Seeking Employment Copyright 2014 © SAP

PREPARING FOR LICENSURE Preparing for the test Plan realistic study schedule. Read content carefully. Become an active student. Keep a well-organized notebook. Build a detailed vocabulary. Take effective notes. Review past quizzes. Listen carefully in class. Holistic hints Be mentally ready. Follow a healthy diet. Exercise regularly. Get rest the night before. Dress comfortably. Anticipate anxiety. Avoid cramming.

PREPARING FOR LICENSURE Test day strategies Relax and slow down. Review material. Arrive early. Read test carefully. Ask if you don’t understand. Budget time. Wear a watch. Begin as soon as possible. Answer easy questions first. Mark skipped questions. Answer as many questions as possible. Check answers.

PREPARING FOR LICENSURE Deductive reasoning strategies Eliminate incorrect options. Watch for key terms. Study the stem or basic question. Watch for grammatical clues. Look at similar or related questions. In essays, address the issue. Read the question first.

PREPARING FOR LICENSURE Test Format Strategies True or false Watch for qualifying word. To be true, entire statement must be true. Long statements are more likely to be true. Multiple choice Read entire question carefully. Look for best choice. Eliminate incorrect answers. When two choices are identical, both are wrong. “All of the Above” responses are often correct. Guess if you don’t know.

PREPARING FOR LICENSURE Matching Read both lists before beginning. Check off items to eliminate choices. Essays Organize answer to cue words in question. Think carefully, outline answer. Be complete, accurate, relevant, and clear.

PREPARING FOR LICENSURE Practical exam tips Practice correct skills. Participate in mock exams. Be familiar with exam bulletin. Keep equipment clean and working. Observe other practical exams prior to yours. Locate exam site prior to exam. Listen carefully to instructions. Focus on your own knowledge. Follow safety and sanitary procedures at all times.

ASSESS SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS Personal inventory Posture, poise Grooming, personal hygiene Manners, courtesy Communication skills Attitude Personal habits Self-esteem, self-confidence Honesty, integrity Dependability

ASSESS SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS Technical skills Desired characteristics Motivation Integrity Good technical and communication skills Strong work ethic Enthusiasm

SALON TYPES Small independent salons Independent salon chains Owned by individual or partners Average size one to three chairs Owner usually a stylist Independent salon chains Are usually ten salons or less. Are owned by individuals or partners. Range from basics to full service. Range from low to high priced. May have 10+ stations and full-time styling staff. May have specialized position in technical areas.

SALON TYPES Large national chains Franchise salons may operate within department stores. make major decisions for each salon. offer secure pay and benefits. have good transfer opportunities. Franchise salons Fee is paid to obtain a franchise. Business plan is provided. National marketing campaigns may apply. Investors own them and want a nice return.

SALON TYPES Basic value-priced salons Mid-priced full-service salons are often located in busy, low-rent strip malls. often depend on high-volume “walk-in” clients. usually pay by the hour with some commission. sometimes have private-label products. Mid-priced full-service salons cater to men, women, and children. offer a complete menu of services. give time to client consultations.

SALON TYPES High-end “image” salons or day spas Booth rental offer pampering to clients. are located in trendy, upscale sections of the city, elegant houses, or luxury hotels. offer high level of personal and technical service. Booth rental Is the least expensive way to own your own business.

PREPARING FOR EMPLOYMENT General resume guidelines Keep it simple and to one page. Print it on good-quality paper. Include name, address, phone number, and e-mail. List recent, relevant work experience. List your abilities and accomplishments. Focus on information relevant to job. Writing an achievement-orientated resume How many regular clients you serve. How many clients you serve weekly. What is your client retention rate.

PREPARING FOR EMPLOYMENT Do’s and don’ts of resume writing Make it easy to read. Keep it short. Stress accomplishments. Focus on goals. Emphasize skills. Avoid salary references. Don’t stretch the truth. No personal references. Avoid personal information.

PREPARING FOR EMPLOYMENT Portfolio preparation Diplomas Awards and achievements Resume Letters of reference Continuing education certificates Professional affiliations Photographs of work Career statement Other relevant information

TARGETING THE ESTABLISHMENT Preliminary steps Accept that you may not begin where you ultimately want to be. Don’t wait until graduation to begin looking. Locate a salon that serves the type of clientele you wish to serve. Obtain a list of area salons. Watch advertisements.

FIELD RESEARCH Make contact as a student Call and use best phone manner. Ask to speak to owner/manager. Convey confidence. State that you are researching the local market. Ask if they are looking for a stylist. Ask how many stylists they employ. Ask if you can make an appointment to observe salon. Confirm appointment

FIELD RESEARCH Salon visit Salon image Professionalism Management Client service Prices Retail In-salon marketing Services Note of thanks

ARRANGING THE INTERVIEW Send cover letter and resume Follow-up with phone call Interview preparation Social Security number Driver’s license number Names, addresses, and phone numbers of former employers Dates of former employment Names, addresses, and phone numbers of nearest relatives not living with you

ARRANGING THE INTERVIEW Interview wardrobe Appropriate for position Well-fitted and comfortable Clean and pressed Shoes clean Jewelry simple and basic Hair styled Makeup (women) Cleanshaven (men) Handbag or briefcase

ARRANGING THE INTERVIEW Supporting materials Resume Facts and figures Portfolio Typical interview questions What skills do you feel are your strongest? What skills do you feel are your weakest? What are your career goals? What assets would you bring to this position? How would you handle a problem client? Preparing to perform a service Confirm whether this is a requirement. If so, make sure model is appropriately dressed and prepared.

ARRANGING THE INTERVIEW Be on time. Project a warm, friendly smile. Walk, sit, and stand with good posture. Be polite and courteous. Do not smoke or chew gum. Appear confident; create a positive impression. Speak clearly. Answer questions honestly. Never criticize former employer. Thank interviewer.

ARRANGING THE INTERVIEW Typical questions to ask the Interviewer Is there a job description? Is there a salon manual? How long do stylists typically work here? Does salon offer continuing education opportunities? Is there room for advancement? What are requirements for promotion? What benefits does salon offer? When will position be filled? Follow-up Write a thank you note. Call.

LEGAL ASPECTS OF INTERVIEW Employer may not ask about race, religion, or national origin. Employer may not ask about age. Employer may not ask about disabilities or physical traits. Employer may ask if you smoke. Employer may ask you to submit to a drug test. Employer cannot discriminate because applicant is not a U.S. citizen.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS Read industry journals. Clean up after yourself. Offer to assist manager. Observe the more experienced. Remain healthy and energetic. Get plenty of rest. Avoid tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. Eat a balanced diet. Maintain a positive attitude. Don’t take criticism personally.

SUMMARY Know the subject matter and master test-taking strategies. Complete an inventory of your own personal characteristics and skills in order to establish the type of salon you are best suited for. Create an effective and impressive resume and portfolio. Be prepared for the job interview in dress and attitude.