I have a "Technical Interview!" HELP!

I love my school.  I do.  I feel pretty lucky to be able to go to Paul Mitchell the school Bradley.  I have friends who went to beauty school in high school, and I'm glad I waited until I had the chance to enroll at PMTS Bradley.

Last Saturday my friend called me super excited that the salon she wants to work at called her back for a "Technical Interview."  She was totally freaking out because she had no clue what that meant.  She called ME, and I have about 1000 hours in beauty school clocked.  And she graduated beauty school?  LOL!

But I knew the answer because at PMTS Bradley they teach us that.  We are taught how to write a resume, how to interview, how to market our business AND Cosmetology.  

So, in order to help her out I thought that I would write my blog to all those aspiring hair stylists out there who may not know what a "Technical Interview" is.  I know that all the graduates of Paul Mitchell the school Bradley will know.  But not just the Technical Interview, the whole thing. From the beginning to the thank you note.  Hope this helps!

To get hired at a salon or spa, you’ll have to impress the owner during your interview. Here’s what you need to do before, during, and after your interview to “wow” the owner and leave a lasting impression:

1. Before you even step in the salon, do your homework. Visit the salon’s website to study the services they offer, the products they sell, and their mission statement.
2. On the day of the interview, try to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Bring copies of your updated resume, printed on high-quality paper, along with your cosmetology portfolio.
3. Dress professionally. Remember, it is a stylist’s job to be fashion forward. Wear your hair and makeup in a way that’s trendy, so you show you can deliver the same kind of styles for your clients. As far as your clothing goes, black is always a safe bet in the salon industry.
4. Be positive and energetic. Salon owners are primarily looking to hire someone with a good attitude and a willingness to learn.
5. The first interview is usually a preliminary screening. It’s more of a get-to-know-you session. If you’re brought back for a second interview, they might be looking to seal the deal. This interview may include more questions directly relating to the job, like how you would handle specific situations. Some other common interview questions: What does customer service mean to you? Why do you want to be a stylist?
6. Many salons also incorporate a technical audition into the interviewing processes. Depending on your specialty, a salon owner may ask you to complete a haircut and color, massage, manicure or pedicure.
7. Tips from Our Classes on Technical Interviews:  a. Make sure your tools and clean and work!  b. Make sure your kit is spotless on the outside.  c.  Know what the Technical Interview will cover. Color?  Cut?  Style?  d.  Are you responsible for bringing in your hair model?  e.  If so, make sure they look and dress the part.  Many Salons want to know more about you, and whomever you ask to be your hair model is a reflection of YOU - so choose wisely!
8. Ask questions! Remember the salon you work at has to be a good fit for you too. You should try to ask just as many questions as they ask of you. Does the salon have continuing education programs? Is there room for advancement? These are some things you may want to ask before accepting a job.
9. Remember to always follow up with a thank-you note. 

  Ikea's Technical Interview!  LOL!