1. Chapter 30 Seeking Employment

2. WHY STUDY HOW TO PREPARE FOR AND SEEK EMPLOYMENT?  You must pass your State Board Exam to be licensed and you must be licensed to be hired; Therefore, preparing for the licensure and passing your exam is your first step to your employment.  A successful employment search is a job in itself, and there are many tools that can give you the edge as well as mistakes that can cost you an interview or a job.  The ability to pinpoint the right salon for you and target it as a potential employer is vital for your career success.

3.  Proactively preparing the right materials, such as a great resume, and practicing interviewing will give you the confidence that’s needed to secure a job in a salon you love. Let’s start with taking a look at how to study for your test…… In order to master course content, you must develop strong study and test-taking skills. Being test-wise means having a complete knowledge of the subject matter and understanding the strategies for taking tests successfully. Preparing for Licensure

4. ACTIVITY: Conduct a discussion about the students’ experiences with test taking. Ask them to convey the emotions they have prior to taking a test. I wish I was test-wise

5. Becoming Test-Wise

6. Holistic Hints Be mentally ready. Get rest the night before the test. Dress comfortably. Anticipate text anxiety. Avoid cramming the night before. Determine if the written test is computerized.

7. Test-Day Strategies Relax and slow down physically. Take deep breaths to calm yourself Review material lightly. Arrive early. Be alert, calm, and ready for the challenge; maintain a self-confident attitude. Read directions and listen carefully. Ask if you do not understand.

8. Skim test before beginning. This enables you to identify more difficult questions that you may want to skip at first. Budget time. Do not spend too much time on any one question. Wear a watch to monitor time. Begin as soon as possible. Mark the answers quickly but carefully Answer easiest questions first. Mark skipped questions. This enables you to find them quickly when you go back to them later

9. Read questions carefully. Make sure you understand all parts of the question. Answer as many questions as possible For questions you are unsure of, guess or estimate. Look over finished test. Make sure you have read all questions correctly and have answered as many as possible. Change answers with good reason only.

10. Check test before turning it in. Make sure that your name is entered correctly and that you have answered all questions to the best of your ability.

11. Deductive Reasoning Strategies Deductive reasoning is the process of reaching logical conclusions by employing logical thinking. Eliminate incorrect options. The more you eliminate, the better chance you have of identifying the correct answer. Watch for key terms. Look for any qualifying conditions and statements. Keep an eye out for words like: usually, commonly, and always never. Study the stem. The stem is the basic question or problem. Often the stem will provide a clue to the correct answer or even an answer to another question.

12. Watch for grammatical clues. For example, if the last word in the stem is an, the answer must begin with a vowel rather than a consonant. Look at similar or related questions. They may provide clues. In essay questions, address the issue. Watch for words like compare, contrast, discuss, evaluate, analyze, define, or describe and develop your answer accordingly. In reading tests, read questions first. This will help you to look for and identify important elements in the paragraph.

13. True/False Strategies Watch for qualifying words. These include all, most, some, none, always, usually, sometimes, never, little, no, equal, less, good, and bad. To be true, entire statement must be true. Long statements may be more likely to be true. It takes more detail to provide truthful, factual information.

14. Multiple-Choice Strategies Read entire question and all choices carefully. Look for best choice. More then one may have some truth in it. Eliminate incorrect answers. Cross them out if you are allowed to. When two choices are close or similar, one is probably correct. When two choices are identical, both must be wrong.

15. When two choices are opposite, one is probably correct. “All of the above” responses are often correct. Note words like not, except, but. Guess if you don’t know (if there is no penalty). Answer to one question may be in stem of another. Multiple-Choice Strategies (continued))

16. Matching Strategies Read both lists before beginning. Check off items from the brief response list to eliminate choices. Process of elimination!

17. Essay Strategies Organize answer to cue words in question. Think carefully and outline answer before you begin writing. Be complete, accurate, relevant, well-organized, clear.

