Reality wanna-be? Don’t use ‘Eye of the Tiger.’

Planning on applying to a Reality TV show?

Whatever you do, don’t use Eye of the Tiger for your video submission (there is always a video submission).

According to those on the other side, it’s a hot favourite amongst applicants.

That’s just one of the tips from producer Michael McKay, who has been making Reality TV for over 14 years, from The Amazing Race to Next Top Model and plenty more .

Here are his top 7 tips if you are thinking of becoming a contestant on a reality TV show as published on a LinkedIn blog and republished with permission.

#1 Be yourself. Don’t fake it

If you don’t think you are interesting enough as yourself you are probably right. Don’t fake it. Under the glare of the TV cameras you will struggle to maintain your made up persona and you will be exposed.

Most of all don’t be boring. Be funny, be the villain, be the crazy one, just don’t be boring.

#2 Be Honest

Don’t hold back information that might come out later (and embarrass you). The casting folks have pretty much heard it all so it is unlikely you’ll shock them and what you have to say might actually make you more, rather than less, appealing.

#3 Get Your Video Application Right

You will no doubt be asked to produce a video. Don’t be boring and don’t re-enact scenes from the show you are going for, producers hate that. Try not to use “Eye Of The Tiger” as your soundtrack. For some reason this is the track of choice by budding reality contestants.

Some people spend a small fortune on their video but it isn’t really necessary. More important is your story, your character, your personality. And here’s the most important tip: You have no more than the first 30 seconds to wow the casting assistants whose job it is to view the initial videos and decide if you get elevated to a more senior casting producer.

#4 Choose Your Show Carefully

Don’t just apply to any and all reality shows. Choose one that you will feel comfortable appearing on or that will suit your personality. Not all reality shows are “real” so ensure you know what you are getting yourself into. Personally, I’m not a fan of the scam genre so enter at your own risk.

#5 Don’t Blow Your Audition

If you get to an actual casting session don’t play too cool for school. Work out what you think your “brand” is and dress for the occasion. If you’re the soccer mom type don’t turn up looking like a cougar and if you happen to be a cougar don’t turn up looking like a soccer mom.

This is your chance to stand out from the crowd and show the producers why you will light up the screen. Don’t blow it.

#6 Beware Of Social Media

And, if you make it all the way to the show, be prepared on another level.

The scrutiny your private life will come under will be enormous and any dirty little secrets have a habit of coming out.

If the producers are responsible, they will do a background check on you. If that doesn’t uncover your secrets, the media, ex lovers (keen to cash in on your not so discreet holiday snaps) or just over- enthusiastic fans may well do so.

Reality TV contestants love social media. They usually want to be celebrities and having thousands of instant followers can be exciting. But it can be a curse too. Whilst you will have your fans the social media world is full of trolls and haters. I advise our contestants to be very careful with social media; rarely do they listen.

If you want to take on, or are accorded the role of “villain”, make sure you are emotionally prepared to handle the “role”.

#7 Don’t Blame the Editor

You think you are an hilarious, worldly, bubbly superstar but by the end of the series (or possibly even the first episode) the viewers might have a different opinion. You’ll want to blame the editing and the “trickery” of television.

Most times, however, the good reality shows will be a lot of fun and the experience of a lifetime. You will make lifelong friends and have some entertaining home videos the grandkids won’t mind watching in years to come.