How To Land The Perfect Job out of Esthetics School - Maxine Drake Blog

How to Land the Perfect Job Out of Esthetics School

Don’t panic! You’re awesome, and you’ve got this!

How To Land The Perfect Job out of Esthetics School - Maxine Drake BlogCongratulations on completing esthetics school! Now it’s time to land the perfect job. Welcome to the sensational circle of estheticians.

You have chosen a life path that is not only personally rewarding but can be very lucrative if you plan effectively. You will build amazing relationships and lasting friendships, and even experience your clients becoming like extended family.

Picking the Perfect Career For You

While there are many rewarding career options today as a licensed esthetician, even the smartest esthetician can feel overwhelmed by the many job choices. You may want to take some time to understand yourself and your preferences before jumping into the first job opportunity.

Knowing what invigorates you in the beauty industry will help you find the right career path and avoid the headache of job-hopping. That can be particularly dangerous in our field since success is based on establishing and developing a portfolio of recurring clients.

What Did You Love Learning About in Esthetics School?

While different areas have different criteria for their cosmetology programs or esthetician programs, more than likely there was a subject that you fell in love with.

Ask yourself:

  • Are you best suited for a salon, a spa, med-spa, wellness center, plastic surgeon, destination resort, or cruise ship, to name a few?
  • Did any of your instructors recommend a career path for you?
  • What did you like learning about the most?
  • What set you apart from the other students in your program?
  • Do you have certifications in a specific niche?
  • Did your curriculum focus on one area of esthetics that you fell in love with?

Typically, job possibilities come from people you know that can personally vouch for you, so start asking around in your close circle. You may be pleasantly surprised who has connections at a salon or spa!

Best Ways to Search For An Esthetics Job

It is easy to network on the internet in the business world today. LinkedIn and other social media platforms are excellent resources, along with online career boards, such as Indeed and Monster. When it comes to your esthetics job search, there are a few different searching methods we recommend, these include:

  • Networking: One of the best parts of the esthetics business is how social it is. Just by going to school, you’ve probably met individuals who have the same goals as you. Keep in touch with colleagues, instructors, and mentors. You never know who will have the next job for you.
  • Online Job Resources: We never underestimate the power of the internet. Using online job services, such as Indeed, can help connect you with jobs that are perfect for you.
  • Working For Yourself: Working for yourself takes a lot of hard work, but it’s one of the best ways to ensure you have a job after graduating. This is the best way to implement your vision into the industry.

These are just a few of the ways you can search for a job in the esthetics industry. The job search can be exciting, but finding the perfect job can’t be beaten.

Thinking About Becoming a Solo Esthetician?

While a high amount (70%) of estheticians work independently, I don’t recommend opening a private practice right after finishing school and getting your diploma, unless you have a solid business plan.

Typically, several estheticians work together in a modern salon or spa setting, which allows you to get hands-on learning and experience that you can’t get from your education or program, even if your academy had a comprehensive curriculum. You’ll find makeup artists, hair removal specialists, medical estheticians, lash extension professionals, massage therapists, and more – all under one roof!

You can also cross-market with other service providers to build a clientele.

Many post-graduate estheticians say they don’t want to wax, or they only want to deliver facials. This can be tricky, as you want to prove that you are fully marketable to a future employer. You want to affirm that you are a valuable asset, so try not to limit your esthetic skills initially, for you can always find your niche later if you choose to do so.

You may run into the challenge when a potential employer requires experience. Don’t be discouraged! Your school diploma is all you need to get started. Many esthetician schools have programs to jumpstart your career in esthetics.

A few ideas to get hands-on training and experience are:

  • Department stores or beauty stores
  • An internship with specialized training
  • Volunteer in a community outreach program

A smart beauty business owner will recognize an ambitious individual willing to do whatever it takes. There are creative ways to get your foot in the door of your dream job if you encounter this obstacle.

essthetic students graduate from school

How to Interview For an Esthetician Job at a Salon or Spa

If you’re feeling a bit nervous prior to any interview, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, remind yourself how hard you’ve worked to get your esthetics license.