18. Practical Exam Tips Practice correct skills often. Participate in mock exams. Duplicate the exam as closely as possible, including kit packing and timing of skills. Be familiar with exam bulletin. Most licensing agencies send out an examination bulletin that contains details about what to expect on the exam; read it carefully.

19. Make a list of implements, materials, and supplies needed. Keep equipment clean and implements sanitary and working.

20. Observe other practical exams. If this is allowed by the licensing agency, it is to your advantage to do so. Locate exam site prior to exam. This will help ensure you are on time for the examination. Listen carefully to instructions. Ask questions if you do not understand. Focus on your own knowledge. Don’t worry about what other test candidates are doing. Follow safety and sanitation procedures at all times. Look the part. Practical Exam Tips (continued)

21. Goal-Affirming Questions What do I want from my career? What areas are most interesting to me? What are my strongest skills? What are my best personal qualities?

22. Personal Skills Assessment PERSONAL INVENTORY ACTIVITY: Use the form found in the text (page 964 )to take a personal inventory of your qualities and characteristics.

23. Posture and poise: How do you carry yourself? Grooming and personal hygiene: Do you practice good personal hygiene daily? Manners and courtesy: Are you polite? Do you say please and thank you? Communications skills: Can you articulate your message? Are you clear and concise when speaking with clients? Do they understand you?

24. Personal SkAssessment (continued) Attitude: Are you positive? Do you project a winning attitude? Personal habits: Do you have any habits that are annoying to others? Self-esteem and self-confidence: Do you believe in yourself? Honesty and integrity: Are you truthful and loyal? Dependability: Can you be counted on to be there when you are supposed to be?

25. Technical Skills Assessment Analyze skills in each area. Are skills suitable for any salon type? If not, why not? What skills should be developed to work in the desired salon type?

26. Technical Skills Assessment (continued)

27. Desired Employment Characteristics There are several key personal characteristics that also not only help you get the position you want but also help you keep it. Motivation: You must develop the internal drive to take the necessary actions to achieve your goals if you want to succeed. Integrity: You must develop a commitment to a strong code of moral and artistic values. Integrity is the compass that keeps you on course over the long haul in your quest for success.

28. Good technical and communication skills: 80 percent of your success will depend on your “people” skills; the remaining 20 percent will depend on your good technical skills. Strong work ethic: You must deliver worthy service for the value received from your employer; you must be loyal and dependable. Enthusiasm: You must develop and maintain an eagerness to learn, grow, and expand your skills and knowledge.

29. Salon Types Brainstorm about various types of salons. (Continue to next slide for ideas) Record on board In the United States alone, there are over 313,000 salon establishments of various kinds. ACTIVITY

30. Salon Types SMALL INDEPENDENT SALONS  Owned by individual or partners.  Average size has 1–3 chairs.  Owner is usually a stylist. Depending upon an owner’s willingness to take on a newcomer, a beginning stylist can learn a great deal in an independent salon, as well as earn a good living.

31. INDEPENDENT CHAIN SALONS  Usually five or more salons.  Owned by individual or partners.  Range from basics to full-service.  Range from low- to high-priced.  May have specialized position in various technical areas.  May hire education directors and managers for various locations.

32. LARGE NATIONAL CHAINS.  These chains can be budget, value-priced, haircut-only, full-service, mid-price, or high-end.  May operate within department store.  Corporation makes many decisions, such as about size, décor, hours, services, prices, advertising, and profit targets.  Offer secure pay and benefits. They may also offer additional paid training, management opportunities, and corporate advertising.  Transfer opportunities may be good.

33. Salon Types FRANCHISE SALONS: Another form of chain salon. These employ a national name, a consistent image, and a business formula throughout the chain.  A fee is paid for the franchise.  A business plan is provided. Size, location, décor, and prices are determined by parent company.  National marketing campaigns may apply.  Generally owned by investors. Usually offer the same benefits as corporate-owned chain salons.

