Within five seconds, we all make judgments about those we meet. Social scientists say that’s not always a bad thing; it’s our intuition kicking in, and it originates with real-life experience. What’s appropriate for a corporate interview may be too “buttoned-up” for the beauty biz. On the flipside, showing too much skin or dressing like you’re heading out for a night of partying, gives the impression that you’re not serious about the interview process.
Time for a reality check about appearance, personal presentation and the job-winning interview.
What Not To Wear
Empire Style Council Member Marc Galgay acknowledges that it’s easier to know what not to wear than it is to develop your own personal, professional style. To do that, he says, stay open-minded and expose yourself to everything in the beauty and fashion industries.
“Understand that styles and fashion change constantly, so you will always be growing and changing your style,” says Galgay.
“Professionalism is a timeless style, and in great demand. Being on time, knowing how to be assertive without being aggressive, practicing active listening, being committed to your employer and your guests, and dressing as a professional will never change. You can look great and have a certain ‘look,’ but if you can’t behave professionally, you won’t succeed.” At Empire Beauty Schools, Pottsville, Pennsylvania-based students Katie McCarthy and Alyssa White help the Empire Style Council Members demo an appropriate job-interview look and one that clearly is not.
Keeping up Appearances
Recent beauty school graduate Terrie Mills, who attended Th e Temple, a Paul Mitchell Partner school in Frederick, Maryland, says when it came to dress, the school had a motto: “No Boobies, No Bellies, No Butts.”
“I think the vast majority of students think that if it’s cool for a club, then it’s dressy and great for a job interview,” says Mills.
For the “casual” interview, Mills says she prefers a black blazer, dark or black jeans and a white blouse—all freshly laundered. Her goal is to look sharp but understated with minimal accessories, jewelry and make-up—and no fragrance (potentially irritating). “For a more formal interview, I may do the dress and leggings look, or wear a dark tunic with slacks and terrific shoes or boots,” she says.
“Formal” or “informal” can be determined by whether you are cold calling or have a scheduled interview—and by the type of salon. Some high-end Manhattan salons require stylists to wear designer clothes: the idea is that you should look like you have the salary and style of the clientele you’re seeking.
It’s much easier to list what not to wear (flip-flops, belly shirts, club clothes) than it is to define what’s professional, but most people know the latter when they see it. Lizzy Shula, who just landed a job at Domu in Indianapolis, Indiana, defines “appropriate appearance” as something that is current, which can show off your personality via accessorizing. “Th e biggest thing is to keep it professional—no too-short skirts or low-cut tops.”
The Elephant on Your Arm
Are tats and piercings professional?
Fred G. Codner, Director of Human Resources for Jamison Shaw Hairdressers in Atlanta, Georgia, has given his program, “How to Get and Keep Your First Job Out of Beauty School” to nearly 1,000 students in various schools. Th e pros at third-generation, family-operated Jamison Shaw Hairdressers have interviewed more than 10,000 potential employees over 50 years, he says. What’s his take on dressing for success?
“Occasionally, I see the mistake of either being dressed too casually or dressed to go out on a Saturday night and not for a job interview,” says Codner. “I tell students you can get a great outfit at a discount store; you don’t have to wear Prada.”
When it comes to tattoos and piercings, things are changing. Codner says he used to tell students that in high-end salons, they had to be discreet about them during the application process and trial period. Th en, aft er gaining “salon cred” based on performance, they could roll up their sleeves or put the piercings back. A newer school of thought is that if you want to work in “edgy” salons, the chances of gett ing a job are actually diminished if you don’t apply “in full regalia.”
“With the increase in the popularity of ink and individualism, I don’t think it matters as much as it did a few years ago,” says Codner.
Best final advice? Look at stylists in the salons where you want to work and the clients you want to have. Wear what they do, but make it your own. Needless to say, hair, make-up and nails should follow suit.
Resumes and Portfolios
You need to share your story and to do that, you need a resume and possibly a portfolio. No work experience? No worries—just emphasize what you do best and show willingness to learn.
