Getting the Job

Here are 10 top tips to help you achieve success in an interview and get the right job. The hair and beauty industries are relatively small and close knit so your reputation is important as you go through your career.

1. ATTEND THE INTERVIEW - if you don’t show up, not only will the manager remember you, he or she may mention you in conversations to other prospective future employers (plus any agencies that have you on their books will also be aware of this!). If you have an interview and get a job before the interview date, it’s courteous to call and explain so you remain on good terms.
2. Plan your travel route to ensure you arrive in good time. First impressions count, so being late is not a good start! Arrive slightly early if possible to look keen.
3. Appearance is vital! If you’re tattooed, keep them covered during initial meeting, you can then gauge company feelings on this without the fear of negative thoughts. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have, so check out the dress code of the current employees so you reflect their attitude to presentation.
4. Take copies of references so you can show them if the interview is going well
5. People are generally either talkers or listeners. Remember to listen well and speak when invited to do so, but engage in conversation and answer their questions fully
6. Prepare for your meeting by gaining an insight into product usage, type of clientele, salon culture and highlight what you can deliver to strengthen the company.
7. Body language is used more and more for interviews, so be alert, sit upright and be receptive.
8. Highlight your holiday dates if booked, and any other dates which might impact on your working patterns. It’s better to do this before you start as it doesn’t look good to ask for days or weeks off on your first day!
9. When completed, a firm handshake and clear cut polite thank you for your time highlights competency and courtesy in closing a meeting. This will be seen as an asset with regards to handing over a client to reception at completion of service.
10. With the availability of your personal information on the Internet, make sure your presence on platforms like Facebook, twitter and MySpace show you in a positive light and don’t carry any negative comments. Employers are likely to check you out and these resources can give them a real feel for your attitude, lifestyle, personality and character.

Above all, enjoy the interview as it’s you chance to shine! Be true to yourself and reveal the real you!

Ian Kent

The Atrium

T: 01202 253615 E: ian@atriumhr.co.uk W: www.atriumhr.co.uk