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Tips for Finding Your First Job in the Beauty Industry

Traditionally, when people talk about going into the beauty industry, the assumption may be that the options are pretty limited. That actually couldn't be further from the truth.

Hairdressers are in the beauty industry. Spa professionals are in the beauty industry. Make-up artists and nail technicians are also in the beauty industry.

Even the "Avon lady" (which can be a pretty lucrative way to earn some additional income, by the way) is a card carrying member of the "beauty industry club". And when it comes to starting a career in the field, it's really all a matter of deciding which area you are most passionate about.

However, if you're reading this article, there's a good chance that you've probably already figured that part out. You've even gotten the necessary requirements and licensing out of the way.

Now you just need some tips on how to get your first job in the beauty industry.

You've come to the right place.

Business woman

Contact the school that you went to. 

If you're a licensed hairdresser or nail technician, then you went to cosmetology school. Most of them have a list of salons and spas that work directly with their institution that either offer internships (a great way to get your foot into a company) or jobs to graduates. That would be a wise place to begin.

Reach out to salons and spas directly. 

A wise man once said that it can never hurt to ask, and it doesn't. If there is salon or spa where you've always wanted to work, why not give them a call?

If they're not looking for employment at the present moment, ask them if it's OK for you to email them your resume for them to keep on file. A lot of people miss out on some "later on opportunities" because they fail to take this approach during an initial rejection. Remember "not right now" is not synonymous with "never".

Look online. 

Careers in the beauty industry are expanding every day. Therefore, cyberspace has embraced the field as well. Huge job websites like Monster, CareerBuilder and SimplyHired all have sections for the beauty industry, but there are also sites devoted solely to helping people in the category find employment.

Feel free to also check out SalonEmployment.com, HairandBeautyJobs.com and Beauty.com for job leads and career possibilities.

Don't forget about Craigslist. 

Some jobs you will never see listed on the more popular websites. Oh, but Craigslist sure knows how to find them, though!

If you've never thought to look there, simply go to the page of the city in which you live (or want to move to), look under the "jobs" section and scroll down until you see the category that says "salon/spa/fitness".

Start your own business. 

Some people go to the high-end salons for the professional care, but also because it's the "it" place. However, there are others who have no desire to spend hundreds of dollars on a cut-and-color while sitting around for hours on end.

This is where you come in. It costs absolutely no money to create a blog on Blogspot.com, to put up a Facebook fan page or to post a video on YouTube showcasing your skills.

Once people see what you have to offer, let them know what you charge, your hours of availability and that you're even willing to come to their house for a haircut, pedicure or massage.

This is a great way to develop your own clientele while feeling the pride that comes with not just having the beauty industry skills, but being an entrepreneur in it!

(Guest Post by Carol Montrose)

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