So You Want to Work in a High-End Salon

Maybe you’re about to graduate cosmetology school and want to launch your career in your area’s hottest salon. Or maybe you’re currently employed, but want to move to a salon that offers better earning potential and career opportunities.

Either way, you’ll be shooting your shot in a very competitive arena. Here’s how to put yourself in the best position to clinch an offer with the bougie salon of your dreams.

1. Yes, You Need a Résumé

Luckily, there are tons of online résumé-writing resources to guide you. Even if you have little to no work experience, your résumé can provide lots of information that would be helpful to potential employers:

• Personal Info – Name, cell number, pronouns, and link to examples of your work online.
• Education — The school you attended/ are attending, course of study, and completed/ expected graduation date.
• Licensure – State(s) where you are currently licensed or expected to be licensed; date your license was awarded or is expected to be; date of expiration if current.
• Work History – List any employment: paid, unpaid, or volunteer. Even if you’re short on beauty experience, salon employers will be interested in your background in customer service, retail, or sales — or positions that required initiative or teamwork.
• Skills & Interests – Have you entered any competitions? Styled for fashion shows, photo or video shoots, or other creative activities? Taken any extra classes or workshops in subjects that interest you? List them here.
• Achievements – Any awards or accolades you’ve won — whether in school, at work, or from other organizations — go here.

Before you give your résumé to anyone: proofread it yourself, then by someone you trust. 

Though a cover letter isn’t needed for all salon job openings, it is for some. Again, there are a ton of online resources that can help you with this. Keep it simple. The purpose of your cover letter is to: a) share your professional goals, and b) explain why this salon would be a great place for you to grow your career. 

2. Make a Good First Impression

Your first impression is NOT when you turn up for the interview. It’s the very first time your potential employer encounters you, online or in person. Here’s how to start off on the right foot:

Online

Social media accounts are fair game for employers to determine if candidates are savvy about their professional image. A safe bet is to create at least one separate, career-focused social account with images and videos of your work, and to set your personal accounts to private.

On the Phone

Calling the salon to ask about a job opportunity? Jot down a brief, informative script so you can clearly and confidently tell them what position you’re seeking, what qualifications you have, and when you’re available to meet them.

Review your outgoing voicemail message and make sure it's appropriate for potential employers who call you.

In Person

If you’re stopping by a salon to inquire about employment, show up as you would for an interview. Look fashion-forward and polished, and have your résumé ready to hand over.

3. The Interview, Part 1: It’s Gotta Be Mutual

Remember, a job interview is a two-way conversation. It’s just as important for your future employer to meet YOUR needs as it is for you to meet THEIRS. 

Here are a few things a salon owner will want to know to gauge whether their workplace is what you're looking for:

• Professional Interests. What type of work excites you? What services do you love to do?
• Your Future Goals. What do you have planned for your career? How do you think this salon could help you get there?
• Your Willingness to Learn. Are you eager for continuing education and coaching, no matter where you are in your career? If that's not you, this salon probably won't be either. 
• Your Interpersonal Skills. You don’t have to be an extrovert. You do have to be polite and friendly with everyone you meet. A smile and pleasant greeting are mandatory. 

 4. The Interview, Part 2: How to Nail It

Here’s how you need to show out to give the best impression.

1. Know Who They Are. Dive into the salon’s website and social media. What product lines do they use? What services are they known for? What are their brand values? What about the salon culture makes you think you’d be a good fit there?
2. Arrive on Time. Even better: arrive early. 
3. Look the Part. Wear a stylish, work-appropriate fit. Pay attention to your hair, nails, and makeup. Extra points for scouting the location in advance to see how  managers and senior team members show up, and follow their cue.
4. Have Questions Ready. You’re interviewing them too, remember? Come with questions about topics you’re interested in: earning potential, work-life balance, career growth opportunities, continuing education. When touring the salon, don’t be afraid to ask questions of team members you meet.
5. Finish Strong. Close with sincere thanks for the time they took to interview you, and get a clear response as to what and when the next steps in their hiring will be.

5. A Few Job-Hunting Tips

Keep track of your inquiries, and don’t be afraid to follow up if you don’t hear back.

You might have one dream salon in mind, but be open to inquiring at other salons as well. Interview experience is always beneficial. Plus, you might discover along the way that your perfect employer is actually … a different salon!

Above all, keep going.

It’s easy to get discouraged by “no’s” early on. But if you can shake it off, learn from missteps, and keep refining yourself as a candidate — you will hear that “yes” one day. 

Liz McKeon, a salon business coach and founder of The International Salon Business School. She is the author of 30 Days to Beauty Business Success. Liz can be booked for customized, in-salon coaching visits for one, two, or three days by emailing [email protected].