Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Bridge • One-liner • Button

Bomb

Term from Standup Comedy industry explained for recruiters

In stand-up comedy, "bomb" refers to a performance that did not go well with the audience. When comedians say they "bombed," it means their jokes didn't get the expected laughs or the audience response was particularly negative. Understanding this term is important for hiring managers because comedians often use it in their resumes or interviews to show growth, learning experiences, or their ability to handle tough situations. The opposite of bombing would be "killing it" or having a "killer set," which means the performance was very successful.

Examples in Resumes

Learned valuable stage presence techniques after bombing at major comedy clubs in 2019

Developed new material through testing at open mics, turning initial bombs into successful bits

Successfully refined material from bomb performances into a tight 30-minute special

Typical job title: "Stand-up Comedians"

Also try searching for:

Comedian Comic Stand-up Performer Comedy Writer Comedy Artist Comedy Performer

Where to Find Stand-up Comedians

Comedy Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Experienced Comedian Questions

Q: How do you handle bombing in front of a large audience?

Expected Answer: Should discuss specific strategies for recovering during a show, maintaining professionalism, and learning from the experience. Should mention examples from their career and how they turned negative experiences into growth opportunities.

Q: Tell me about a time when you bombed and how it improved your material.

Expected Answer: Should be able to provide a specific example of a failed bit, explain how they analyzed what went wrong, and describe how they modified the material to make it successful.

Mid-Level Comedian Questions

Q: What's your process for testing new material that might bomb?

Expected Answer: Should explain their approach to trying new material at open mics or smaller shows, how they gauge audience reaction, and their method for refining jokes based on response.

Q: How do you prepare for different types of audiences to avoid bombing?

Expected Answer: Should discuss how they research their audience, adjust material for different venues/crowds, and have backup plans if certain jokes aren't landing.

Beginning Comedian Questions

Q: How many times have you bombed and what did you learn?

Expected Answer: Should be honest about their early experiences, show understanding that bombing is part of the learning process, and demonstrate basic strategies for improving.

Q: What do you do immediately after bombing?

Expected Answer: Should discuss basic recovery techniques, like reviewing what went wrong, getting feedback from other comedians, and willingness to try again.