Keep it plain, so the client sees you rather than your outfit. Fitted, neutral pieces show your shape clearly, while loud prints and baggy fits hide it.

For women

• Everyday castings Skinny jeans and a plain T-shirt, nothing distracting, with matching underwear in case you are asked to try something on

• Sporty castings Trainers and gym gear such as leggings

For men

• Everyday castings A plain T-shirt, jeans and plain, clean black or white shoes

If you identify otherwise, wear what you feel is appropriate, taking the above into account.

Make-up

Wear no make-up, or light make-up at most. Casting directors want to see you as natural as possible, so they have a better idea of how their ideas will work with you.

• Read the brief It may include information you need for the casting. A swimwear shoot, for example, might need you to bring a swimsuit and to be waxed

• Research the brand Look at its website and social media to get a feel for its campaign style, and read up on its history and ethos if you have time. If you are asked, you can give an honest, informed answer, and being able to recall a campaign is a good way to start a conversation

• Bring your model card and portfolio Have your digital portfolio easy to reach on your phone as well, and keep your digitals current. Our step-by-step on nailing your digitals shows how

• Plan the time and place Look up your route, set an alarm and leave early in case of traffic or anything unforeseen. Always arrive early or on time

• Rest the night before Skip the drinks, get an early night and drink plenty of water, so you do not turn up with heavy eye bags

• Go on your own Do not bring friends, family or pets with you

When you arrive there will most likely be a long wait, and most castings will not have anything to give you. Bring water, a small snack, a charger and something to occupy yourself, such as a book or music.

Never leave the venue while you are still waiting unless it is an absolute emergency, not even for a phone call. If you are called while you are outside the building, they may cross your name off and move on, and you will have missed the opportunity.

The casting itself

Once you are called in, you will be asked a few questions. Be confident, friendly and polite, and let your personality show. It is daunting at first, but it becomes a lot easier with practice.

If there is a question you cannot answer, say: "I'm not too sure at the moment, but I'll ask my agent to get back to you on it."

They will usually ask to see your walk, may have you try on clothes and will likely take a few snapshots. Start with a straight up-and-down shot, then move through a few poses you have prepared each time they shoot. If they give you direction on pace, expression or posture, respond by doing it rather than explaining, and hold the change long enough for them to see it.

The casting is normally only a few minutes, and then you are free to go.

Some clients ask for a self-tape instead of, or before, an in-person casting. Always follow the brief and your agent's instructions first. As a general guide:

• Keep it short Around 30 seconds is usually enough for an introduction

• Say who you are Give your name, location and height, a few points from your experience if you have some, and something interesting about you, such as a skill

• Frame it well A mid-shot to a medium close-up works best

• Light it evenly Use white light from both sides, or a ring light. Avoid orange and overhead light, which cast shadows. Without lights, film facing a window

Always message your booker afterwards to let them know how it went. Usually one of three things happens next.

• Someone else is picked There are plenty of reasons a client may choose another model, and many have nothing to do with you personally. Do not assume you did something wrong

• You are asked back Some clients hold a second casting, or callback, before they decide

• You get the job You are picked for the booking

Decisions do not always come straight away, and bookings can land days or weeks after you walk out. Leave any follow-up with the client to your booker.

No. In the UK, agencies cannot charge any upfront fees for finding work for photographic and fashion models, and cannot charge fees or deduct money from a model's earnings until the model agrees to their terms and conditions.

Government consumer advice says that if you are asked for money when you first speak to an agency, they are breaking the law and you should walk away. It also says to find out as much as you can about the agency before a casting, and to leave if you feel pressured into paying fees or signing a contract.