Interview

The Interview Competition helps contestants build confidence, communication skills, and professionalism through a positive, age-appropriate one-on-one interview experience. This competition prepares contestants with real-world skills they will use in school, work, leadership roles, and future opportunities.

What we're looking for...

The Interview Competition is a required component of the National American Miss program and is designed to develop strong communication skills, confidence, and self-awareness in a professional yet supportive environment. Each contestant participates in a closed-room, one-on-one interview with members of the selection committee, with age-appropriate questions tailored to her division.

For Junior Divisions (Ages 4-12)

For younger contestants, the Interview Competition is often one of the most rewarding experiences of the pageant weekend. In a warm and encouraging setting, participants learn how to express their thoughts, answer questions confidently, and interact respectfully with adults.

Parents frequently see growth in their child’s self-confidence, listening skills, and comfort speaking one-on-one, skills that transfer directly to school, extracurricular activities, and everyday interactions. There are no right or wrong answers... judges are simply getting to know each child and celebrating her personality.

For Senior Divisions (Ages 13–39)

For older contestants, including the Elite division (ages 25–39), the Interview Competition provides meaningful, real-world value. Interviews focus on communication style, leadership, goals, life experience, and personal perspective, allowing contestants to present who they are beyond the stage.

This experience mirrors professional interviews, leadership discussions, and networking situations, helping contestants refine articulation, confidence, and executive presence. Many Elite and Miss contestants find this portion especially impactful as it supports career growth, personal branding, and authentic self-expression.

Judging & Focus

Judging is based on confidence, clarity, enthusiasm, communication skills, and overall presentation, not memorized answers or prior pageant experience. The Interview Competition is designed to be empowering, positive, and beneficial at every age, meeting each contestant where she is and helping her grow from there.

Sample Interview Questions

Check out some potential interview questions that might come up during a National American Miss Interview.

Practice is essential, but focus more on speaking confidently and less on memorizing precisely what to say.

Junior Divisions

Practice Interview Questions

Questions for younger contestants focus on personality, interests, family, and dreams in a fun and encouraging way.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
What is your favorite thing to do for fun?
Who is your role model, and why?
What do you like most about school?
Do you play any sports or have any hobbies?
What makes you feel proud of yourself?
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
What is something special about your family?
Why did you decide to participate in this pageant?
What makes you smile or laugh the most?

Senior Divisions

Practice Interview Questions

Questions for older contestants allow for deeper conversation about goals, leadership, experiences, and personal growth.

What are your future goals, and how are you working toward them?
Who has influenced you the most in your life, and why?
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
What is a challenge you have faced, and what did you learn from it?
How do you define success?
What are you passionate about outside of work or school?
How do you balance responsibilities in your life?
If you could make a positive change in your community, what would it be?
Why did you choose to participate in National American Miss?
What personal qualities do you believe make a strong leader?