical beauty to be successful.

Professionalism

Modeling is not a fun activity, it is a whole job so treat it exactly like that. Just like you will prepare yourself for an interview at any corporate or other job, research for the agency you are interviewing for, match your credentials with its requirements, and then go for the interview.

Also, show professional behavior during the interview and discuss all your queries as well.

Confidence

No matter what type of appearance, features, height, or personality a model has, confidence is the key to success. So, carry yourself with grace, elegance, and confidence.

Tell yourself that you are beautiful and fit for the job but do not be overconfident either. Also, work on the areas you feel that you are deficient in and present yourself in the best way possible in front of the interviewers.

Ethics

Work ethics are as essential for models as for any other profession. These include,

  • Willingness to work
  • Ability to accept the rules and regulations of the agency
  • Seriousness about the work
  • A healthy and well-versed communication
  • Punctuality to be at the venue on time
  • Positive energy and professional behavior

Models need to know that they are being recruited by an agency and the agency has the upper hand here. A model who makes everyone wait takes too much time in getting ready, becomes rude to the staff, or gives an impression of being arrogant is not well-accepted by modeling agencies.

Behavior and Nature

Whether a model is an introvert or an extrovert, she needs to be easily approachable and outgoing when she is working. Shyness has no place in the world of modeling.

Additionally, it is better to prepare yourself beforehand for the criticism regarding your physical appearance and features as models are judged for everything from their heads to toes.

So, a modeling agency looks carefully into the fact that their newly recruited model can take the criticism positively and improve herself.

Part 3: Influence

Influence

Ask yourself why agencies recruit models. The first answer would be to serve as a connection between the brand and its target audience, right? So, your influence is also important.

Furthermore, many models are scouted because of their strong social media presence, number of followers, and power to attract people.

Social Media Presence and Reach

Even the most beautiful and ethical models can be easily rejected because they cannot communicate with the masses and gain followers. Therefore, modeling agencies prefer women with a good social media presence and a great reach.

Also, you need to keep up with the trends on social media and stay active. This will help you have an edge over models with little followers or inactive social media accounts.

Natural Beauty to Turn the Heads

Anyone can become beautiful with makeup, but models should be naturally beautiful. Flawless skin with no acne, hyperpigmentation, or signs of premature aging is preferred.

Moreover, a gorgeous lady who makes the interviewers go “wow” has the potential to become a supermodel. So, companies prefer to see the natural beauty in women.

Adaptability

There are a variety of modeling jobs out there including promotional models, editorial models, catwalk models, magazine models, swimwear models, and more.

Therefore, companies prefer women who can adapt to the various types of modeling.

Part 4: Portfolio

Portfolio

Before the interview, companies take a thorough look at the portfolio of the model. So, here is how you should design your portfolio.

Photos

Wear minimal to no makeup while taking photos for your portfolio. Click your photos in natural light so that your natural beauty and facial features are visible.

Also, take pictures in different colors, angles, and expressions. Lastly, do not use filters or edit your images heavily. You can learn about How To Look Pretty Without Makeup. (10+ Tips) here.

Contents of the Portfolio

Here are some types of photos you should include in your portfolio,

  • A full body image
  • An image in a swimwear
  • Portrait mode pictures
  • The photos must be your new pictures
  • High-quality images showing your features clearly
  • Some headshots pictures
  • Images in different backgrounds and themes

Part 5: Other Miscellaneous Attributes

Other Miscellaneous Attributes

In addition to the points that we have mentioned earlier, here are some other attributes modeling agencies look for in a female model.

Mindset and Attitude

Women with a positive mindset, the ability to take on challenges, go through stressful conditions bravely, and accept criticism well are some of the admirable characteristics of a model. Also, she must be willing to grow and adapt to time and trends.

Furthermore, you should not copy anyone’s style or personality as uniqueness is appreciated in the modeling world. You should build a brand and characteristic image of yourself and showcase it on all social media platforms as well.

A consistent image can impress modeling agencies.

Age

The best age to start modeling is from your teenage years to your early 20s. Although some models are recruited after that time, it is better to start applying to modeling jobs right now instead of waiting for a certain age.

Posture

A model should have an elegant straight posture. While looking for the physical attributes of a model, modeling agencies also take the posture in view. Moreover, your catwalk should be on point.

So, start practicing a good posture and catwalk to ensure that your interviewer cannot help but appreciate you.

Grooming

Yes, women have body and facial hair. But models do not. Their body must be hairless and flawless. No acne, no cuts, no scars, and no hair. Therefore, we suggest you get laser hair removal or buy a Ulike Air 3 IPL Hair Removal for Face, Pubic & Body Hair to get rid of the unwanted facial and body hair for good.

Also, check Facial Hair Removal 101: The Essential Handbook for Hair-Free Face.

Conclusion

Preparing for an audition at a modeling agency or interviewing for a company might be futile if you are not aware of the attributes a modeling agency looks for in women before hiring her.

Therefore, we researched the things modeling agencies look for and prefer in female models to help aspiring talents achieve their goals.

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