You have completed the required number of training hours for your state and passed the exam and have your license in hand. Now it is time to find work. While there are many different opportunities for cosmetologists, many choose to look for a career in a salon. If you are one of these, then find out how you to get a job in a salon.
What are the Typical Requirements?
Most salons simply require that you have your cosmetology license, which includes a certain number of training hours and passing the state licensing exam. Some divisions within the field may require fewer hours. For example, most states have a separate license for nail technicians or estheticians that require fewer hours than a full cosmetology license. Some salons may want you to have a certain amount of work experience as well. Certain branded salons may require training through their specific institutions. Because there are different requirements depending on the actual career you want, it is important to first determine what type of job you want in a salon before you start the process of obtaining it, according to eHow.
What Skills do You Need?
The necessary skills depend on the job you want. If you want to be a hairstylist, then you will need to have the technical skills and dexterity to cut a wide variety of hair types and styles. It is also important to have a certain amount of creativity to make the styles really pop. You may also need to know how to properly wash, color, and treat hair. Nail technicians need to have the proper skills for providing manicures and pedicures while estheticians should be well-trained in skin care.
Create a Portfolio
As with any job, it is essential to have a resume when you go job-hunting in salons. However, since it is a more creative and technical orientated career, it is also important to have a strong portfolio. You should have a wide range of examples of your ability to cut, style, and color hair. While in school and throughout your career, you should take photos of clients of whose hair and style you feel particularly proud. It is important to have a variety of hair types, such as long, short, thick, curly, and thin, to demonstrate your ability to work with everyone.
It is crucial that you take high-quality photos since you are trying to impress your future boss. It is also beneficial to include testimonials from the clients, as well as recommendations from managers, instructors, and other employees. You can also put your portfolio online to make it easier to share with prospective employees. You simply have to include a link in your resume or job application to allow the prospective employer to see your skills.
How Do You Find the Right Place?
There are thousands of salons around the country, so it can be difficult at times to narrow it down to the one you want. Of course, one of the most important features is whether or not they are hiring. One way to find a job in a salon is to use your professional and personal networks according to About Careers. You can ask people you know to see if they have heard of any salons that are hiring and submit an application. You can also search online to find open jobs in salons.
When you apply and interview for jobs, it is important to remember that you are interviewing the salon just as much as they are interviewing you. You want to find a place that is the right fit for you. This is more than just offering you the role you want. You should also ensure that they have the type of clientele you would prefer, that the salary is to your liking, and that you fit in with the company culture. For example, if you do not like to sell anything, then you would not be a good fit for a salon that requires its employees to sell a certain amount of merchandise. Other considerations include the dress code, atmosphere, and personality of the other workers. Some salons may also rely more heavily on you to attract clients and market your services than others. Many of these are highly subjective, so you simply have to go with your gut and choose what feels right to you.
There are many opportunities for cosmetologists, and the career has a 13 percent projected growth according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that there is a good outlook for finding a job in a salon, but it still takes time and effort to secure one. By completing your requirements for a license, creating a solid portfolio, and utilizing your network, you can increase your chance of successful pursuit.
Do not forget to keep up with your continuing education requirements for your license renewal. Beauty Academy offers cost effective, online courses you can take at your leisure. Check out our courses.