Getting a Job Resumes, Cover Letters and Applications Preparing for Employment The Interview

Resume Development Resume: A written summary of your education and work experience. –Tells potential employers what your achievements and accomplishments are.

Resume Tips Keep it simple. Print on good quality paper. Include your name, address, phone number and address. List recent, relevant work experience. List relevant education and the name of the institution from which you graduated, as well as relevant courses attended. List abilities and accomplishments. Focus on information relevant to position you are seeking.

Before you begin ask yourself… Did you ever receive any honors during your course of training? Were you ever selected “student of the month”? Did you receive special recognition for your attendance or academic progress? Did you win any cosmetology-related competitions while in school? What was your average attendance while in school? Did you work with the student body to organize any fundraisers? –What were the results?

Do’s and Don’ts of Resumes Make it easy to read Know your audience –Use vocabulary understood by potential employer. Keep it short –1 page Stress accomplishments Focus on career goals Emphasize transferable skills –Skills you have already mastered at other jobs. Use action verbs –Ex: Achieved, coordinated, developed, increased, maintained and stregnthened

Make it neat. Avoid salary references. –Don’t state salary history or reason for leaving Don’t stretch the truth –Untruthful statements usually catch up to you. Don’t include personal references. –Potential employers really only interested in references that can speak about your professional abilities. Don’t expect too much –Don’t have unrealistic expectations.

Resume Example

Cover Letter Letter that is included with your resume. –Brief introduction of yourself and why you are applying for the position. –Should capture the interviewers attention.

The Application Any time that you are applying for any position, you will be required to complete an application. –Even if your resume already contains much of the information. –Be sure to fill it out in blue or black ink. –Be as neat as possible. –Practice first on a sample!

Portfolio A bound collection of photos and documents that reflect your skills, accomplishments, and abilities in your chosen career field. A powerful portfolio includes: –Diplomas (including high school and cosmetology school) –Awards and achievements –Current resume –Letters of reference from former employers. –Summary of continuing education and/or copies of training certificates –Statement of membership in industry and other professional organizations. –Statement of relevant civic affiliations and/or community activities. –Before-and-after photographs of services that you have performed on clients or models. –Brief statements about why you have chosen a career in cosmetology. –Any other information that you regard as relevant.

The Job Search Tips for finding the right job for you!

Talk to stylists who work in salons you admire.

Check classified section of paper and talk to distributor sales consultant.

Check with job placement at school and/or check with city or state unemployment office.

Make a list of area salons or establishments. Check the Yellow Pages or online and make a list of salons that you would consider “checking out”. Looking to move? Check listings all over the US online. –

–Canvas areas you would like to work Mail out or hand deliver resumes with cover letter.

Locate a salon that serves the type of clients you wish to serve.

Classy Upscale Salon

Funky Salon

Discount Salon

Specialty Salon

Salon Chain

Spa

Networking Allows you to establish contacts that may eventually lead to a job, and helps you gain valuable information about the workings of various establishments. –Basically, this is anyone you meet that may help you to advance in your career. –Always make a good impression. You never know when it will pay off!

The Salon Visit Take along a checklist to ensure that you observe all the key areas that might ultimately affect your decision making.

Dress appropriately! –Attire should be that of interview quality!

After your visit, always remember to write a brief note thanking the salon representative for his or her time. –Even if you did not like the salon, or would never consider working there, it is still important to always send a thank you note. –NEVER BURN YOUR BRIDGES!

What To Wear Appearance is crucial, especially since you are applying for a job in the beauty industry. Ask yourself these questions: –Is the outfit appropriate for the position? –Is it fashionable and flattering to your shape and personality? –Are your nails groomed? –Is your hairstyle current? –Is your makeup current? –Are you clean shaven, or is your beard properly trimmed? –Is your perfume or cologne subtle? –Are you carrying either a handbag or briefcase, but not both?

Identification Make sure to have the following on hand: –Social Security number –Driver’s license number –Names, addresses and phone numbers of former employers –Name and phone number of the nearest relative not living with you

Possible Questions What did you like best about your training? If you were ever late to work, what would the reason be? What is the hardest thing you have ever done? What skills do you feel are your strongest? What areas do you consider to be less strong? Are you a team player? Please explain. What is your least favorite service to perform and why? Where do you see yourself in five years? Tell me about your favorite teacher in school. What does customer service mean to you?

Are there any obstacles that would prevent you from keeping your commitment to full-time employment? What assets to you believe that you would bring to this salon and this position? Tell me in three words how your friends would describe you. How would you handle a problem client? How do you feel about retailing? Which person has had the most influence on you professionally and why? Please share an example of consultation questions that you might ask a client. What steps do you take to build you business and ensure that clients return to see you?

A Successful Interview Be on time Smile Have good posture Be polite and courteous Never smoke or chew gum Do not bring food or drinks Do not touch or lean into the interviewers desk (personal space) Try to appear confident and relaxed Speak clearly Be honest Never criticize former employers Shake hands with the interviewer both when you meet and at the end of the interview. –Hand shake should be firm; not loose. –Practice shaking hands.

Legal Aspects Age or date of birth –It is permissible to ask the age if the applicant is younger than 18. –Age should not be relevant in most hiring cases. Disabilities or physical traits –The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits general inquiries about health problems, disabilities, and medical conditions. Drug use or smoking –Questions about drug use or smoking are permitted. –Employer may obtain the applicant’s agreement to be bound by employer’s drug and smoking policies and to submit to drug testing. Citizenship –Employers are not allowed to discriminate because an applicant is not a U.S. citizen. –Can ask for documentation that you have a legal right to work in the U.S.