Prepping For an Interview
With a little preparation and a game plan, you can ace any interview.
So, you’re a licensed technician looking for an opening in a salon. Good luck! The job hunting and interviewing process can be a little taxing, but with a little preparation and a game plan, you can ace any interview and find a job more quickly.
Do the Research: The internet now provides you with the easiest way to research potential positions. There are a number of online job listing sites, but just knowing that there is an opening isn’t enough. Most salons have a web site you can visit to get a feel for the salon. For example, if a salon is touting their green initiatives, it would be good to know that in advance and have a strategy of how you would tailor your nail services to fit their overall mission.
The following sites all have classified sections for looking for job postings:
- http://www.beautytech.com/
- http://www.behindthechair.com/
- http://www.craigslist.com/
- http://www.nailpro.com/
- http://www.nailsmag.com/
Don’t be afraid to contact a salon you’ve had your eye on, even if they aren’t advertising a position. You can always stop in with a resume and approach the owner directly, telling them how much you like the salon and how you would love to work there.
Prepare a Professional Resume: Even if you are just starting out in the nail business and don’t have what you would consider “relevant” work experience, you should still provide a professional, one page snap shot of your qualifications. This would include your career objectives, education and any work experience with references. A salon owner isn’t just looking for someone who can do great nails. They also want someone who is reliable, is professional with the clients and who is a team player. Showing that you worked as a sales associate for three years (with a glowing recommendation from the assistant manager), doesn’t speak to your nails skills, but it shows you are a loyal and dependable employee – which is equally as important.
Pack an Interview Bag: This would include multiple copies of your resume, a pen and paper to take notes, and a portfolio of your work. You may also want to bring some product and your tools (make sure everything looks neat and well cared for) if you are asked to show your skills on the spot. Your potential employer will be impressed with your preparedness!
Be Positive: The most important thing you can bring to an interview is confidence. If you tend to get nervous before interviews, try doing some positive affirmations in the mirror before your leave. Say them again in your head before the interview starts. If you feel confident and competent, you will project that to your potential employer.