Chapter 30Seeking Employment

Top professionals achieved success with their

~ self-motivation

~ energy

~ persistence

~ used time wisely

~ planned for the future

~ went the extra mile

~ had self-confidence

Their success

~ they created it

Right choice

~ road to success

Preparing for Licensure

Test-wise

~mastery of course content

~ understanding the strategies for taking

test

Good study habits and time management include:

•Planned, realistic study schedule

•Read carefully/active studier

•Well-organized notebook

•Develop vocabulary list

•Take notes

•Organize and reviewhandouts

•Review past quizzes and tests

•Listen carefully in class for cues and clues

•Mentally ready/positive attitude toward test

•Healthy diet

•Plenty of rest

•Dress comfortably

•Anticipate some anxiety

•Avoid cramming

•Comfortable with computerized test taking

On Test Day:

•Relax-slow down physically

•Review the material

•Arrive early

~ self-confidence

~ be alert

~ calm

~ ready for the challenge

•Read written instructions

~ listen to verbal instructions

•Ask questions

•Skim the test

•Budget your time

•Wear a watch

•Begin work ASAP

~ mark answers carefully

•Answer easiest questions first

•Mark questions you skip

•Know what the question is asking

•Answer as many questions as possible

~ uncertainty-guess or estimate

•Look over the test

•Make any changes

•Check test booklet carefully

Deductive Reasoning

•Process of reaching logical conclusions by employing logical reasoning

Includes:

•Eliminating options know to be incorrect

•Watch for “key” words

~ usually

~ commonly

~ most instances

~ never

~ always

•Studying the stem

~ provide a clue

•Watch for grammatical clues

~ last word “an”-answer starts with a vowel

•Look at similar or related questions

Understanding test formats

•Know your material

Multiple choice

Read entire question carefully

Look for best answer

Eliminate incorrect answers

Two choices are close or similar, one is probably right

For ex.

Q. Every product used in the cosmetology school or salon should have a

a.OSHA registration number

b.Warranty

c.Opaque container

d.MSDS

When two choices are identical, both must be wrong

For ex.

Q. Hair with low porosity is considered:

a.Normal

b. Resistant

c. Overly porous

d. Ideal

Two choices are opposites, one is probably wrong and one is probably correct

For ex.

Q. Hot rollers and Velcro rollers are used:

a.For maximum volume

b.Only on wet hair

c.Only on dry hair

d.For 30 minutes at a time

“all of the above” often the correct response

Pay attention to words like “not, except, but”

Guess if you do not know

The answer to one question may be in the stem of

another

The Practical Exam

•Practice test skills as often as you can

•Mock licensing examinations

•Familiarize yourself with the content-bulletins by licensing agency

•List of equipment and implements you must bring

•All equipment and implements are clean and in good working order

•Locate the examination site before the exam so you do not get lost

•Time your drive-be on time

•Listen carefully to the examiner’s instructions and follow them

•Focus on your own knowledge

•Do not be concerned with what others are doing

•Follow all infection control and safety procedures throughout the exam

•Look the part-neat, clean, and professional

Preparing for Employment

What do you really want

What areas most interest you

Strongest practical skills

Personal qualities

Review Figure 25-4

Work hard

~ key to success

Commitment-pay off later

How to Get the Job You Want

Key personal characteristics:

•Motivation

~ take the necessary action to achieve a goal

•Integrity

~ a strong code of moral and artistic values

•Good technical and communication skills

~develop both!!

•Strong work ethic

~taking pride in your work

~committing yourself

•Enthusiasm

~ learn, grow

~ expand your skills and knowledge

A Salon Survey

Small Independent Salon

•Owned by an individual or

~ two or more partners

•One to three styling chairs

•owners are hairstylists

~ maintain clientele

~ managing the business

•Beginning stylists can learn a great deal and earn a good living

Independent Salon Chains

•5 or more salons owned by individual or two or more partners

•Everything from low-priced to very high-priced services

•Some employ education directors and style directors

•Stylists are often hired to manage particular locations

Large National Salon Chains

•Throughout the country and internationally

•First jobs

~ Secure pay and benefits

~ Additional paid training

~ Management opportunities

~ Corporate advertising

~ Transfer

Franchise Salons (Super Cuts)

