Unemployment Skyrockets
Employment tips as unemployment skyrockets might seem futile. But, as a salon manager and cosmetology teacher I can tell you it is never too early to prepare. Take Ask the Pro Stylist advice to get hired in the beauty industry now so you can beat the competition when hiring begins again.
Turn Off the News
We need to stay informed. Yet, it is overkill and depressing as Coronavirus tops the news. Get your updates, change the channel, read a book or exercise. Then, start your research. Search online where you’d like to work and create an excel sheet. Check Glassdoor and Indeed for company reviews.
Update Your Resume
Since time is ticking by, make it useful. Update your resume. Have someone check it. Read it aloud to check for grammatical errors. Check for spelling. While spelling and grammar might not indicate your styling prowess, it lets me know as someone hiring that you care about details and yourself. Details are imperative when doing hair and makeup.
Only list relevant information to your job search. In other words, leave out your Amazon stock clerk experience if your applying for a stylist position. Pertinent job experience would include retail, and health or customer service if you have not built time in a salon. Be sure to also add education, licenses, certificates, awards, volunteering, and any Instagram or YouTube channels showing off your work.
Arrive on Time
The most important of my employment tips is to be on time, especially if you are a stylist. As Paul Mitchell stated, “If you are on time you’re late,” or something to that effect. So be early, but not too early that you are impeding upon someone else. And if you are late due to some unforeseen incident, then you MUST CALL. Because, if you are tardy for an interview with me, I guarantee I won’t hire you.
In addition, if that is your first impression imagine what this potential employer will think about your punctuality with clients? You simply cannot be late when you have clients. Period. End of story! Customer satisfaction is key in our business.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Hmmmmm! I often scratch my head here. You are a beautician with a license in cosmetology who wants to do hair and/or makeup. As I’ve often told my students, “no one wants their hair done by a schlub.” That said, why would you come to a job interview in the beauty industry without makeup on, your hair or wig a hot mess, wearing sneakers, jeans, a hoodie or Adidas jacket and smelling like weed or tobacco? DO you even want that job?
Your book gets built when you look good. The client will ask your advice on skincare, want their hair to look like yours, and get tips about makeup because YOU are dressing the part. And, if you smell??? UM NO! I wouldn’t want your hands on me, leaning over me to shampoo my hair or raising your arms to cut, color and style as I breathe you in. This is what is going through that potential employer’s mind when you do not give your appearance it’s all. She or he will believe you will not give any attention to your clients.
Happy Styling!
Hopefully my employment tips will set you in the right direction when this is all over. Be well, stay safe and stay home. Any questions feel free to email me at asktheprostylist@gmail.com. Until then, happy styling!
©Deirdre Haggerty, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It is unlawful to reproduce this article or any part therein without prior written permission and consent from the author.
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A writer, author, NY & NJ State licensed cosmetologist, store and salon manager, beauty educator and executive school director, Deirdre Haggerty has been actively involved in the hair and beauty industry in New York & New Jersey for over 30 years.
Now get online help to pass your licensing exams in any of the states throught the country. Send Deirdre an email for more information regarding an online tutoring sesssion for the written and practical exams at asktheprostylist@gmail.com.