34. BASIC VALUE-PRICED SALONS  Often located in busy, low-rent strip shopping centers. Usually anchored by nearby supermarkets or other large businesses.  Often depend on high volume, walk-in traffic.  Usually pay by the hour, with some commission-style bonuses. Haircuts are usually priced at around $15; practitioners are trained to work fast with no frills. This type of salon may be a good starting place for a new graduate. It provides exposure to a variety of clients and allows you to develop expertise in many types of services.

35. MID-PRICED FULL-SERVICE SALONS  Offer a complete menu of services.  Often offer “service and retail packages.”  Give time to client consultations. This allows you to build relationships with clients that may be long-lasting.

36. HIGH-END “IMAGE” SALONS OR DAY SPAS  Employ well-trained practitioners.  Offer higher priced services. Services are usually filled with luxurious extras such as 5-minute head, neck, and shoulder massages as part of the shampoo.  Located in trendy, upscale sections of the city, sometimes inside elegant mansions or luxury hotels.  Offer high level of personal service and technical service.

37. BOOTH RENTAL: Possibly the least expensive way of owning your own business.

38. Preparing for Employment Resume: a written summary of your education and work experience Informs potential employer of achievements and accomplishments

39. General Resume Guidelines A resume is a written Summary of your education and work experience. It tells potential employers about Your achievements and accomplishments.

40.  Keep it simple and on one page.  Print it on good-quality bond paper. White, buff, or gray is recommended.  Include name, address, phone, and e-mail. Put these on both the resume and the cover letter accompanying it.  List recent relevant work experience.  List relevant education and of school where you graduated.  List your abilities and accomplishments. Make the resume achievement oriented and attention getting.  Focus on information relevant to job. Don’t fill the resume up with a lot of work history that is not relevant to the position you are seeking.

41. Achievement-Oriented Resume The average time an employer spends scanning a resume is 20 seconds. You must make it sizzle in that short period of time. So don’t detail your prior duties and responsibilities, but rather on your achievements. How many regular clients do you serve? How many clients do you serve weekly? What is your ticket average? What is your client retention rate? What percent of your clinic revenue comes from retailing? What percentage of your clinic revenue comes from color or texture services?

42. Obviously, as a new graduate, you will need to provide data based on your clinic experience in school. That’s why it is important to track that information now. ACTIVITY: List accomplishments that could be included in a resume, such as receiving a “Student of the Month” award, perfect attendance, winning competitions, participating in fundraisers, and so on. Point out that there is no better time to start achieving accomplishments than while in school. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

43. The DOs of Resume Writing Make it neat and easy to read. Know your audience. Keep it short. Stress accomplishments. Focus on career goals; highlight relevant performance.

44. Emphasize transferable skills. Use action verbs (achieved, strengthened, increased) ACTIVITY :Put together a classroom action word list Include cover letter. (Snap shot of you and where you are right now. No more then one paragraph.) Note skills with new technologies. The DOs of Resume Writing (continued))

45. The DON'Ts of Resume Writing Avoid salary references. Avoid discussing why you left former employment. Avoid stretching the truth.

46. Use Resources Use Internet for best practices. Communicate with others. “Network” and stay in contact with peers in the business Milady has wide array of resources, including Beauty and Wellness Career Transitions. There are some good websites for you to use included in your class notes.

47. Portfolio Preparation Diplomas, secondary and postsecondary Awards and achievements Achievement-oriented resume Letters of reference from employers Summary of continuing education Your opportunity to shine. It is a collection, usually bound in some manner (perhaps tabbed), of photos and documents that reflect your skills, accomplishments, and abilities.

48. Statement of professional affiliations Statement of civic affiliations, if relevant. Before and after photos of services you have performed Statement of why you have chosen cosmetology as a career. Explain what you love about your new career. Describe your philosophy on teamwork and yourself as a team member. Describe methods you would use to increase clinic and retail revenue. Other relevant information Use your portfolio to portray yourself and your career skills in the manner in which you wish to be perceived. If it currently does not do that, what needs to be changed?

