Landing your dream salon job is an exciting step in your beauty career, and getting ready for that all-important interview can be a bit nerve-wracking. But don’t worry! With the right preparation, you can walk in with confidence and leave a lasting impression. Here’s your fun and friendly guide to nailing your salon job interview.

1. Dress to Impress—Salon Style

Before you pick out your outfit, do a little research on the salon. Check out their social media, browse through their photos, and see how the stylists there dress. The goal is to dress in a way that aligns with the company culture of the salon while still being true to yourself. All black is a safe bet—it’s chic, professional, and most importantly, it won’t clash with any hair color! But remember, this isn’t a corporate office job, so you don’t have to dress like a lawyer. You’re a creative, after all! Show a bit of your personality through your outfit while keeping it professional.

2. Showcase Your Makeup and Hair Styling Skills

Your hair and makeup should reflect your best work—after all, this is what you’ll be doing daily! If you’re interviewing for a hairstylist position, make sure your hair is on point. Whether you’re rocking sleek and polished or tousled and trendy, let your style speak to your skills. As for makeup, stick to what you normally wear. If you love a full glam look, go for it. If you prefer something more natural, that’s perfect too. The key is to present the best version of yourself and the style you love to create.

3. Bring Your Resume

Even if the salon says bringing a resume isn’t necessary, bring one anyway. It’s a small detail, but it shows you’re prepared and serious about the opportunity. A well-organized resume highlights your experience, skills, and achievements, and gives the salon something to remember you by when they’re reviewing candidates. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter and shows that you’re a professional who comes ready.

4. Prepare Questions

When the interview turns to you for questions, it’s your time to shine. Preparing thoughtful questions shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in working with them. Ask about the schedules, working hours, how walk-in clients are handled, and how the payment structure works. Imagine yourself working in the salon and think about what you’d want to know. However, do your research first—don’t ask questions you could easily find answers to on their website or social media. That shows a lack of effort, and you want to demonstrate the opposite.

5. Remember Names

Take note of the names of the stylists, the salon owner, and anyone else you might meet during your interview. If you can drop a name or two during your conversation, it shows that you’ve paid attention and that you’re interested in the people who make the salon what it is. It’s a small detail, but it can make a big impact.

6. Have Your Portfolio Ready

In today’s beauty industry, your Instagram account is your best portfolio. Make sure it’s filled with your best work—whether it’s a physical portfolio or your Instagram feed, have it ready to show. A well-curated Instagram not only showcases your skills and creativity but also demonstrates that you know how to utilize social media channels effectively. This is a huge plus in the eyes of salon owners who are looking for stylists who can bring in clients through social media. Regularly posting your work on Instagram helps build your brand and attract potential clients. Need a little help on how to grow your Instagram account and what to post? Check out this article HERE.

7. Let Your Personality Shine

Confidence is key. Walk in with your head held high, greet everyone with a smile, and be yourself. Interviews are just as much about personality as they are about skills. They want to know if you’ll fit into the team and bring positive energy to the salon. So, let your personality shine through and show them that you’re the perfect addition to their team.

8. Arrive Early

Finally, be sure to arrive early. In the salon world, time is money, and showing up early demonstrates that you’re reliable and respectful of everyone’s time. Plan your route ahead of time, check out the parking situation, and give yourself a buffer to ensure you’re not rushed. Remember, on time is late, and early is on time!

With these tips, you’re all set to impress at your salon job interview. Remember to stay calm, be yourself, and let your passion for the beauty industry shine. Good luck—you’ve got this!