The winning approach-Application letters and Resumes

I would like to give some pointers, ideas and food for thought when writing a letter of application's, resume's, cold calling and interviews for an apprenticeship. Most great hairdressing jobs are not advertised. It is important to be prepared to target your ideal work place.

So you want to be a hairdresser? Don't know where to start?

RESEARCH, Start with some research in the industry, do you know how long an apprenticeship is? Do you know anything about Cert 3 or Cert 2 courses? Search the web? Search wage line, know your potential roster (yup every saturday and late nights)
What type of hairdresser do you want to be? Talk to other hairdressers?

STAND OUT, When I read application letters and resume's Im looking for something to stand out and make me interview that candidate. Things that make you stand out are PRESENTATION, EFFORT and PERSONALLY!

GET NOTICED, It could be as simple as selecting great quality paper, pink paper, using a CD with funky cover, think outside the square, it is a creative industry so be creative with your presentations. Make your letter, resume and yourself stand out from the rest. I always love when candidates add a photo or give away some personal information. This makes you a real person not a pice of paper or a random drop in.
Research your desired salon, do they have a web site? Presence in media? Have you seen them advertise? Maybe have a haircut in the salon to suss it out? Add all relevant details about yourself.

RELEVANT PEOPLE, phone targeted salon and ask who should you address your resume to? Also ask what is the best time to drop off your resume? In the hairdressing industry stay away from salons on Saturdays and Thursday nights, your resume will certainly get chucked in the back of the draw never to be sean again in these busy times. As soon as you present yourself in a salon, first impressions are very important.

IN PERSON, Take your resume into the salon in person, on your own, no mothers holding hands and definitely do not bring an entourage of friends to hold your hand either.

DRESS TO IMPRESS, make a huge effort with hair, make-up and clothing. Dress up, not down, make fashion your inspiration.
Introduce yourself very politely and clearly, ask if the person whom is responsible for recruitment is available (excuse yourself for interrupting),ask if it would be ok to leave your resume.

FOLLOW UP, so you dropped your resume off and heard nothing, print another and take in a week later, still no response? Send an email? Phone? Keep trying and following up every month. Ask for feedback for improvement, Ask for recruitment procedures? Inquire about the future recruitment?

SO YOU GET AN INTERVIEW, take extra things to get remembered and strike up extra conversations. Art folios, certifcuits, photos, school reports etc. Get friends or family to have pretend interviews with you so you can practice. Be on time, DRESS TO IMPRESS, speak clearly and use eye contact. You may be asked if you have any questions in the interview, it is important that you have some to ask.

GOOD LUCK!!!!
NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!!

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Smile, we have the greatest job in the world!