You’ve scouted several businesses, made visits, checked them out in person, researched them online and have all your necessary background preparation complete. You’ve submitted your resume and have received a call/email for an interview. NOW WHAT????
It is extremely important to make sure you are fully prepared for your job interview.
YOUR RESUME
Be sure to have clean, up-to-date copies of your resume in order to give them a copy when you arrive. It is a good idea to put your resume in a report cover or folder to ensure it stays in good condition. While some employers will print off the resume you submitted via email, not all will so you want to be prepared to hand them one.
ONLINE PORTFOLIO
Be sure to have your online portfolio ready. Today, Instagram (or another online portfolio that is easily accessible to everyone) is key in promoting yourself and building your clientele! A future employer will be impressed to be shown a well-designed, thoughtful, professional online portfolio.
There are a few key things to remember when building your portfolio:
- Choose your content wisely. Only your best work should be in your portfolio. Show a variety of work. You may want to specialize in blondes (or facials) but employers need to know you are capable at performing ALL services!
- Keep it relevant and tell ‘a story’. Your portfolio should ‘tell’ your future employer what they can expect if they hire you.
- Keep the graphics simple—-don’t let your background detract from your work. DO NOT HAVE SNAPCHAT pictures in your portfolio and avoid using filters. Again, employers want to see YOUR work and capabilities.
- Be prepared to discuss your portfolio if required. How you achieved certain looks etc.
QUESTIONS
Create a list of questions to ask. Don’t be afraid to create a document with questions that you would like answered. Like the resume, be sure it is clean/neat and in a presentation folder or report cover. Often the interviewer will touch on most of the important things but there may be information you would like to know that has not been covered. The interviewer will often ask if you have any questions. This is your opportunity to make sure you have received all of the pertinent information.
Some important questions include:
- Is the position part-time or full-time?
- What does the compensation package look like (wages, commissions, benefits, education, etc)?
- If there are benefits, what is the probationary period?
- Is there an ongoing education program and if so, what does that look like?
- If you are an apprentice, are you allowed to bring in models/clients? If so, when and how often?
- Do they participate in volunteer/fundraising events?
- What color lines and products do they use (if you haven’t found that information on the website)?
- Do they have a stylist-level system and if so, what are the requirements to move from one level to the next?
INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES
Image courtesy of http://www.CareerChoiceGuide.com
Research common interview techniques to prepare yourself. Have someone give you a mock interview so you can practice answering questions and how you present yourself. Pay particular attention to your body language! You want to present as relaxed, open and engaged! Practice your handshake. You want to make sure it is appropriate. Too weak or too firm can be perceived negatively. Be sure to dress PROFESSIONALLY! It may be fashionable but it doesn’t mean it is professional. It is a good idea to check out the dress code and then up the game! Distressed clothing is NOT appropriate for an interview. Remember, you are being judged from the moment the interviewer lays eyes on you! You only have 3 seconds to make a great first impression!
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
Be sure to see how long it takes to get from your home to the place of business via car, city transit, walking. Take into account any issues in traffic, parking time, walking from the parking lot to the place of business. It is a good idea to actually make the journey a couple of times at different times of the day so you know what to expect.
You want to make sure you arrive about 15 minutes early. Showing up late to an interview will almost guarantee you will not get the job!
Plan to Follow-Up
It is important to follow-up after an interview. This is as simple as sending an email to say ‘It was nice meeting you today and thank you for your time. I hope we get the opportunity to chat again’. If the employer has indicated when a decision would be made, wait to hear a response. If you don’t receive one, it is ok to send a second follow-up email enquiring whether a decision has been made or not.
You will be more successful at interviews if you are prepared! Now GO GET THAT JOB!!!!
Employers, please follow #delmarlifeyyc to scout for talent!
Tara Byrne
Social Media Coordinator
