Paperwork Tips

The first and last thing judges review is your paperwork.

Think through the lens of a judge

• What would a judge want to see?

Begin working on your paperwork months ahead of time (use your calendar)

The judges’ first impression of you is on paper, not in person.

Your paperwork should read like a good book that the judges already know the ending to…that you are going to be the queen.

List every reason you want this job, why you are qualified, and why no one else could represent the title better.

Make sure when you list future goals on your paperwork, they are actually YOUR goals in life and not just what you think will make you sound like the best titleholder.

Quality content represents that you took time and energy into making sure your paperwork represents who you are and not what someone else wants you to appear to be on paper.

Have a minimum of 2 people proofread your paperwork. Listen to their opinions and suggestions.

• What is awkward? What is unclear? Did you miss the target or purpose of the question(s)?
• REMOVE from your paperwork:
  • Generalities
  • Vocabulary words not in everyday speech
  • Something your mom wrote for you
  • Spelling and grammatical errors
  • Any statements that can be perceived as negative
• ADD to your paperwork:

• Short, powerful statements that will leave the judges wanting more.

Errors on your paperwork send the message that you are not willing to put in the time and effort or that you are not serious about the job.

Print several copies of the paperwork to have handy.

Word-process your paperwork if at all possible

• If you must complete the paperwork by hand, your handwriting must be impeccable

Get the paperwork in ON TIME

• We will not extend deadlines

If you must mail your paperwork (US Mail), the paperwork materials MUST be clean, flat (not wrinkled), and never folded in half.

Scan your birth certificate.

Scan your passport (if you win the national pageant).

Scan your driver’s license.

You must have NO criminal record.