1. Preparing for Work Placement in the Personal Services Industry

2. Basic Facts about the Personal Services Industry

3. Employment Status of the Personal Service Industry Over 70% are employed fulltime in small businesses 49% of the workforce are female (which is an increase of 60% over last 20 years) 15% are self employed in small business

4. Male 51% Female 49% Employment in Personal Services

5. Success Factors Quality of Service Quality of Staff Quality of Product

6. What makes the Personal Services Industry Unique? Highly personalised service First impressions are vitally important Inter-action is at all levels Commitment to meeting individual needs Quality conscious

7. What are personal services businesses looking for when taking on work placement students?

8. Commitment to customer service Positive attitude Basic knowledge of the industry Genuine desire to learn Enthusiasm Ability to work as part of a team Willingness to carry out basic duties Well- developed organisational skills

9. What should you do before work placement? Find out information about the organisation Confirm what is appropriate dress Ensure that you are well presented (tidy hair, appropriate make-up, clean pressed clothes, minimal jewellery, suitable footwear etc) Prepare possible interview questions and responses.

10. Interview Skills Interviews are not just about talking about your skills and abilities but also how you present yourself. Preparation is the key. A well prepared applicant is confident and relaxed, and will perform better in an interview.

11. “Of all the things you wear, your expression in the most important.’ Janet Lane

12. Interview Skills Standard questions for an interview: Tell me about yourself? Have you ever done this kind of work before? What do you know about our organisation? What is your greatest achievement? What are 3 words that describe your personality? What are your career aspirations? What are your major strengths/weaknesses?

13. Interview Skills Questions you might ask: What are some of the responsibilities of the job? Could you tell me more about the company? What job opportunities are available in this industry? Is their any further training I can undertake to fast track my career?

14. Interview Skills During the course of an interview the employer will be evaluating your negative factors as well as your positive attributes.

15. After Interview Checklist Arrived on time Dressed properly Friendly with receptionist Introduced myself to the interviewer and shook hands Described my qualifications Described my other interests and activities Gave a copy of my resume

16. After Interview Checklist Looked at the interviewer while talking (eye contact) Kept good posture Avoided nervous mannerisms Mentioned my major strengths Arranged to call back for decision/feedback Handshake and thanked for interview time

17. How to make a positive impression during your work placement in the personal services industry…

18. Be enthusiastic Be on time Be honest at all times Be polite to customers and other staff members Show a willingness to learn Be well groomed Be well spoken

19. Pursuing a Career in the Personal Services Industry

20. Personal Services Occupations Hairdressers & Beauty Consultants Florists Dry Cleaners Funeral Services Personnel Photographic Associated Personnel Video Hire Outlets Assistants

21. What is important in the Personal Services industry? Attitude Appearance Qualifications Experience

22. Networking The following are a few suggestions as where to start your job search: Talk to former work mates, relatives and friends about possible job leads. Go through the ‘employment’ sections of newspaper. Contact private recruitment agencies. Use the internet. Check the centre management notice board within local shopping centre. Source potential employers through the yellow pages and then cold call them.

23. Cold Calling Cold calling is the direct approach to potential employers for an unadvertised position. You can approach the prospective employer by telephone, visit or write.

24. Where can you find more information? www.arav.com.au www.serviceskills.com.au www.careersgateway.serviceskills.com.au www.myfuture.edu.au www.jobjuice.gov.au/default.htm