Hi

i had an interview today for my first job as a beauty therapist. i have completed my nvq level 2 and this would be a part time job while i do my level 3.

they've asked me to go back tomorrow for a skills/trade test which of course is normal but they want me to do loads! they want me to do a facial, including all the massage of course, a leg wax, underarm wax, dark polish manicure and french manicure. i'm going to be there for hours!

i am not very good at nails. it's my weakest thing and i'm really nervous about it. has anyone got any good tips for keeping calm and also, do they expect me to be really good do you think? my other skills are fine, it's just the nails that's worrying me as i'll probably shake with nerves and be even worse than usual!

BB
x

I wouldn't worry about it; I've assessed a few trade tests in my time, and I always took nerves into account!!! They make you do silly things sometimes, drop things, walk into things etc..!! I never took a trade test as a true show of someone at their best, just to give me an indication of what they're capable of.

And if she's a good employer, she will know that simply being qualified doesn't mean you're a brilliant therapist! It's like learning to drive...you learn enough to pass the test, but you never really stop learning. Beauty is the same, and I'm sure if you're a little shakey on the nail side of things, if she feels you're right for her salon, she will invest time in you, and help you with the things you don't feel confident on. Always mention to her if you are feeling nervous too, she's been there herself I'm sure!

As for tips to calm you down, a few deep breaths, and SMILE!!! Works wonders for your confidence...and if that doesn't help, get some Rescue Remedy spray, and keep spraying!!!!

Good luck, let us know how it goes
XXX

Good luck! You will be fine.

Bombalurina has given some great advice there. Just act like you did when you were being assessed at college. You potential employer will understand that you are fresh out of college so will be aware that you will be nervous on certain treatments.

I havent used it but have heard lots of good reports about rescue remedy so give it a go if you it will help.

Let us know how you get on.

Please let me know how it went

thanks for your messages, i really appreciate them.

unfortunately it didn't go too well. First i did a french manicure and a dark manicure on one of the senior therapists and it was ok. not great, just ok but she was extremely nice and seemed to think it was alright.

then i had to do a half leg wax on the owner. Eek! i immediately got really nervous and she wasn't friendly so she put me off even more although i followed your advice and continued to be really smiley and chatty. My gloves got really sticky and made it hard for me, then one of them split, i missed a few hairs which she pointed out in a pretty nasty way and when she turned over, i started putting prewax on the wrong leg ( I always get confused when they turn over!) which she made a fuss about too. Felt that she didn't like me as a person and that she thought i was crap.

then i did a facial on a junior member of staff and i felt that went perfect but there were no senior staff watching so they've only got her word for it.

they said they'll call me next week but after the waxing experience i'd be amazed if i got the job. Not sure i'd want her as a boss anyway!

got another skills test on Friday at the salon where i did my work experience where the owner is lovely and i get on with her brilliantly.

going to console myself with some much needed chocolate now!

BB
x

Dont look at it as a bad experience but an learning curve.

If you dont get the job you have been tested on today (which I am not convinced you want anyway now) then use the experience from this as a lesson for your next trade test.

I do believe that things happen for a reason - we dont always know what that reason is until sometime later!

Chin up - and enjoy that chocolate!

I agree with Oey, you never know what's about to come around the next corner! If I'd got a job I really wanted a few years ago, I probably wouldn't be where i am now...! (And I'm grateful that things have worked out the way they have!)

Try not to worry yourself too much about this one, at least it's over and done with, and just remember, if this one was really that bad, just think how easy the next one will be in comparison!!

well you won't believe this, but i got the job and turned it down! Very suprised when she called me but went in to see her today and she was even more unfriendly than before. The hours and pay were good but i think i would be so unhappy there, it has a really bad vibe about it - you were so right about me not really wanting it anyway. What's the point in giving up a career i was unhappy in to start a new one if i'm not going to be any happier?

Luckily i got offered the other job i went for too and i've accepted it as the salon and staff are fantastic and although the pay is lower, the hours suit me better and it's much closer to home so i'll spend a lot less on petrol. Feel i've made the right decision.

BB
x

Congratulations on the job hun, well done...x

Thats great news! Congratulations!

Just goes to show you that your level of treatments were absolutely fine!