Nicole Cook

As an employer, when you see “pageant experience” on a woman’s resume, what immediately goes through your mind? Is it a red flag? A deterrent? Or are you aware of the countless skills that pageant experience provides and the multiple benefits that a pageant titleholder could bring to your company?

Behind the Stereotype

It isn’t uncommon for some employers to view pageant experience negatively on a resume, but this is mainly due to a misunderstanding of what pageants are all about, how they work, and what skills they can provide. When pageant experience is listed on a resume, the first thoughts that an employer may have are that the woman is more interested in looks than substance, or that she doesn’t understand how the “real world” works. They might assume that everything has been handed to her throughout her entire life. However, if employers were aware of the way pageants work, they might have a completely different opinion.

Type Casting

I have personally experienced a negative reaction when listing pageant experience on my resume. I was told by several different people that I may not want to put pageants on my resume because it would make me seem vain or it might “type cast” me, making it seem as though I could only play one role or be one type of person. This is apparently a common reaction, especially outside the entertainment industry. If employers only knew and understood the hard work, dedication, integrity, selflessness, and valuable skills that it takes to be in pageants or win a title, then I truly think they would see it as the bonus that it is, rather than a detriment.

Pageant Business

Pageants teach women of all ages many valuable skills, often at an accelerated rate. Women learn confidence and leadership skills as a titleholder because they must make appearances in public, speak about various topics, educate people on the causes they advocate, and convince them of their position. Pageant titleholders are role models and are constantly in the public eye. Also, as a result of making many public appearances for various organizations, women who have competed in pageants learn the most appropriate ways to present themselves for various events, ranging from fancy dinners and fundraisers, to television interviews and presentations, to formal meetings with public officials, school board members, and more.

Pageants can also provide valuable business skills since representing a title is like running a business; there are deadlines to meet, responsibilities and rules to adhere to, schedules to follow, emails and phone calls to answer and respond to, and many decisions make. Pageant participants must master the skill of multi-tasking, learn to balance personal life with professional life, and understand the importance of upholding an image and reputation with the overall brand in mind. Titleholders also have poise, a commanding presence, and excellent oral and written communication skills because of their experiences with making appearances, writing speeches and presentations, and giving interviews for the media. These individuals are also dedicated to community causes through volunteer work and are well connected within the community because of their previous work as a titleholder.

Think Differently

Human resources professionals see hundreds or thousands of résumés each year, and it can be difficult to know from a piece of paper who is a well rounded, qualified candidate for the position. However, you should take a moment to seek out and consider those applicants who list pageant experience. These women may just be working to change your mind about the world of pageants and the valuable skills they bring to the business world. Don’t let a perceived red flag become a missed opportunity.