I need some help with my interview for the full-time receptionist position at a local salon?

I worked at another salon for over a year prior to this (I quit there about a year ago to pursue full-time employment after I quit school for a year) and I didn't know whether or not I should talk about the other salon? I just switched majors from dental hygiene to graphic design. I'm in between jobs (and haven't had one for 2 months now) and was curious as to what to answer to the ever-popular ';Where do you see yourself in 5 years?'; question since I'm going to school for something having absolutely nothing to do with this job. Also what should I wear and what kind of questions I should ask the interviewer? I'm very anxious about this interview as I love working in the salon environment and I really enjoyed my position at the other salon... I've just had bad luck with prior job interviews/school/decisions! I guess what I'm trying to say is, I am VERY nervous and want/need this job badly. I have experience not only in a salon, but also with the products this salon offers. I need advice!I need some help with my interview for the full-time receptionist position at a local salon?
Relax and be yourself. What you wear to an interview depends on the job. Generally, you should dress one step up from what the employees wear. For example, if the shop wears jeans; wear slacks. If they wear nice slacks, wear a skirt.





Of course you want to mention the other salon; it shows you have experience in their business. However, do not bad mouth your former employer. Be prepared for the ';Why did you leave that job?';question. [To take a full time job elsewhere is a fine answer, by the way.]





As far as the 5 year question, don't worry about it. The idea is you are interested in jobs that interact with people (receptionist, hygienist, graphic designer.) No one expects you to be stagnant in your career. Just look at them, chuckle, and say ';Well that depends on next week's lottery! If I don't win, I hope to still be working in a position that lets me meet with and help people. I'm still looking for my life career, but whether it's receptionist or graphic designer like I'm studying for now, I will be working with the public.';





The questions will come naturally. Such things as, How many people are you interviewing for this position? How soon do you expect to make your decision? Are there any other skills we haven't talked about that you are looking for?





Just relax, be yourself, and you'll do fine.I need some help with my interview for the full-time receptionist position at a local salon?
My wife has been a professional hair stylist for over 20 years, so she will be advising me on this question in some aspects. The first and foremost rule of any job interview is preparation. Secondly, one must have a professional appearance and attitude with a positive belief that you will succeed in obtaining the desired position you are looking for. Good ';people skills'; are a must as well as communications skills. As you have stated, it would seem that you are already familiar with that aspect of the salon business. As for your concern with where you will be in 5 years is literally an unknown situation for anybody, but you alone have the ability to achieve anything if you work hard enough at it. In scope to your present situation and in my experiences with that ever-popular question, is to be honest with your answer as most owners of any salon will realize that you are still in school and will normally consider that fact. Use any work experience as a learning experience. As for your question on appearance, one should always consider a conservative look. Hair and make-up should also reflect your knowledge of what currently in style, yet be yourself, but once again remain conservative.Your knowledge of salon products will be an asset to you in any case. I hope that my wife and I have been of some help to you. Relax, smile and just be yourself and all should be well. Good Luck.
Try to be relaxed, but friendly. Smile. Wear neat clothes. Aqua is a good color for anyone to wear. Make sure you do your nails before you go. With it being a salon and you being in the front position there, I'm sure you know to have neat make-up and hair. Don't wear perfume.





Just be honest with the questions they might ask. Don't overdo it on the details when answering. I can't imagine a salon interviewer asking ';Where do you see yourself in 5 years.'; But if they do, just tell them you see yourself happy and successful, no matter what type of work you happen to be doing in the future. They might ask you ';Why do you want to work in a salon';. You can tell them that you have worked in a salon before and enjoyed it a lot and that you like to be around people. Questions that you can ask are:


What is the busiest time of the week?


How many stylists are there?


What will be my biggest responsibilities?


Will I be responsible for opening or closing?


Will I be taking my lunch hour/time at the salon or will I be able to leave for lunch?





After the interview is over, smile, shake the interviewer's hand and thank them for taking time to meet with you and that you look forward to hearing from them. Then ask for her business card (very important). Then go out to the nearest store were they sell blank note cards or stationery and write the interviewer a short note:


Dear Ms. Owner,


Thank you again for meeting with me today to discuss the receptionist position at your salon. I enjoyed meeting you and would love the opportunity to work there. If you have any other questions for me, please feel free to call me at 555-5555.


Sincerely,


(your name)





Hand write it neatly - - even if you have to print, if your cursive isn't the greatest. Do it in the car and have a stamp ready to put on that sucker and drop it in the mail right away.





Then wait for the phone to ring. :)


GOOD LUCK!!!!! HOPE YOU GET THE JOB!!!!!