Dear Cosmo Babies...
Dear Erin & Annie,
I’m getting closer to my graduation date and am starting to get really nervous about looking for my new salon home. I don’t know if the salons I want to apply to will like me or think I have enough experience because I am recently out of High School and have never had a job before. Do you have any interviewing tips or suggestions to make sure I stand out?
Thanks so much,
Cutting & Clueless
Hello, Hello!
This is a great question that has an answer you we’re probably not expecting….
First off, something we’re not taught often enough is that you do not need to change yourself to fit into someone else’s idea of who you should be. You should always be yourself and in doing so, will find the place where you will grow and thrive, authentically.
Not sure what that means? Basically, you need to keep in mind that YOU are interviewing THEM as much as they are interviewing you.
Do your research
Find salons that match your personality and style, this will ensure that it’ll be an environment you will be welcomed into, just as you are.
Do they offer assisting programs, continued education, help with growing your clientele and marketing on your behalf or any other things that are important to you and your career goals.
What is parking like (paid, metered, free), near public transport and easy for you to get to everyday? Believe it or not, this will be a bigger issue than you realize.
Show-up and dress-up
When you take your resume into the salon make sure that you are matching the aesthetic of where you are going. Look and act like you belong there from moment one. This same idea applies to your interview.
If you filled out an online application, don’t be afraid to also take in a paper resume. The owner or salon manager may be too busy to talk to you during that time, but the impression you make with the receptionist can go a long way.
If you are hoping to catch someone to chat for a quick second, try going in 5-10 minuets before the hour, you’ll be more likely to catch someone in-between clients
Make sure you check to see if they have any policies on their website about coming into the salon vs online applications. Some places will have “don’t call us, we’ll call you” policies and you don’t want to break them as a bad first impression.
You got the interview
Come prepared. Get ready to talk about yourself, your goals and plenty of other questions they’ll probably ask, but keep in mind what they’re doing is listening to how you’re presenting your personality. Yes, they care about your answers, but what they care more about is that you can explain things well, make sense and get to the point…. cause you’ll be doing that same thing all day with clients.
Have a list of questions for them. Remember all the research you did in the beginning? Now we’re putting it to use. Here’s some great examples of questions you should ask and why:
I saw on your website that you have a comprehensive assistant program. Will you tell me more about what the program consists of and how long it is? (Always ask about length of the program to make sure you will move beyond assisting and that there is a clear path to getting behind the chair)
What does a typical day look like? (Again, this is to get an idea if there is a plan/schedule they follow or if you’ll just be washing a lot of hair everyday)
What attributes does someone need to have in order to be really successful in this position? (They are absolutely looking for a certain type of person, but keep in mind this dosen’t mean that you need to change yourself to be who they’re looking for, this will give you an idea if that is the type of person you want to be around all day… cause they’re probably looking for someone like themselves)
What are the biggest challenges that someone in this position would face?
Is this a new assisting program that has been created? (Keep in mind if they are offering a brand new program, you’ll most likely be the test dummy for it and that could come with some upsets and bumps along the way. It could also be super awesome, just something to keep in mind)
Where is the last person who went through this program? Are they now working behind the chair, here? (This will help show a lot of obvious red flags, if there are any)
Where do you see this Salon going in the next year, 5 years? (Their answer will give you a great idea if their goals align with your goals, but also spot any red flags if things don’t seem to be aligning or adding up)
Post-Interview Roundup
Send a “Thank You”!
Yeah, this may seem like an outdated idea, but let me tell you, this can go a long way. Not only does it physically put you back in front of them, but it makes them think about you more and will spark moments from your interview in their mind. Send one however you like - handwritten, DM or email - but in this social age, we suggest a good ‘ol slide into their DM’s.
Hi [the name of the person you interviewed with],
It was really great talking with you [when you interviewed] and I wanted to thank you for your time and the wonderful conversation we had. Your salon is exactly the environment I’m looking for to help me grow and develop in my career. If you have any additional questions please feel free to reach out to me here or call me at [Phone number].
Best
[Your Name]
You might be thinking this is silly, outdated or bothersome, but I can promise you (as someone that has been a salon manager) that something like this can go a long way.
Why?
One, you’ve reminded me who you are, when we talked last (yesterday or last Tuesday) and if YOU had a pleasant experience.
Two, you let me know that you’re being thoughtful about your salon choices, but see that my salon can reach your goals with you - but - this also tells me that you saw something in our salon and that our brand message and values are clear and present. It’s a HUGE complement.
Three, you gave me an easy way to contact you knowing we can also slide into your DM’s and last, but not least, I can stalk your Social Account and not have to search for you online… but your social media presence is a whole other story.
Well, Cosmo Baby Cutting & Clueless, I hope this helps you on your path to find your Salon home and adds a bit of confidence to your search. You took the first step by going to school for, what I hope will become a life-long-love of your career, so you’re already ahead of most.
XO
Annie
Are you a cosmetology student or in the first years of your career? Don’t be afraid to reach out and slide into our DM’s with your questions and you might be featured in the next Dear Cosmo Baby…