•Another chain salon organization

•National name

•Consistent image

~ Business formula

•Individuals pay a fee to use the name

•Receives a business plan and national marketing campaigns

•Owned by investors

~ seek return on investment

•Same benefits as corporate salons

Basic Value-Priced Operations

•High volume walk-in traffic

•Hire recent graduates

•Pay by the hour

~ commission-style bonuses

•Stylists work fast/no frills

Mid-Priced Full-service Salons

•Complete menu

•Strong marketing

~ client returns and referrals

•Trains styling tea-productive and profitable

•Build relationships with clients

High-End Image Salons or Day Spas

•Employs well-trained stylists and assistants

•Offer higher priced services

~ treatments

•Located in trendy, upscale sections

•High level of personal service

•Technical expertise

~ personal appearance

~ communication skills meet high standards

•Medical spas-owned by physicians (offshoots of day spas)

Resume Development

Written summary

~ education work

~ experience

Keep it simple

Use good quality paper

Include on name, address, phone number, and e-mail address on both resume and cover letter

List recent work experience

List relevant education

List skills and accomplishments

Focus on information that is relevant to the position

Employer scans resume in about 20 seconds

Market yourself

~ reader will want to meet you

If worked in unrelated field, show transferable skills

Focus on achievements

Accomplishment statements:

•add numbers or percentages

~ how many regular clients

~ weekly

~ service ticket average

~ client retention rate

~ % of retailing~ % of revenue from color or

texture services

Use:

~ training and school clinic performances

~ extracurricular activities

~ full or part-time jobs

To create a good, attention getting resume

Be sure to include cosmetology related school accomplishments like:

•Receive any honors during training*student of the month

•Special recognition*attendance or academic

•Win any cosmetology-related competitions•Attendance average?•Work with student body or fundraisers

The Do’s of Resumes

Put complete contact information on resume

Make it easy to read

~ concise, clear sentences

Know your audience

~ vocabulary and language

Keep it short-one page

Stress accomplishments

~ skills

Focus on career goals

~ relevant to position seeking

Emphasize transferable skills

i.e. shampoo/receptionist

Use action verbs

~ achieved ~ coordinated

~ developed ~ increased

~ maintained ~ strengthened

Make it neat

•Include professional references*include person’s title, place of employment, and telephone number

•Be realistic (you are just starting out) about what employers

will offer you•Include a cover letter

•Note any skills with new technology

Resume Don’ts

•Avoid salary references

•Avoid information about why you left former positions

•Don’t stretch the truth

•You are a total package, not just a resume

•Utilize all available resources for resume development and job search

•Best practice information on Internet

*individualls can provide recommendations

Employment Portfolio

Collection

Photos and documents

~ reflect your skills

~ accomplishments

~ abilities

Include:

Diplomas

Awards and achievements

Current resume

Letters of reference from former employers

Continuing education

~training certificates

Membership in industry

~ professional organizations

Relevant civic affiliations

~ community activities

Before and after photos

Statement why chose cosmetology

Any other info you regard as relevant

Prepared

~ projects professionalism

***Typed

Separate sections with tabs

Create a digital portfolio

Bring along a printed copy

Statement-

What you love about your new career

Your philosophy

~ importance of teamwork

~ contributing team member

Methods you would try

~ increase clinic

~ retail revenue

**Salon owners do pay attention to a well-built portfolio and resume.

Impress them and you may be hired over the next person that did not think this necessary.

Targeting the Establishment

•First job, probably will not begin with your dream job

•Do not wait until graduation

•Locate a salon

~ type of clients you wish for

•Make a list of area salons or establishments

~Internet

•Watch for salons that advertise locally

•Check Web sites and social networking

•Keep salon’s culture in mind

Field Research

•Networking

~ establish contacts

•Visit salons, talk to owners, managers, educators, and stylists

**hair shows, classes, friends

•Set up an exploratory visit to salon

First contact by phone:

• Use best telephone manners

*speak with confidence

*self-assurance

• If using e-mail

*be brief

*check spelling and punctuation

• Do not text unless they request it

• Explain:

~ researching the market for potential positions

~ have just a few quick questions

•Ask

~ in need of any new stylists

~ how many do they employ

• Ask if you can make an appointment to visit the salon

~ if yes, be on time!!!!!!!

