Career Tips // Searching for a Job in the Salon & Spa Industry

The salon and spa industry can be a great place to work.

It is a creative, fast-paced, and ever-evolving industry, so what's not to love about it? But finding the perfect job can be tough, and many factors should be taken into consideration when searching for the perfect fit, such as the type of salon for you, the location, and the salary package being offered.

Here are some top tips when looking for a job in a salon or spa:

• Keep your skills updated on all current market trends. If your skills need updating, take a training course. This will make you more attractive, so the employer doesn’t have to invest in training you up to current standards.
  

• Write a comprehensive CV that outlines your experience but, most importantly, highlights the services you can confidently carry out. Mention the skills you have that are relevant to the industry. Write a cover letter for each job and tailor your CV to fit the job you are applying for.
  

• Research the salons in your area, see who may be a good fit for you, and apply directly to them to see if they have a vacancy. Reach out to their manager or owner and see if you can arrange a meeting and speak to them. Some salon managers or owners are happy to meet new talent, and if a new vacancy becomes available, they will contact you.
  

• Do you know what sort of salon or spa you want to work in? A high-end one or a more relaxed one? And then apply to the ones that are a better fit for you. Look online and Google the salons that seem the best fit for you. Go and visit the salons.
  

• Interviews can always be daunting, so practice some answers to common interview questions. You can practice these with friends or family. Know your CV inside out, as you will be questioned on your skills and experience. The salon wants to know you are the right person for the job, so be confident, relaxed, and prepared to do a trade test.
  

• Always dress professionally, whether for an interview or when visiting a salon, to ask whether they have a job vacancy. First impressions count. They will want to know that you are serious about the job and that you fit in with their culture.
  

• Be yourself during the interview, and when you do your trade test. Your creativity and personality should shine so they can really see who you are. This should be what gets you the job. Don’t put on an act, and try to be someone you are not.
  

• Once you have been offered the job, try to negotiate a good package and benefits in line with the market rate. You should have researched what others are getting for the same position in your area, so ensure you are getting in the same range with the same benefits.
  

• In the salon market, you must always be positive and enthusiastic during the interview process and while doing the role. It is crucial that even once you get hired, you continue with this same enthusiasm and positivity so you can deliver a good level of customer service, as we are customer-facing. This not only gets us hired but also keeps us in a job.

Once you have the job, be prepared to work hard. As we all know, the salon/spa industry is a demanding but really rewarding industry. So, it requires dedication and a lot of hard work to succeed. If you follow these tips, you can find the perfect job in the salon or spa industry. Good luck in your search!