Picture this. You have found the perfect salon and you see yourself in the chair by the window giving your client the perfect balayage. There, you’d be working exactly where you want and you’ve never been happier. How are you going to make that dream happen? By having a great interview!
The interview is a crucial step in the process of finding a job. In preparation for an interview, you should always research the establishment. Be able to speak to how the company started, its mission and vision, and a little bit about the services provided. Additionally, you should have prepared responses to several common interview questions.
For example:
- What do you consider some of your strengths?
- What challenges have you encountered? How did you overcome them?
- Do you have industry experience? If so, explain. If not, explain.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- If one of your peers were to describe you in a sentence, what would they say?
Your responses should be well thought out, but not rehearsed. They should feel natural, just as should your interview first impression. Dress professionally, and the greeting and handshake are key. Always bring a hard copy of your resume—it shows you are prepared. Upon meeting the people conducting the interview, you want to give a firm handshake and make eye contact. TIP: When being introduced, repeat the name of who you’re meeting with your hello. This will make it easier to remember the name when you’re saying your thank you at the end. Throughout the interview, avoid using slang terms, and null words such as “umm” and “like”. Simply pause with silence if needed, it shows you are taking time to think about your response.
It is also a good idea to have a few questions prepared in advance to ask your interviewer. You may find that you have inquiries during the interview as topics arise, but in case your nerves get the better of you, having calculated questions in advance will help. At the end of your interview, be sure to make eye contact with your goodbye and also include a firm handshake and thank you. Be sure to get your interviewer’s business card so you can follow up with an email thank you. Depending on when the company plans to make their hiring decision, you should follow up with an email one to two days after your interview. Thank your interviewer again and express how eager you are to join the company. If it’s a right fit for you and the employer, these are sure fire steps to help secure your dream job!
