Stepping up the rungs of the cosmetology profession begins with that crucial cornerstone: finding your first job. Whether you're a recent high school grad or a senior who's exploring career options, it's vitally important to choose the right beauty school!

Finding the Right Beauty School.

We urge you to do your homework and ask a lot of questions since you'll be making an investment in a beauty school or cosmetology school.

First, we strongly recommend that you consider beauty schools and cosmetology schools that are accredited by the National Accrediting Association Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NAACAS).

If you decide to attend a non-accredited beauty school, be sure to check with the state licensing board to ensure that the school is licensed to legally operate in the state where it's located.

Other important factors to consider are:

Financial aid

Does the beauty school participate in Federal student financial aid programs, the Department of Veteran Affairs for veteran education benefits and the Workforce Investment Act.

• Job placement rates of graduates

• Ratio of training, i.e., classroom lecture vs. laboratory/clinic hands-on?

• Do students work on mannequins or real paying customers?

• What percentage of graduates passes the licensing exam?

• Transferability of credits if I decide to change schools

Preparing for the job market.

Jumpstart your job hunt-and land that first beauty industry position by talking with career counselors at the school where you completed your cosmetology education. Ask them to provide job leads, resume evaluation, interviewing advice and networking connections.

No reputable school will guarantee jobs to their graduates. However, most schools will assist you in your job search by providing career days where salon owners come to the school to present their salon and to teach classes on hair cutting, color, professional dress, what to expect in the salon work environment. Most schools also offer resume writing and job interviewing skills training as part of their curriculum.

Knowing what you want.

Understand and clarify your goals and expectations for your first job. Is location or geography important-do you want to work in a small town or metropolitan area? Where do you want to be five or ten years from now? What path do you want your career to follow?

Understand the variety of opportunities.

After you graduate from beauty school and pass your State's board exam, you'll be ready to work in a variety of exciting fields:

• at a salon or spa

• on a cruise ship

• in a dermatologist's office

• as a platform artist working with models at fashion shows

• in retail sales and marketing

….OR

• fulfill your entrepreneurial dreams by starting your own business!

Interview Tips.

When you do land those first interviews, dress appropriately, paying close attention to personal hygiene and wearing business-like attire. Make direct eye contact with the interviewer, ask questions, and give direct and concise answers. Lack of experience doesn't necessarily doom new grads and high school seniors. Be honest and tell a prospective employer, "Yes, I am fresh out of school, but I'm willing to learn if you will give me a chance."

To receive a FREE copy of the Beauty Industry Career Guide, visit the Salon Success website.

Summary

You're ready to dive into the beauty industry job market-all it takes is a little preparation and lots of confidence. Providing beauty services that enhance the appearance of your clients is a very gratifying, exciting and challenging career choice. And, the Job Outlook for well-trained beauty professionals has never been better. In fact, a career in the beauty industry is virtually recession proof because both women and men want to look good and feel good as they age - whether the economy is booming or weak. With the aging of 78 million baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964), the demand for beauty and wellness services will be very strong for decades to come.