Career Resources: The Interview - How to make the final cut

So you've been selected for interview for your dream salon job! Congratulations - now the preparation begins! There are some common interview questions that you can almost guarantee will crop up, so be ready in advance to have answers and responses at the ready for those tough questions. Are you ready?

Tell me about yourself

Avoid launching in to your life story - a common misconception is in thinking this question is to find out anything personal - it's not. The interviewer wants to know how you can benefit their salon and what your USP (Unique Selling Point) is.

In a few short sentences you should sum up your strengths, goals and passion about your chosen career to make it easy for the employer to get the information they are looking for. It's ok to sell yourself, so let  your confidence come through, just don't overdo it!

When preparing this answer consider the following

• What motivates you? Is your answer consistent with the job application?
• What makes you uniquely qualified for the role? Keep your response positive - highlight your skills.

Why do you want to work for us?

The million dollar question! This is your opportunity to standout from the other candidates. Be genuine and original. Don't let it come across as just trying to fnd a job anywhere.

Prepare by researching the business so you have an understanding of their ethos, the type of staff they employ, their clients and the services they offer so your answer will prove that you are a good fit for their business.

When preparing this answer consider the following

• Share your future ambitions - where you would like to grow your skills.
• Acknowledge their salon culture in a positive way and how you envisage working in their team.
• Convince the interviewer this is exactly the type of work you are looking for in a positive and enthusiastic way.

Are you a team player?

Unless you prefer to work alone, don't apply for a job in a busy salon where you'll be expected to be part of, and fit in with a team. Saying you prefer to work alone in a salon environment will disqualify you - it's a strength to a salon if you are a team player so emphasise that you will consciously work on it in the salon.

When preparing this answer consider the following

An example of when you had to work in a team in a project and the positive outcome.

What's the best job you've done and why?

The interviewer wants to know what you really enjoy doing and if that fits in with the job you are applying for. Make sure your answer relates to the requirements of the job description.

When preparing this answer consider the following

Choose a previous job, or experiences where the activities have been similar to those in a salon - helping customers, multi-tasking, working in a team, being creative - those that could easily translate into a salon career.

What are your greatest strengths?

Highlight your strengths that will add value to their salon then briefly describe how they could be put to good use in the position you are being interviewed for.

When preparing this answer consider the following

Write down all of your strong qualities, then tailor your answer to include your top 3-5 - based on the job description you are applying for.

What are your greatest weaknesses?

The interviewer is trying to gain an insight into your self awareness, so whatever you say - make sure you add a positive comment such as "but I'm working on it" as this shows you are aware of your challenges, and willing to be pro-active to improve yourself.

Don't choose anything that could be a negative in a salon environment. Things like being too trusting, or being too guarded with your feelings, or taking on too much responsibility are good ones to use that won't work against you.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

The only wrong answer to this question is "I don't know". Your answer should specifically relate to the job you are applying for (not your personal aspirations).

Employing a new member of staff is an investment on the part of a salon - it takes time and money to train a new employee so they want to know their making the right decision. Losing stylists means losing clients, so tell the interviewer how you visualise your professional life growth. In a nutshell keep your goals in line with the salon and show them how you are all about developing your career.

What hours can you work?

Be truthful from the start about what hours you need - as the interviewer will have to consider their schedule. The salon will expect you to be flexible to some degree but not everyone is looking for the same thing, so find out what their expectations are during the interview process.

How will you help build a clientele?

Your response to this depends on what stage you are at in your career, and also the type of salon you are applying to work in.

As a brand new stylist starting out in your career, the Manager will not expect you to come with a clientele but it will help if you can demonstrate your opinions on this. Franchise salons are mostly walk-ins where as in a private salon, you will be responsible for building your own clientele so that in time, clients will request you.

When preparing for this question consider the following

• Consider how you will build your clientele and retain their current customer base.
• Gain experience in marketing - build on your own social media network, read relevant industry blogs for new trends, get involved in local networking groups.

Are you confident selling professional product?

Selling retail will be in your job description so it's vital to remember that you are also a sales person. The answer to this question should always be a yes!

It's imperative to the salon that you can sell product and that you understand the impact of product sales to their business. If you can approach product selling as 'education' through continued service, highlighting how the products benefit client's specific needs the interviewer will have confidence in your sales abilities!

Selling product builds trust with your clients You are not offering a full salon service without selling a client product Retail brings in a 30-45% profit margin, compared to salon services of only 5% profit.

Do you want to ask any questions?

It's essential you have a prepared list of positive questions to ask the interviewer. They should demonstrate your research of the job, company and industry sector.

Keep to the key areas which should be

• What does the job actually involve?
• What is required of you in this position?
• What opportunities does the organisation offer?

Ask yourself if you would be happy working in the environment, with the people and management.

Why do you think you are right for this job?

The interviewer wants to qualify how you will be an asset to the salon so is asking you "Why is it in our best interest to have you working for us?". This is your opportunity to prove to them that you are the right candidate for the job!

Emphasise your strong work ethic, understanding of first class customer service, punctuality and above all else - willingness to prove you will do everything to help the salon, and yourself grow.

Good luck - now go get that job!!