Your Education & Curriculum

You’ve learned a ton about skin treatments, hair removal, makeup application, body treatments, chemical peels, lash extensions… the list goes on and on. As you know, not every beauty student will pass the practical exam – even after completing the esthetics program.

You’ve been through hours of training in the classroom, online learning, and hands-on learning about techniques and technologies in the beauty industry. Give yourself a huge pat on the back for completing a rigorous curriculum to get your esthetician license. It takes a lot of education to earn the right to touch people’s hair, skin, and nails.

Get in the Right Mindset for Your Interview

I recommend doing these two exercises to boost your confidence. Right before you walk in the door of your future employer, smile at yourself in the mirror for a few minutes. Talk to yourself, “I’ve got this job! I believe in myself”! Next, strike the victory pose for a few minutes. You know the pose where the athlete just crosses the finish line and throws his or her arms up in the air, or your favorite team scores a point and you throw your arms up in the air? This particular body pose improves self-confidence tremendously. It may sound silly, but there is actual scientific data on this power pose from a study at the Harvard Business School.

The esthetician who has that burning desire to land the job…will! One of my favorite quotes from Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.” You’ve acquired a couple of tools to boost confidence, so walk into your interview with unwavering eagerness and determination. Be yourself because there is no one else like you! Express yourself clearly and positively with good eye contact. Interviews go both ways, so don’t be afraid to ask what you’re looking for in the position as well.

Traits Your New Employer is Looking For

Be sure to have proper body language which establishes trust and rapport, so your future employer will be more confident in hiring you. Be creative and jump on opportunities during your conversation. I knew an esthetician who sold a product during her interview, while the manager was on the phone. This girl was quick on her feet! The manager was so impressed that she offered the girl the position. Be ready and willing!

Here are the top 10 traits and characteristics I looked for during the interview process as a previous spa owner. Many employers look for these common attributes since they are a sign of a successful person. Learn where your own strengths and weaknesses sit and take notice of where you can improve.

  • Appearance and clothing
  • Effective Communication skills
  • Honesty
  • Body language; confidence level
  • Knowledge and skills
  • Cultural fit with my existing team
  • Sales; able to upgrade treatments and offer retail
  • Handling a disgruntled guest; what would you do?
  • Leadership qualities; decision-making.
  • Ambitious and enthusiastic; be a self-starter.

This was paramount to me as an employer. Sometimes I would ask: “Give me some examples of how you would promote yourself?”

Get Ready to Love Your Job!

You are about to embark upon an incredible journey but keep this in mind; whichever job setting you are drawn to, you still need to promote yourself and work hard at building a clientele. You ultimately work for yourself and should never rely solely on an employer to feed you, clients. Become a networking fanatic! When a client returns to you for repeat business it is the most gratifying feeling!

Remain open and never stop learning in all aspects of your career, from new technologies, products, and business development courses.

Growth opportunities are everywhere when you keep up to date on the latest advanced treatments in the beauty and skincare industry.

I am so excited about your future! Enjoy the journey and live passionately!

Looking for a better way to run your beauty business?

If so, the “9 Esthetician Business Mistakes to Avoid” guide will help you avoid the most common mistakes made by estheticians. It’s packed with expert advice and tips on how to improve your business operations.

Running an esthetics practice can be overwhelming at times.

That’s why I want to make sure you have all of the tools necessary to succeed in today’s competitive market.

This guide will give you the knowledge needed to take control of your business and get back into doing what you love – helping people look & feel their best!

The information in this guide has been compiled based on years of experience working with hundreds of estheticians, such as:

  • The most common pitfalls when it comes to managing a successful practice
  • How to get out of a rut when you feel stuck
  • Why offering discounts is costing you money (and what to do instead)
  • and more!

Click here to download your copy now!

MAXINE SIGNATURE

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