Opening Salon: Recruiting Staff advice needed.

[WaxGirl]

Hi there,

I'm opening a salon (wowee so excited) and new to the site - but all the info on here has been class really helpful but I need some advice re staff.

I'm recruiting a beautician to work full time for me and maybe someone part time (i'll be qualified in september and new to the industry).

I'm doing the recuitment through written applications, then short listing and having interviews (on monday coming) - from speaking to beauty therapists the advice has been to get the applicants to actually do a treatment in the interview to see what they're like - i was just looking to see what you thought of this and if you have any general advice on what to look out for.

Plus I was asked what extra benefits there would be... this is all new to me - what benefits are standard in a salon? would that be sales bonuses etc?

thanks so much

Clare

 

[lenna]

hi welcome to the site, i would find out how long there qualified, what extras do they offer are they confident in french polish, spray tan, specialised waxings things they may not have covered in there actual course, have they worked in salon before, carrying out treatments on you can be a good way off knowing but allow for nerves onn their part, benefits would and could include recieving treatments for free in non peak times, paid lunch hour every trhird saturday off with a moday so they get a long weekend, products cost price, training, there a few,

 

[WaxGirl]

Hi Lena,

thanks for advice. I've noticed on one of the applications that the applicant gets 'treatments bonuses' - what's this? and referred to product sales bonuses - im taking that as comission on sales of products - would that be right?

Clare

 

[sam28]

Hi Clare,

If I was you, I would probably turn the question on them, in the interview ask if they get any bonuses where they are at the moment. (They wont know you dont know !). It will give you more of an idea how to compete with your favourite candidates. Good luck and best of luck with your new spangly salon !! xxxxxx

 

[Martin Smith]

Hi Clare

You might want to ask them if they could bring any business with them to your salon. And if so how much? Personally, if they said alot of clients would follow them I'd be tempted NOT to employ them becuase when they leave you they will do the same!

You might also want to ask why they want to leave their current job - always a killer that one!

The other question I'd be tempted to ask is "Where do you see yourself in 5 years time" This will tell you what kind of drive and determination they have AND if that matches yours.

Very best of luck with your salon. :hug:

 

[WaxGirl]

hi thanks so much,

some very clever tips there.. good idea to turn questions re bonuses back on them. in their application forms I asked why they left previous jobs but i see what you mean to ask why are they leaving their current job. I've had 21 requests for applications and so far about 8 back - a real variety. On one I noticed the woman had many years of experience but seemed to do a lot of chopping and changing around - would this be normal for beauty therapists. I see a couple of them don't have any of the beauty salons who previously employed them as references - making me a bit more cautious - what do you think?

clare

 

[kerry33]

Yes i would be cautious of them not having referees for the salons they are leaving, you want a referee from previous employers that have employed them recently not 20 years ago.
I think it is quite common for beauty therapist to chop and change salons in which they work at, i would be concerned it a therapist wasnt working in one salon for even a year.Changing jobs every 6 months would concern me.
Product commission is pretty standard for most therapists but varies greatly from salon to salon....it often used to be 5% of product sales but i dont think that standard anymore.Good luck recruiting x

 

[lenna]

hi i have also worked in salons and now have my own i can see it from both sides as an employee you want to go to a salon where you can learn the most, one that is up to date, i know in one they thought me body wraps, french paint, tanning etc in that one i wanted to stay i did not go looking around as i felt i was earning and benefiting there, where in another one you just do treatments and your job but learn nothing thats ok if your just starting out wanting to get your foot in the door and get experience but if your past just getting experience you will often want a salon and move around to ones that advance your career most beauty therapists hope one day to have there own salon as sometimes it can be the only way to make money rather than working for someone. therefore they will shop around see who offers the most, who offers the most up to date treatments, training etc. so therefore the threapist can advance in their job.

 

[sam28]

Hi there,

I'm opening a salon (wowee so excited) and new to the site - but all the info on here has been class really helpful but I need some advice re staff.

I'm recruiting a beautician to work full time for me and maybe someone part time (i'll be qualified in september and new to the industry).

I'm doing the recuitment through written applications, then short listing and having interviews (on monday coming) - from speaking to beauty therapists the advice has been to get the applicants to actually do a treatment in the interview to see what they're like - i was just looking to see what you thought of this and if you have any general advice on what to look out for.

Plus I was asked what extra benefits there would be... this is all new to me - what benefits are standard in a salon? would that be sales bonuses etc?

thanks so much

Clare

Just a thought Clare, if you dont feel totally comfortable about interviewing etc. is there someone who you know (perhaps your course tutor) that could interview alongside you and watch their techniques etc ?? I always find in the interviews I have been in myself and ones that I've held myself that I or they just blag half of it anyway, so I wouldnt worry too much about the questions you ask. I think the proof of qualifications, the not moving around too much, the references, the initial meeting of the candidate and the practical will make you decide in no time at all. Back to asking the eg. tutor I always think that two heads are better than one (and may make you feel more confident) and of course the all important womens gut instinct - has always worked for me. Let us know how you get on :hug:xxx

 

[WaxGirl]

thanks for your help everyone

 

[hippy-chick]

Even if you yourself arent that experienced, I still think you would be a good judge of chararcter and be able to see what a good treatment versus a shoddy treatment is.

I was a director of a company a while back and ended up doing a few interviews and product testing and some of the treatments I had given to me, I wasnt qualified in, but could get a real feeling for the person, what their bed side manner was like, etc.

Yes they can be nervous, one spilt a cup of coffee down her white tunic and looked ready to burst into tears, but once she started relaxing into the massage, her true colours shone through.

 

[WaxGirl]

Hi

yes thats so true, i would do a fair bit of recruitment in my current job and always find that following gut instincts works well. well i have 13 applicants so just about to shortlist.

thanks again