~confirm the appointment the day before via e-mail

Remember

~ rejection is not a negativereflection on you

~ some professionals are too busy

~ some will help others begin their career

The Salon Visit

Checklist

~ key areas ~ decision-making

Keep on file

Write a brief note thanking the salon representative

Never burn your bridges

Build a network of contacts

The Job Interview

Next step

~ send resume with a cover letter

~ request an interview

Many salons have Web sites

*employment areas

*follow instructions exactly

*some don’t want attachments

Comply with salon guidelines

Make a follow-up contact

~ one week

~ try to schedule an interview

May not have openings/granting interviews

If no interview

~send a resume

~ ask them to keep your resume on file

Thank contact for their time and consideration

Interview Preparation

Identification:

~ SSN ~ driver’s license

~ name and address of former employers

~ name and phone number

~ nearest relative

~ not living with you

Interview wardrobe:

~ crucial

~ obtain one or two “interview outfits”

~ appropriate

~ fashionable and flattering

~ accessories fashionable and functional

~nails well groomed

~ hairstyle current

~ makeup current (female)

~ clean shaven (male)

~ perfume subtle

~ handbag or briefcase

Supporting materials:

~ resume

~ facts and figures

~ employment portfolio

Review and Prepare for Anticipated Interview Questions

*why do you want to work here

*like best about training

*punctual

~ regular attendance

*will instructor confirm

*what skills your strongest

*areas less strong

*team player

*flexible

*career goals

*days/hours

*obstacles

~ keeping your commitment

*what assets do you bring

*computer skills

*handle problem client

*retailing

*attend training programs

*describe excellent customer service

*consultation questions

*prepared to train for a year

Preparing to perform a service:

~ some salons require

~ confirm

If yes:

~ model appropriately dressed

~ prepared for the experience

~bring all necessary supplies, products, and tools

The Interview

Be on time or early

Turn OFF cell phone-no ear buds or hands-free devices

Warm, friendly smile

Walk, sit, and stand with good posture

Polite/courteous

Do not sit until asked to do so

Never smoke or chew gum

~ do not come with coffee

~ soft drinks, snacks

Never lean on or touch desk

Project a positive first impression

*confident

* relaxed

Speak clearly

Answer questions honestly

Never criticize former employers

Remember to thank interviewer

Crucial: you may be invited to ask questions

~have a list ready

*what are you looking for in a stylist

*job description

*salon manual

*salon promote itself

*grow in skills

~ responsibilities

*continuing education

*training program involve

*room for advancement

*benefits

~advanced training

~medical insurance

*community activities is salon involved in

*form of compensation

*when: position be filled

*may I contact you in a week regarding your decision

Do not feel you have to ask all of your questions.

Write a thank you note or e-mail

Close with a positive statement that you want the job (if you do)

If invited to call about the employment decision, then do so

Legal Aspects of the Employment Interview

Questions that may or may not be included:

•Race, religion, and national origin…NOT

•Age or date of birth…only can be asked if you are under 18 years of age

•Disabilities or physical traits…NOT

•Drug use or smoking…YES

(drug testing)

•Citizenship…NOT

•You may choose to answer or not

~ respond: the question is irrelevant to the position

~ would like to focus on your qualities and skills that

are suited to the job

Employee Contracts

•Employers can legally require you to sign

•Most common:*noncompete

*confidentiality agreements

Prohibits time period and geographic area can’t take all that

education and training across the street

•Noncompete*forbids gathering client

records and phone numbers•Cannot interfere with your right

to work

•Contract must be very specific*sometimes

controversial

If presented one-take home, read it, possibly consult a labor-law attorney before signing it

The Employment Application

•Required to complete

•Your resume and list you prepared will assist you in completing the application

***Remember to take a resume with you even if you sent one.

Doing it Right

•A history that shows how you have achieved your goals

~ confidence will grow

•Develop a dynamic portfolio

*well organized

•Learn all you can

•Read about the industry

•Attend trade shows

•Take advantage of continuing education

•Become an active participant in making this great

industry even better

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