Hair dressing apprentices
I’ve received a few emails from parents about their children’s failed efforts to land a hair dressing apprenticeship. To boost people’s chances I called up some salon owners to ask what they look for.
Stylists said they would talk to a young person who wanted advice as long as they did not walk into the salon at a very busy time. Candidates applying for advertised roles should include any and all work experience on their resume even if it is unrelated as it shows a work ethic.
For interviews and meetings, one stylist told me she doesn’t want to see “anything exposed” – no tummies or breasts on gals or low slung jeans on guys. A would be apprentice doesn’t need an amazing ‘do’ but hair, clothes and overall look needs to reflect an interest in style and fashion.
Punctuality is a real bug bear for salon owners. No one should ever be late for a job interview.
Personal grooming and hygiene is also noticed. Apprentices will work in close physical proximity to clients so clean nails, deodorant and fresh smelling hair is vital.
Enthusiasm, eager to learn and demonstrating you have done a bit of research on the role of the hair stylist is also a winner. More than one salon owner bemoaned apprentices who quit soon after starting because they found the work too tough.
“Personally, I look for personality, passion and respect first,” says salon owner Dan Dixon from the Chop Shop. While Summa Horgan, owner and director of Loft Hair, says young people who focus only on what they will be paid is a huge turn off.
We have hair styling profiles CareerOne.com.au Click on the News & Advice tab then Career Development before scrolling to “H” on the Career Profiles list.
