| You've just graduated from cosmetology school and | | | | It can be a win-win situation for both of you: the |
| passed your state boards, so now what? How do you | | | | cosmetologist will be able to fit in more clients; and you |
| go about getting your first job as a cosmetologist? | | | | will probably be paid at least minimum wage plus tips, |
| Utilize your School's Placement Office | | | | learn from a talented professional, and maybe |
| If you're fortunate enough to have gone to a | | | | eventually land a position in the salon of your dreams! |
| cosmetology school that has a job placement office, | | | | Online Resources |
| check with them regarding job possibilities. Staff | | | | There are a number of online resources for |
| members who work in placement offices usually have | | | | cosmetologists looking for employment, such as |
| a good rapport with area employers, and are usually | | | | Beauty School Lounge, which is a virtual meeting place |
| willing to help by suggesting certain places to apply or | | | | for current and future cosmetology students, |
| offering to make phone calls to potential employers | | | | educators, and professionals. Beauty School Lounge |
| regarding job openings. Most placement offices have | | | | includes a "Conversations" section for those interested |
| some type of bulletin board upon which they post any | | | | in connecting with other cosmetologists for Q&As, |
| job listings they have received. Placement offices are | | | | general information, news and job hunting tips. The |
| also a good resource for help with resumes, job | | | | "Cosmetology Jobs" section of Beauty School Lounge |
| hunting tips, and interviewing skills. | | | | allows job seekers to search for and apply for jobs |
| Join a Professional Organization | | | | directly with their resume and portfolio. New jobs are |
| The National Cosmetology Association (NCA), which is | | | | posted on a daily basis. The "Online Cosmetology |
| the largest professional organization for salon | | | | Profiles" section allows cosmetologists to post pictures |
| professionals, can provide guidance and assistance | | | | of their work from school or professional cosmetology |
| with getting that first job, or with finding a new one. | | | | services, and is also a good source to find jobs. The |
| NCA has an online tool called YBN Career Hub, which | | | | "Profile" section is another place job hunters can post |
| is a free resource for salon owners to post job | | | | information about themselves and their skills, and also |
| openings, as well as for job seekers to search for | | | | display pictures of their work. |
| salon and spa openings nationwide. Those who wish | | | | Networking |
| to use Career Hub need only to register by selecting a | | | | As with most careers, the best and usually most |
| user name and password. | | | | efficient way to obtain a cosmetology job is to set up |
| Pound the Pavement | | | | a network with others, including those you went to |
| Although sending out resumes and sitting home waiting | | | | school with, cosmetologists who are working in the |
| for the phone to ring may seem like the right way to | | | | industry, and even the cosmetologist and salon you |
| look for a job, there are better ways. Making phone | | | | went to before going to cosmetology school yourself! |
| calls to potential employers, or better yet, calling on | | | | Friends and relatives are also excellent networking |
| them in person are much more effective strategies | | | | partners. When asking those you are networking with |
| when it comes to finding a cosmetology job. Ask to | | | | for help, be sure to ask them if they know of anyone |
| speak with the salon owner or manager, and if they | | | | you could be networking with, and watch your |
| are busy or unavailable, make an appointment to meet | | | | network grow. The larger your network, the more job |
| with them to discuss your qualifications. | | | | contacts you will make, and the faster you will |
| Be Flexible | | | | become employed. |
| If you really want to get your foot in the door of an | | | | Look the Part |
| upscale salon that has no openings or does not | | | | Remember to always look your best when doing |
| consider new graduates, ask about assistant | | | | interviews, as well as when visiting salons to inquire |
| opportunities. Some experienced designers who | | | | about openings. You never know when opportunity is |
| cannot fit all their clients into their schedule might | | | | going to strike, and you need to keep your skills sharp, |
| consider hiring an assistant to perform their shampoos, | | | | your appearance polished, and your attitude |
| apply and rinse their hair colors, and wrap their perms. | | | | professional. |