Caleb Collins, who recently landed a job at Jet Rhys Salon in San Diego, California, says, “I was never taught how to do a resume. I just considered salons’ correlation with sales and customer service. If you are good with people, or know how to deal with a variety of people at a sales job or accomplished a related goal, use it on your resume.” Keeping it to one page is a must, emphasizes Mills. Brand yourself, and don’t be shy about accomplishments, and include school activities, like being hand-picked for an assignment or winning a styling competition. Start with a summary of accomplishments; everyone’s goal is to get a job. Instead of simply listing previous positions and “duties,” use it to sell yourself by noting one great accomplishment at each job. Doublecheck grammar and spelling. Do use online resumes for ideas; don’t copy because it won’t sound like you.
Creating a portfolio of your work is a great way to stand out—especially if you’ve been working for a year and want to move up in the salon world. Photograph befores and afters of your best long, short and medium cuts, an updo and a model with dimensional color. At Empire Beauty Schools, Empire Style Council Member Marc Galgay adds this advice:
♥ Use a neutral background when taking model photos; it’s all about your work. Make sure the model has appropriate make-up and clothing. Your Mom may let you do what you want with her hair, but she’s probably not the best model.
♥ To find a professional photographer, try Craigslist or a local photography school, where students building their own portfolios can trade services.
♥ Don’t take a photo spur of the moment, even if you just did a great job on a guest at school. Plan ahead and take lots of shots, so you wont be stuck with “less than perfect.”
The Best Salon “Fit”
If you target the type of salon you want to work in, presenting yourself in the best possible light will be much easier. Don’t forget budget chains, says Ivan Zoot, the “ClipperGuy” and men’s grooming educator. “They have tons of clients, so you learn speed—and you get education.”
Know what you want, then research the salon and the products its stylists use, says Collins, who targeted Jet Rhys salon because he wanted to specialize in cutting. “Educate yourself on the salon’s clientele and be sure they’re right for you, so you are naturally excited about their business. I didn’t need a portfolio because I knew what the salon wanted most was someone with the desire to learn and ability to commit.”
To put your research to work in a personal presentation, visit as a client, suggests Mitchell Field, owner of Mitchell Field salon in Fairfax, California. Th en write the owner a personal letter, detailing what you loved about the salon (great decor, sense of teamwork), why you want to work there and how your skills could help the salon prosper. Ask the owner to meet you, at his or her convenience.
If you target the right salon for you and decide to drop off a resume, don’t rush in at your convenience, plan ahead and dress to suit the salon’s market stance and clientele. Even the front desk staff is trained to make notes on your appearance and attitude when you drop off a resume.
“In my school presentation, we discuss the application process at length, and the fact that you never get a second chance to make a first impression!” says Codner. “You have to bring it!”
Nailing the Interview
You showed up on time and look the part. Now what? The internet is full of top job interview questions and potential replies, but it’s always best to be yourself—on good behavior. Start by selling yourself, humbly yet persuasively, says Codner. Be prepared for questions like: Why do you want to work here? Why should I hire you? What are you looking for in a salon? Where do you see yourself in five years?
The 24/7 Saboteur
The way you present yourself on social networks says volumes—and it says it forever. (Even what you delete sticks around somewhere.) Since nearly 37 percent of potential employers check out a job applicant’s online presence, Fred Codner includes it in his presentations on how to get and keep your fi rst job. His advice: Follow the grandma rule. “If you’re not comfortable with your grandmother seeing it, you’d best not post it,” says Codner. “I also tell students that maybe I’d give RedHotMomma@yahoo.com an interview, but I’d have to think about it twice. Today, the biggest mistake job applicants make are the ones they post on social media sites.”
Mills advises doing mock interviews with friends and having them honestly critique every aspect of your presentation: appearance, resume, posture, handshake and verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Video yourself to see what your interviewer sees.
“No matter how much you try to prepare, you always get a zinger that stumps you, like, ‘What do you consider to be your worst shortcoming?’” says Mills. “Be honest, but recognize that saying you want to be a platform artist or celebrity stylist is not the best answer about five-year goals. It means you want to use the salon as a jumping off point to a different career. Show you are willing to work hard, learn and grow.”
And don’t forget your own questions, which prove you did your research. Now-happily-employed Shula says the best thing she ever did at an interview was to ask targeted questions.
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Originally posted on Modern Salon
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