Chapter 30
Seeking 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 review
handouts
•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
StatementWhat 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 negative
reflection 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 laborlaw 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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