Application
Before the interview begins, you may be asked to fill out an application for employment. Aside from
standard information such as your name, address and telephone number, you will list where and when
you graduated from cosmetology school, the date you completed your State Board of Cosmetology
Examination and any additional educational training you may have had. If you have attended
special classes, seminars or additional career-related training activities, list this information also.
Punctuality
Probably the first relationship you form with the prospective employer will be while applying for
your job. The impression you make as a professional is your responsibility. You alone will have to
promote yourself and your skills to the potential employer. An interviewer may intentionally sched-
ule an appointment time that is early in the morning to determine your ability to be punctual. Be
sure you arrive early for the appointment and that you have confirmed the exact location, parking
availability and cost, if appropriate, and the approximate travel time you will need.
Technical and Communication Skills
The salon owner/manager will be interested in the skills and services you perform. Salons are
always eager to have talented, capable staff members. The fact that you recently graduated from
school can actually be an advantage since many salons will see you as having acquired no bad work-
ing habits.
Very often during an interview for a stylist's position (or other related position), you will be asked
to demonstrate your skills to determine your level of technical expertise. The interviewer may do
several things:
1. Ask you to demonstrate your skill level by bringing a model to cut, color or perm
2. Contact your school to get an appraisal from instructors
During the course of your conversation with the management or while demonstrating your skills,
your interviewer will also be evaluating your communication skills and your ability to develop inter-
personal relationships. Be as calm and professional during the interview and demonstration as you
would be with a client.
Personal Qualities
Another area the interviewer will be evaluating is your personal qualities. The salon management
may evaluate you on such qualities as your:
·
Sincerity and honesty
·
Motivation and enthusiasm toward the industry
·
Understanding of the salon's goals
·
Realistic career objectives
·
Obvious desire to work
145
6
SALON BUSINESS
In the United States, illegal interview
questions are those that discriminate
on the basis of:
· age
· disability
· color · national
origin
· race
· religion or creed
· gender
