No Experience, No Job!

[Purple Rose]

I am really struggling to find a job. It doesn't help that I qualified in July 2007 but then had a baby in november so haven't done any work, apart from on friends and family. I have tried and tried but everyone wants experience. I've contacted salons offering my services for free on saturdays to gain experience but still no one is interested. I am thinking about going mobile, but don't have the money for most of the start up costs at present so need to get a job to earn money to pay for that. Its all such a catch 22 situation. Does anyone have any ideas? I am in the Essex area so if there is anyone could offer me some work experience I would be so grateful!!

Many thanks
xx

 

[nailstarlet]

Hi Where abouts in Essex are you, I might be able to help, or offer some good advice? Mel x

 

[jellytot1978]

I am really struggling to find a job. It doesn't help that I qualified in July 2007 but then had a baby in november so haven't done any work, apart from on friends and family. I have tried and tried but everyone wants experience. I've contacted salons offering my services for free on saturdays to gain experience but still no one is interested. I am thinking about going mobile, but don't have the money for most of the start up costs at present so need to get a job to earn money to pay for that. Its all such a catch 22 situation. Does anyone have any ideas? I am in the Essex area so if there is anyone could offer me some work experience I would be so grateful!!

Many thanks
xx

i am feeling exactly same, it feels like, i will have forgotten everything by the time a get a job!!
sorry to highjack your post but can anyone help me too???

:cry::cry::cry::cry:

 

[essentia]

Hi I have found when money is tight and you cannot get anywhere is to market just a few or even one talent and make it the best treatment that you can. For example say you do tanning but offer it the best way you can, good treatment with excellent service, nice products, fluffy clean towels, etc, etc so your outlay is kept to a minimum. Another tip is to find a treatment not so common in your area. Therapists trying to spread themselves thin will find it harder to compete with those that can offer the whole lot. You will soon find your clients asking if you can do other services such as nails, waxing etc.

 

[Purple Rose]

jellytot1978 - Of course join in, if this can help anyone then it will be great!

nailstarlet - That would be great if you could help, I'm in Billericay.

I like the idea of specialising in something in my area. I may have to do that if I find I can't get a job!!

 

[mobileharmonyxx]

Why not put your name down for some agency work, in your area?

That way a potential employer sees what you have to offer, and vica versa.

Good luck, it is hard at the start, but you will find your answer soon.

The best of luck for now and your future.xx

 

[Lavander Rose]

Hello there

Dont feel or get yourself down too much hun.

I know exactly how you feel, I qualified in Holistic Therapies ( aromatherapy,Reflexology) 5 yrs ago and Beauty 3 yrs ago.

I got the same response from salons I even asked if they would take me on as work experience they never did, I paniked and thought all that time studying and the time and money I had spent for nothing at the end of it.

So I did mobile for 3 yrs after I qualified so I could keep up on experience and so everything id learnt was still fresh in my mind, ( we all have to start at the bottom )

After that I knew I was confident so I went for an interview last year and guess what even with the experience, they still would,nt take me on.

One question what was asked was how did you advertise yourself whilst you were mobile how confident are you..after about 45 mins into the interview she turned round and said.

You are exactly what im looking for but i,m scared that in 6 months you may take my clients LOL.
So never got the job, BUT there is a light at the end of every tunnel

Now I have my own business within a hairdressers only been there a short while but its going great so far.

So cheer up, hold your head up high, get yourself out there on your own, its not easy its damn hard,
I would,nt want to work in a salon anyway, you have to rush all your treatments, ( or feels like you do ) you are commision based

I,m a free spirit and like to do things my way on my own that way you hav,nt go anyone breathing down you

good luck
let me know how you get on :hug:

 

[lizzie27]

hi ya sorry to hear you're struggling,
just wondered if you did any work experience? if so did they not want to take you on? as thats a good chance to prove yourself.
Have you sent your c.v out to all the local salons? or maybe approach tanning salons and hairdressers for free space you could work from on a percentage basis...so you wont have to worry about rent.
i own a salon and just took my work exp girl on as she really is enthusiastic, i think if you let that shine through there alot of therapists out there that could do with an extra pair of hands,
good luck xxx

 

[tinkywinky]

Why not think about working for yourself hun?

