Hair Stylist 

How did you get your current job?
A member of my family works in the same salon, they needed christmas help when I was still in school and decided to keep me on. It’s been great!

What was the application process?
paper application.

Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail?
Basically, my first couple of weeks was the interview process. The owner just wanted to make sure that I was a good, reliable worker and that the clients didn’t complain about me soaking them when I washed their hair.

If you can remember, what questions were you asked during the interview?
Past job experience, how many more hours of school I had completed, what were my long term goals, and how many hours I was willing to work each week.

Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain.
Yes, the owner of my salon prepared me by having one on one classes instructing me on cutting techniques that would build on what I had previously learning at school. He had been an educator with a large product line within the industry for nearly 27 years. He has a wealth of knowledge, and a lot of patience. I am very grateful.

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?
Yes, 1250 hours of beauty school, and continuing education by attending classes and seminars whenever possible.

Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain.
Yes. I was able to build on my education when I started working in the salon.

If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare for your job?
yes.

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
Get a job shampooing while you are still in beauty school, so that when you are finished school and you obtain your license, you can start cutting right away.

What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours?
Socially you have to be outspoken. Being a hair stylist requires that you listen to your clients, but also offer your input. They are in your chair for a reason, give them a reason to come back! Technical skills will come with time. You will learn the basics in beauty school, but there is so much more to learn when you are in the salon.

Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
Absolutely. You have to build on what you learn in school. Watching other stylists, asking questions, attending conventions and shows. All of these things will build on your level of education and help you to become a successful stylist.

What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
Don’t get discouraged in the beginning. It takes a long time to build your clientele. Be proactive, take charge of your advertising. Leave your business cards every where!!!! You will be surprised how many people you can get by just leaving a pile of your cards in the local supermarket, or your child’s day care facility.