In order to get to know the environment that best fits you, you’ll need to get moving. Research the area in which you want to work on-line. Make a list of salons that are in this area and drive around. If you see a salon that attracts your attention look around to see if a lot of traffic comes and goes. If this is a salon you think you might be interested in working for, go inside, introduce yourself, and talk with the stylist and the manager. Seeing and interacting with the stylist and salon culture will help you decide if the salon is a good fit and don’t be afraid to ask the stylist for advice while in school. Take notes. If you enjoy the salon visit, ask the manager if you can interview them at a later date. ** (Great for an extra credit project). Always remember to send a thank you note to the salon staff for taking time to talk with you. An early impression will reward you when it’s time to apply for a job.
Once you have determined the desired location area and the style of salon environment you would like to work in, get on line and review the local salons websites. Here are some key things to think about when doing your on line research:
After researching in the field and on line here are a few fun activities that will help you get better acquainted with the top five salons you want to work in:
Call the salons and request to meet with the salon manager / owner. Relay to them that you would like to interview them for a project.
The information you gathered will better prepare you later by giving insight of what the owner / manager is looking for in a stylist. The photos will remind you the salons atmosphere, how the stylist dressed, what the manager looked like, a great visual to trigger your meetings with the salons. Review your questions for each salon, these will remind you what you liked and disliked about each.
Really want to know what a salon is like? Go undercover! Book a simple service that will allow you to see first-hand the salons atmosphere and the employees in it. What to look for:
Receptionist
Stylist
Your stylist / nail tech
Overall review
The questions answered will better prepare you later. These references are great when you are looking for job placement. This will be your review guide. Help you recall the salons atmosphere, stylist personality’s, dress code, and an overall look back to your time under cover.