This is the first of a two part series where I go behind the scenes to explain how the staffing process for Neko works. Tomorrow I’ll be focusing on DJs but for now, today will be looking at the catgirl and catboy selections and it’s a good time to review them since there’s been a few changes with how things are done behind the scenes!
The process I mention will be the same for all cities, I know a few cities and managers have wanted to do things a bit differently and have had certain preferences for various types of applicants. However that’s all stopping, going forward this is how catgirl and catboy applications go down.
The application process will be posted up in one of the Neko Nation groups, usually by the head catgirl of that city. Applications are for both catgirls and catboys who will be treated the same, so any city or manager that had separate applications or didn’t get catboys in the past, that’s gone. The catgirl and catboy selection team will look over the main criteria (photos, questions answered properly, etc.) and if possible I’m probably not involved in the selection process (probably only things like sorting out the application and selection dates).
So with that all said, a bit about how the selection process works, how people get picked and also to clarify a few myths.
I think one of the main things people want to know is what we’re looking for and if there is some secret cheat code answer to instantly get selected and there definitely isn’t. I have virtually little or no say in the process but this is how the selection process has been described when meeting teams. Think μ's from Love Live, you’ve got 9 incredibly different girls or heck even any anime to be honest, you’ve got different character, personalities, looks, styles, etc. The selection process is not simply about trying to be the very best that no one ever was, it’s done based on picking great synergies and the overall team.
With the application questions, technically there are no right or wrong answers, unless you do something dumb like Game of Thrones is my favourite anime. The main point of the questions isn’t to judge your tastes, it is about personality, there are no secret “right” answers. Basically be honest and we want to see a bit of your personality in these questions, the reason we picked these questions is that it’s a much more casual way to learn more about you then straight up doing psychological questioning.
In regards to selection bias, I’ve had a few people point out things such as "you’re more likely to be picked if you’re a cosplay model" and "not many catboys get picked". The reality is, this is actually more of a reflection of applicants, as an example we do get on average 5 times as many catgirl applications than catboy applications and I honestly don’t see this changing, considering when you get to DJ applications it’s the inverse. The team have basically agreed we’re not going to do any sort of category quotas, in terms of them selecting x number of catboys, the team will just pick who they feel is best.
I’d say there are probably three things we look for with catboys and catgirls, as mentioned above there isn’t a particular way to ace but these are things to keep in mind.
Personality: Probably the big one, those involved are looking for a variety of different personalities and types of people. We want to know how exactly you’ll interact with people.
Looks: It’s no secret this is an area we look in. Getting in isn’t about necessarily looking like Jessica Nigri. It doesn’t matter if you’re cute, sexy, dark, colourful, big, small, goth, lolita, cosplay, cyber, we want an amazing varied looking team.
Professionalism: Effectively communicating to our catgirl team, getting people hyped for the event, doing what’s required on the night, being a decent person online and in general be proud that you’re representing us and making us really excited to have you on board!
Finally, last but not least, rejection in terms of not getting in. Neko is a big event, we get a lot of applications and we have to knockback a lot of people. The reality is, there aren’t reasons we’re saying no, we honestly just can’t have so many people on. It’s worth noting it’ll be tougher to get in this year, since we’re only doing one show a year (per city) and because of that we’re scrapping the rule about past catgirls and catboys being able to reapply.
With that said, we encourage everyone who is interested in being able to represent Neko Nation as a catgirl and catboy to definitely do so, those who have done it have had lots of fun and have enjoyed the experience. While the odds of getting in are tough, it definitely doesn’t hurt and who knows you could get in. Best of luck!