 

[Doorie]

from my personnal experience, I know it's usually the typical answer you give to someone who, instead of lacking experience, lacks of Confidence.

^when I didn't know what I wanted to do, I tried it in a lot of jobs, companies, financial business etc.
and I got taken everytime, even in the financial one, with the worse math grade you can have on an exam.

never ever go to an interview thinking you have to fit in and what should I say if she asks this and all.
think tht if they contacted you and booked you for an itv, they possibly need you, or at least, feel there is a little something.

get there with proof of what you've done already, be confident and be yourself.

 

[Purple Rose]

You are absolutely right, I do lack confidence in my treatments but I am overcoming this. I just felt that working in a salon will help build everything up. I have got a second interview in a salon coming up, when I have to do the trade tests. I'm so nervous but I have completely explained my situation and they seem good. If I don't get this then I am really going to do it on my own. I am already building a website for use just in case, and have got all the details for CND and Eve Taylor so I think my credit card will get a bit of a battering but i'll make sure I'll keep all receipts so I can pay it back. What I'll do is offer an introductory rate I think to get me out there and then when I feel a little more confident will offer a normal rate, whatever that will be!

Its just a real battering when no-one gives you a chance, even though I know I am good at what I do. Serves me right for getting pregnant - lol - not that I would change that for the world! At least I know I am not the only person in this situation.xx

 

[Doorie]

I remember back in the days when I came here and read that after your diploma or whatever (in nails) you'd need like one year of practice to be considered as a real pro... it left me speechless and so depressed... I didn't know what to do either and so, you're right, starting in a salon is a great option in the beginning because you don't have to worry about everything in the first days. plus you can have a regular income and therefor you have a financial security.

but being on your own has its advantages too. It's not something I would want to do now because I need to have my team around me. (but my situation is a bit complicated lol)

anyway. what my mentor once told me... "if you don't trust yourself, no one will".

and no client will come if you imagine you could be doing the wrong thing.

fingers crossed for you anyway

 

[tinkywinky]

I went straight from college to working for myself. There was no one looking over my shoulder when I was doing treatments, except me being critical of my own work. Maybe doing some small treatments on clients and building your confidence may help?

For me I find mobile fits in perfectly with my family and home life, but everyone is different.

Mobile work can be boring at times, you have no colleagues so to speak so it can be lonely.

Salon work is more fast pace I found, I like the buzz of a salon.

I'm sure someone will give you a chance soon.

Just keep calm and patient and you will be OK. xxx

 

[HeidiWorman]

One of my salons I work from is in Billericay High Street, pm me your cv and all your details and I will have a word with the owner, am there tomorrow morning so will mention it then.

Heidi

 

[Purple Rose]

Oh wow that would be brilliant. I have emailed you my CV. Thank you so much xx

I also have an interview for a golf and spa resort for work experience also. I have booked my CND L&P conversion and requested there catalogue and designed most of my website already in case I go mobile, which I probably will, so hopefully something good will come out of this! xx

 

[Missy G]

Goodluck to you girl,hope you get it sorted..:hug:

 

[Purple Rose]

Hi, I thought I'd let everyone know that I got offered two days a week at the Spa!!! I'm so excited, but have been told I have to practice my painting but until I am more confident at it they will let me off a bit!! Am so pleased, just goes to show that after a while it does happen!!

xx

 

[sknight]

Hi, I thought I'd let everyone know that I got offered two days a week at the Spa!!! I'm so excited, but have been told I have to practice my painting but until I am more confident at it they will let me off a bit!! Am so pleased, just goes to show that after a while it does happen!!

xx

Babes, I am so happy for you. Just been reading this thread for the first time and was nice to see that you perceviered and got what you wanted in the end. Thanks for sharing and I hope you really enjoy your new job!!