Pulling It All Together

You did it! You are a cosmetologist! Pulling everything you have learned from school with the personal research,

portfolio, and resume you are prepared to do your interviews. First let’s answer these few questions:

• Is our personal image ready for the salon environment you want to work in?
• Did you update your social media – keeping it professional?
• Where do you fit in? (Day Spa, Hip/Trendy, Family Focused)
• Is your Resume ready?
• Do you have your portfolio up to date and clean?
• Have you reviewed your research?
• Do you have your list together of locations you want to apply?

Second is contacting the salons you are most interested to work for. These are the salons that best fit your personality, your image, and are open to hiring new stylist. Salons that best fit you will insure a greater chance of success. You must first contact the salons, either by a phone call requesting an interview, or simply sending them your resume requesting the opportunity to meet with them. This can be done through email and with a follow  up letter directly to the salon. Give the manager / owner a week to review and then call and request an interview. Don’t get discouraged if they do not have an opening, simply ask them if you could interview for a later position once it opens up.

When you go into the interviews make sure you are professionally dressed, hair and make-up done, with a copy of your cover letter and resume. If you are unsure of the location, map out your route the day before, this will help you know where to go without the added stress. Bring your portfolio; this will give you the opportunity to show your work and the extra classes you have taken. Don’t be shy, make good eye contact and give a firm hand shake. Keep your posture tall and your head up; this portrays a strong since of self-confidence. Keep perfumes and colognes to a minimum not to overpower you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that are important to you; interviews are for both you and the owner.

Below are a few tips for your interviews:

What NOT to wear:

• Tight mini skirt
• Under garments that can be seen
• Tank tops
• Blue jeans
• Flip flops
• Wrinkled/stained clothes
• Excessive makeup
• Night club attire or shoes
• Loud jewelry
• Low cut shirts
• T- Shirts
• Pants that show under garments
• Chipped nails

Dress for success

Don’t arrive too early.
Be prompt by arriving between 5 – 10 minutes early

Things your interviewer WON’T tell you:

• You showed up too early
• They judge professional image
• Don’t bad mouth your last employers
• Little things do count
• Talking too much
• Your fit with the group really does matter
• They will ask others what they think of you
• They like thank you notes
• Turn off the cell phones (OFF)
• Never smoke or chew gum
• Do NOT come to the interview with coffee or food

The day of your interview:

It’s here! Your interview and you are ready. Take a deep breath and breath, with all the research and prepping you already did half the work. Walk in with a great attitude; keep good eye contact and a warm, friendly smile. Sit tall, and stand with good posture, and you will make a great first impression. During the interview be polite and courteous, allow them to lead the conversation, they will let you know when it’s your turn. Speak clearly and take your time, if you don’t understand a question, it’s ok to ask them to clarify or to repeat it. Answer honestly; think about the question before you answer. Sometimes the interviewers are just as nervous as you are; they will appreciate the fact that you are taking your time and being clear and honest. Show off your portfolio. This is a great tool to visually show what you can do and what you have done. During this time you can talk more about what you have learned and what you are looking for in a salon. Don’t forget to ask the interviewer the questions you wrote down prior to the meeting, have your pen and notebook handy so you can take notes. Remember to always shake their hand and thank them for their time with you; let them know you look forward to working with them. Finally, smile! You are going to be great.

Follow up:

This step is very important! It shows you truly are interested in the job position. It’s as easy as a follow up call or email.

• Keep it short and to the point
• Thank them for their time
• Close with a positive statement about working with them
• Update them with your contact information one last time

Think positive!