Sample Cosmetology Lesson

Here is a sample lesson on taking your state board exam as well as employment and preparing for interviews

Lesson 25: Seeking Employment

Introduction:

The good news is that there are plenty of great jobs out there for energetic, hardworking, talented people. If you look at the top professionals in the field, you will find that they achieved their success with their motivation, energy and persistence. Like you, they began in school and went that extra mile, and owe their success only to themselves.

Capsule 1: Preparing for Licensure

Before you can get a job, you must first pass your state licensing exam. The single most important factor in preparing for an exam is to know the material thoroughly. To do this, a test-wise student follows these guidelines:

  • Plan a realistic study schedule.
  • Take effective notes during class.
  • Listen carefully for cues and clues.
  • Make yourself mentally ready.
  • Get plenty of rest the night before the exam.

Capsule 2: On Test Day

  1. Arrive early.
  2. Skim the entire exam before beginning.
  3. Read each question and answer carefully before answering.
  4. Look over the test when you are done and change an answer only if you have a valid reason to do so.

Capsule 3: Test Tools and Formats

Deductive reasoning is the process of reaching logical conclusions by employing logical reasoning. Some strategies are:

  • Eliminating options known to be incorrect.
  • Watch for key words or terms like usually, commonly, etc.
  • Watch for grammatical clues such as “an” it tells you the answer starts with a vowel.

True/False:

  • Watch for qualifying words (almost, some, all, most etc), absolute words (all, none, always, never, etc.) are generally not true.
  • For a statement to be true, the entire statement must be true.
  • Long statements are more likely to be true than short statements.

Multiple Choice:

  • Read the entire question carefully, including all the choices.
  • Look for the best answer, more than one choice may be true.
  • Eliminate incorrect answers.
  • When two choices are identical, both must be wrong.
  • When two choices are close or similar, one of them is probably right.

Practical Testing:

  • Practice the correct skills whenever possible.
  • Complete a “practice test” or “mock exam”.
  • Listen carefully to the instructions and follow them.
  • Follow all sanitation and safety procedures.

Capsule 4: Preparing for Employment

Your willingness to work hard is a key ingredient to your success. The commitment you make now in terms of time and effort will pay off later. In order to get the job you want, these personal characteristics are needed to keep it.

  • Motivation: having the drive to do what needs to be done.
  • Integrity: being committed to a strong code of moral and artistic values.
  • Good technical and communication skills: both of these are required to be successful.
  • Strong work ethic: being committed to delivering valued service.
  • Enthusiasm: eagerness to learn, grow, and expand your skills and knowledge.

Capsule 5: The Salon Survey

In the United States alone, there are over 250,000 salons that employ more than 1 million stylists. The following are different types of salons:

  • Small Independent Salons: these salons generally have only 3 styling chairs and are owned by hairstylists that work behind the chair as well as manage.
  • Independent Salon Chains: these salons tend to have more styling chairs and up to 10 different locations owned by the same person or group.
  • Large National Salon Chains: these salons also tend to have many styling chairs, and locations throughout the country. A lot of newly licensed professionals start in these salons because of the secure pay and the benefits.
  • Franchise Salons: these salons are owned by individuals who pay a fee to use the name. With the purchase of the name they also receive a business plan and can take advantage of the national marketing campaigns.

Capsule 6: Resume Development

A resume is a written summary of your education and work experience. It tells potential employers at a glance what your achievements and accomplishments are. Follow these basic guidelines when developing your resume:

  • Keep it simple and to one page if possible.
  • List recent, relevant work experience.
  • List relevant education.
  • List your abilities and accomplishments.

Accomplishment statements should always enlarge on your basic duties and responsibilities. The best way to do that is to add numbers and percentages whenever possible.

Resume Do and Don’ts

  • Make it easy to read
  • Know your audience
  • Stress accomplishments
  • Emphasize transferable skills
  • Avoid salary references
  • No photographs
  • Don’t stretch the truth
  • Don’t expect too much

Capsule 7: Employment Portfolio

An employment portfolio is a collection of photos and documents that reflect your skill, accomplishments, and abilities in your chosen career field. It includes:

  • Diplomas, both high school and cosmetology school.
  • Awards and achievements received while being a student.
  • Summary of continuing education.
  • Before and after photos of services you have performed.
  • A brief statement of why you chose cosmetology for a career.

Capsule 8: Targeting the Establishment

One of the most important steps in the process of finding a job is to narrow your search. The following points will help:

  • Accept that you probably will not begin in your dream job.
  • Do not wait until graduation to begin your search.
  • Locate a salon that serves the type of clients you wish to serve.

Field research: this means going out there and checking out the salons, maybe even as a customer. This allows you to observe how the salon works and the dynamics of the salon and its personnel.

When you are ready to network (establishing contacts) your first contact should be by telephone asking if you came in the salon to observe.

After visiting salons, you may want to follow up with a note, thanking them for their time in allowing you to visit. If you liked the salon and want to work there you may add that into the thank you note, with a message that you will call them to discuss interviewing for employment.

Once you have decided which establishments you would like to seek employment from, send them a copy of your resume and cover letter requesting an interview.

Capsule 9: Preparing for and Attending the Interview

When preparing for an interview make sure you have all the necessary information and materials in place, these include:

  • You should have your driver’s license and social security number.
  • You should have an interview wardrobe consisting of at least two outfits.
  • Supporting materials such as; your resume, your facts and figures, and your employment portfolio.
  • Be prepared with answers to anticipated questions.
  • Be prepared to perform a service.

During the interview keep these guidelines in mind:

  • Be on time or early.
  • Project a warm friendly smile.
  • Do not smoke or chew gum.
  • Project a positive first impression.
  • Walk, sit, and stand with good posture
  • Speak clearly.

Keep in mind that there are some questions that may be asked that are considered illegal, they include your date of birth and are you a U.S. citizen? You may choose to answer these questions but technically they are not allowed to ask. Acceptable questions include, are you over 18? or are you authorized to work in the U.S.?

Capsule 10: You are on Your Way

Keep in mind that once you have a job, you are not going to be extremely busy in the beginning. This is the perfect time to use your “down time” learning new techniques and products, reading industry journals, and helping the other stylists in the salon. This will help you become a better more successful stylist.