Is Waiting Part of the Job? How Models Should Handle Audition Results and Schedule Holds

After applying for a modeling job, you may find yourself wondering:

“When will I hear the result?”

“The shoot date is getting close, but I still haven’t heard anything.”

“Can I make other plans?”

“Is it okay to apply for another project?”

In modeling, applying for a job does not always mean that the decision will be made immediately.

Models may be selected through document screening, auditions, client reviews, or other steps, so it can take time between submitting an application and receiving a final result.

During that waiting period, you may also receive other job opportunities or need to make plans for work, school, or your personal life.

For this reason, managing your schedule while you are waiting for casting results is an important part of working as a model.

In this article, we explain what usually happens between applying for a modeling job and receiving a final decision, as well as what models should know while waiting for results.

Applying Does Not Mean You Have Already Been Booked

In many modeling projects, models who meet the basic requirements first apply or are submitted for consideration.

From there, the client or production team chooses the person who best matches the image of the project.

The selection process varies depending on the job, but it may include:

• Reviewing profiles or model composites
• Checking recent photos or videos
• Auditions
• Online interviews
• Final client approval

Because several stages may be involved, you should not assume that you have been rejected simply because you applied a week ago and have not yet received a result.

The client may still be comparing several candidates, discussing the project internally, or coordinating details that are not visible to the models.

The amount of time needed for casting varies from project to project.

“Waiting for Results” and “Confirmed for the Job” Are Different

One of the most important things for new models to understand is that:

Applying for a project and being officially confirmed for the project are not the same thing.

If you receive information about a job and reply:

“Yes, I’m available.”

that does not necessarily mean that you will definitely participate in the shoot.

There is still a selection process after your application, and another model may ultimately be chosen.

On the other hand, if you progress further in the selection process, you may be asked to keep the planned shoot date available.

It is important to understand whether you are currently:

• Applied / submitted
• Under consideration
• On hold
• Officially confirmed

If you are unsure about your current status, it is perfectly reasonable to ask your coordinator.

What Does “Keep” Mean in Japanese Modeling?

When working as a model in Japan, you may hear the word “keep” used when discussing schedules. 

A keep generally means that you are being asked to keep the planned shoot date as open as possible while the client is still making a final decision.

For example, imagine that the shoot is scheduled for the 20th and you have reached the final stage of selection.

The client may ask:

“Please keep the 20th available.”

This means:

“You are not officially confirmed yet, but please keep the day open so that you can participate if you are selected.”

If you make another commitment during that period and are later confirmed for the shoot, you may no longer be available.

For this reason, if you are asked to keep a date open, you should generally avoid making other plans for that date unless the situation is discussed with your coordinator.

There May Be Different Levels of Schedule Holds

For projects with a confirmed shoot date, models may sometimes apply under different schedule statuses.

The exact terminology and rules can vary between casting companies, but examples may include:

1st Keep

A 1st Keep means that you are holding the date primarily for that project while waiting for the final result.

You should avoid making another commitment on the same date without first discussing it with your coordinator.

Available / Confirmation Priority

In some cases, your schedule may currently be open, but you are not officially holding the date exclusively for that project.

If another project becomes confirmed or your availability changes, you should notify your coordinator as soon as possible.

2nd Keep

A 2nd Keep generally means that another project already has your first priority on the same date.

You may still be considered for the second project, but your participation could depend on what happens with the first one.

If the status of either project changes, let your coordinator know as soon as possible.

In some cases, clients may give priority to models who are available on a 1st Keep basis.

It is also important not to release a held date without notice or withdraw from a selection process for personal reasons without contacting your coordinator.

The exact rules for 1st Keep, 2nd Keep, and other schedule statuses may differ between agencies and casting companies.

If you are unsure:

• Which status should I use when applying?
• How long am I expected to keep the date open?
• When is the client expected to make a decision?

ask your coordinator rather than making assumptions.

This is especially important when several projects overlap on the same date.

What If Two Projects Have the Same Shoot Date?

As you become more active as a model, you may sometimes receive opportunities for multiple projects scheduled on the same day.

For example:

• Project A: currently under consideration with a 1st Keep
• Project B: a new casting opportunity on the same date

You may wonder:

“If Project A is not confirmed yet, can I still apply for Project B?”

In this situation, do not decide on your own. Share your current schedule status with your coordinator.

Depending on the project, you may be able to apply for Project B as a 2nd Keep.

This means that you tell the coordinator in advance:

“I currently have another project on 1st Keep for the same date.”

The second client can then consider you while understanding that another project currently has priority.

However, if the first project is confirmed, you may no longer be able to accept the second one.

Similarly, if your 1st Keep is released, tell the coordinator for the second project as soon as possible so that they know your availability has changed.

Do not hide another schedule hold simply because you want to increase your chances of being booked.

Accurate information allows the casting team to manage your schedule properly and communicate clearly with each client.

No Update Yet Doesn’t Mean You’re Out of Consideration 

After waiting several days, you may start to think:

“I haven’t heard anything, so I probably didn’t get it.”