49. Portfolio Preparation (continued) Portfolio There are online portfolios you can create and put in your resume

50. Targeting the Establishment Accept that you won’t begin where you want to be. Start now. Locate salons that serve your preferred clientele. Obtain a list of salons. Watch advertisements. Check industry and social-networking Web sites. Keep salon’s culture in mind.

51. Networking Call and use your best phone manner. Explain that you are about to graduate and are researching potential positions. Ask if the salon is looking for a stylist. Ask if you can make an appointment to observe during the next few weeks. Confirm appointment. Networking is an indirect method of job hunting. It establishes contacts and allows you to distinguish between salons. Make contacts while still a student.

52. Salon Visit Salon image Professionalism Management Client service Retail prices In-salon marketing Services When you visit the salon, take along a checklist to ensure that you observe all the key area that might ultimately affect your decision making. After your visit, always remember to follow up, thanking the salon representative for his or her time. Do this even if you do not like the salon. Never burn your bridges. Instead, build a network of contacts who have a favorable opinion of you.

53. Salon Visit Checklist

54. Note of Thanks EXAMPLES

55. Arranging the Interview Send cover letter and resume to each salon you visited during your salon study, or at least to the ones in which you would like to work. Check salon Web site and follow their instructions for submitting resume. Follow up with phone call or e-mail. Even if the salon is not hiring, ask if you can come in and discuss career opportunities that may be available in the future. You will at least gain interview experience.

57. Interview Preparation Checklist Social Security number Driver’s license number Names, addresses, phone numbers of former employers Dates of former employment Contact information of nearest relative These are items typically asked for on an employment application. You should gather the data and have it available at the interview.

58. Interview Wardrobe Your appearance is especially crucial since you are applying for employment in the image industry. Wardrobe should be appropriate for the position. Wardrobe should be fashionable and flattering. Accessories should be fashionable and functional. Hairstyle should be professional, current, and appropriate. If female, makeup should be properly applied and conservative, even if the salon is not. If male, face should be clean shaven. Fragrance, whether perfume, cologne, or aftershave, should be subtle.

59. Dressed for Interview View these Web sites for information on the interviewing wardrobe : www.wardrobe.org and www.dressforsuccess.org.www.dressforsuccess.org

60. Supporting Materials Resume. Even if you have already sent one, take another copy so it will be readily available. Facts and Figures. The list of names (references), dates(when you can start) Portfolio.

61. Typical Interview Questions What did you like best about your training? Are you punctual and regular in attendance? (Will school director confirm your answer?) What skills are your strongest? What skills are your weakest?

62. Are you a team player? Please explain. Are you flexible? Please explain. What are your career goals? What days/hours are you available to work? Are there any obstacles to prevent you from keeping your employment commitment? Typical Interview Questions (continued)

63. What assets would you bring to the salon and the position? What computer skills do you have? How would you handle a problem client? How do you feel about retailing? Are you willing to attend our company training program? Typical Interview Questions (continued)

64. Describe ways you provide excellent customer service. Share an example of consultation questions you might ask a client. Are you prepared to work for one year before you get your own clients? Typical Interview Questions (continued)

65. Practical Service at Interview Confirm prior to interview whether you will be required to perform a service. If so, make sure model is appropriately dressed and prepared. Take necessary supplies.

66. The Interview Be on time. Turn off cell phone and remove ear devices. Project a warm, friendly attitude. Walk, sit and stand with good posture. Be polite and courteous. Don’t sit until asked. Don’t smoke or chew gum.

67. Don’t bring your own drink or snacks. Don’t lean on or touch interviewer’s desk. Appear confident. Speak clearly. Answer questions honestly. Never criticize former employers. Acknowledge interview with thanks.