However, casting timelines vary greatly.

In addition to choosing the model, the client and production team may also be working on:

• Adjusting the shoot details
• Internal client approvals
• Production coordination
• Confirming the final shoot schedule

Because several things may be happening at the same time, the casting result may take longer than expected.

Some projects also contact only the models who pass the selection process, so make sure you understand any information you were given about when and how results will be announced.

If you are unsure, you can ask your coordinator for an update.

However, rather than sending repeated messages at short intervals, it is better to wait until the expected decision date has passed before following up.

At MixLink Casting, models are informed of the result even when they are not selected.

If the shoot date or other project conditions change, updated information is also shared with the models involved.

Waiting for a result can feel uncertain, but avoid making assumptions based only on the fact that you have not yet received a message.

Quick Replies Help the Casting Process Move Smoothly

Some modeling projects move very quickly, especially when the shoot date is close.

During the selection process, your coordinator may contact you with questions such as:

“Are you available on this date?”

“Could you send us a recent photo?”

“Are you comfortable with these conditions?”

If there is no response for a long period, the casting team may not be able to continue the selection process.

Of course, you may be working, studying, or otherwise unable to reply immediately.

There is no need to constantly check your phone.

However, while you are actively modeling, it is a good idea to check your messages at least once a day and respond as soon as reasonably possible.

If you cannot provide a final answer immediately, a short message such as:

“I’m checking my schedule and will get back to you later today.”

can still be helpful.

Keep Track of the Projects You Have Applied For

As you continue modeling, it is common to have several projects under consideration at the same time.

That can make it difficult to remember:

“Which project is still being reviewed?”

“What was the planned shoot date?”

“Which dates do I need to keep open?”

“Which project is 1st Keep and which one is 2nd Keep?”

For this reason, models should keep track of their own applications and schedule holds.

Your coordinator will manage project information as well, but you are ultimately responsible for knowing your own availability.

For example, you could record:

• Project name
• Application date
• Planned shoot date
• Current selection status
• Keep status: 1st Keep, 2nd Keep, available, etc.
• Expected result date

A smartphone calendar, notes app, or spreadsheet can be enough.

As the number of projects you apply for increases, it becomes important to manage not only confirmed shoots but also projects that are still in the selection process.

Poor schedule management can result in double bookings, missed messages, or other problems that affect clients, coordinators, and production teams.

Knowing which projects you have entered and under what conditions is an important part of managing yourself professionally as a model.

Try Not to Take Every Casting Result Personally 

Not every project you apply for will result in a booking.

Models may be selected based on many different factors, including:

• Age
• Overall appearance or atmosphere
• Height
• Fashion style
• Brand image
• How the model fits with other cast members

For this reason, not being selected does not mean:

“I am not suited to modeling.”

or:

“There is something wrong with me.”

You may simply not have matched the specific image required for that particular project.

In another campaign, your appearance or personality may be exactly what the client is looking for.

Part of working as a model is learning not to focus too heavily on one individual result and being able to move on to the next opportunity.

Waiting Is Also Part of Modeling Work

When people imagine modeling, they often picture the moments spent in front of the camera.

However, a large part of modeling happens before the shoot.

This can include:

• Checking casting information
• Applying for projects
• Waiting for selection results
• Keeping shoot dates available
• Submitting requested information
• Confirming the final shoot details

Waiting for a result can sometimes feel frustrating because there is little you can do to speed up the client’s decision.

During that time, focus on what you can manage.

Ask yourself:

“Which projects am I currently being considered for?”

“Which dates am I holding?”

“Has anything changed that I need to tell my coordinator?”

The communication and schedule management that happen before the shoot are also part of the job.

Conclusion: Manage the Waiting Period as Carefully as the Shoot Itself

It can take time to receive a final result after applying for a modeling project.

While you are waiting, you may receive another opportunity, have personal plans come up, or be asked to keep a shoot date available.

This can make you wonder:

“What should I do?”

The important thing is not to make decisions on your own when you are unsure.

Keep track of your current selection status, communicate any changes to your schedule as early as possible, and speak with your coordinator when multiple projects overlap or when the correct priority is unclear.

These small habits can help you continue modeling with fewer scheduling problems and less uncertainty.

Modeling is not only about the time you spend on set.

Managing applications, schedule holds, communication, and the period between applying and receiving the final result is also an important part of working professionally as a model.

At MixLink Casting, we also support models with questions that may arise during the casting process, such as:

“When can I expect to hear the result of the casting?”
“I’m currently on keep, but another commitment may come up.”
“I’ve been offered another project on the same date. What should I do?”
“I’m not sure how far I’ve progressed in the selection process.”
“This is my first time being placed on keep. What should I do?”

We review each situation individually and provide support throughout the process until the project is confirmed.

A model’s job involves more than just the day of the shoot.

One of the things we value most at MixLink Casting is supporting each model according to their individual circumstances, so they can move confidently from application to the shoot.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.