68. Questions for Interviewer What are you looking for in a professional? Is there a job description I may review? Is there a salon manual? How frequently does the salon advertise? How long do employees typically work here? Are employees encouraged to grow in skill and responsibility? How?

69. Does the salon offer continuing education opportunities? What does your training program involve? Is there room for advancement? What are the requirements for promotion? What benefits are offered?

70. What outside activities is the salon involved in? What is the form of compensation? When will the position be filled? Should I follow up on your hiring decision?

71. Interview Follow-Up Write a simple thank-you note for the time spent with you. Close with a positive statement about wanting the job. If the decision comes down to two or three possibilities, the person expressing the most desire may likely get the job. Call to find out about the hiring decision if the interviewer suggested you do so.

72. Legal and Illegal Questions There are some questions that may not be included in an employment application or interview. Race, religion, national origin. Asking about race, religion, or national origin is prohibited. Age or date of birth. It is only permissible to ask if the applicant is under age 18. Disabilities or physical traits. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) prohibits inquiries about, disabilities and medical conditions.

73. Drug use or smoking. These questions are permitted. Employer may obtain your agreement to be bound by employer’s drug and smoking policies and to submit to drug testing. Citizenship. Employers cannot discriminate because an applicant is not a U.S. citizen. However, employers can request to see a Green Card or work permit.

74. Illegal Questions How old are you? Describe your medical history. Are you a U.S. citizen? What is your native tongue? Legal Questions Are you over the age of 18? Are you able to perform this job? Are you authorized to work in the U.S.? In which languages are you fluent? Legal and Illegal Questions (continued)

75. Employee Contracts Employers can legally require you to sign contracts as a condition of employment. In the salon business, the most common contracts are non-compete and confidentiality agreements. Salon owners often invest a great deal in training, and they don’t want you taking all that education to a competing salon across the street once your apprenticeship or initial training is complete.

76. Non-compete contracts address this issue, prohibiting you from seeking employment within a given time period and geographic area after you leave an employer. Often, non-compete agreements also forbid employees from gathering and keeping client records, including client phone numbers. A contract, however, cannot interfere with your right to work; as a result, they must be very specific and are sometime controversial. If you are presented with any contract, take it home, read it, and make certain you completely understand it. If you do not completely understand any part of it the contract, consult with a labor-law attorney before signing.

77. Tips for Success There are some important tips that will help you make the most of your new position. Use down time effectively to develop a record of interesting, noteworthy activities to make your resume more exciting. Learn about the establishment. Read industry journals. Attend trade shows. Become an active participant in making this great industry even better.

78. Summary and Review The time will soon come for you to actively pursue employment. It's important that you know your subject matter and master those important test-taking strategies discussed here. You should also complete an inventory of your own personal characteristics and skills and abilities in order to find the type of salon you are best suited for. As you know, there are more jobs for entry-level employees than there are practitioners to fill them almost everywhere in the country. So you are in the driver’s seat when it comes to looking for a job. You can explore a wide variety of salons and will likely be able to choose the one you like best rather than taking the first job that is offered.

79. This lesson has covered some ideas on how to target salons, visit them and evaluate their environments. It’s important that you be totally prepared for the job interview both dress and attitude. You must also have well-prepared documents to aid you in the interview process: a resume that sizzles, a list of pertinent facts, and your dynamic employment portfolio. Finally, once you obtain that long-awaited position, learn everything you can about the company and your duties. Continue to grow and learn. Completion of your training is not an ending- but a beginning. Become a life-long learner and make a positive contribution to the wonderful industry you have chosen.

80. 1.What habits and characteristics do test-wise students have? 2. What is deductive reasoning? 3. What are the four most common testing formats? 4. List and describe the different types of salons available to cosmetologists.

81. Summary and Review (continued) 5. What is a resume? 6. What is an employment portfolio? 7. List the items that should be included in your employment portfolio. 8. What are some questions that you should never be asked when interviewing for a job?