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Comment by Tanya L White on November 7, 2012 at 5:16am

Thank you all so much for your advice and support!!!  I'm going to continue to look for now, but if all else fails I can definitely apply at sephora or ulta.  I'm waiting to here back from bosse sports and wellness club in Sudbury.  I'm extremely hopeful, they seemed to like me a lot.  I hope :)!!!!

Comment by Lauren Snow, ASCP on November 6, 2012 at 3:01pm

Hi there! Congratulations on becoming an esthetician! How exciting! I am with Patrick on this one. If you can't get hired on immediately at a place, instead of settling for a spa/salon you don't want to work at long, why not settle in a way that will further your career? I knew I wanted to work at a specific hotel in San Diego and they had no positions available for an esthetician. So instead, I interviewed with them for a spa receptionist position. I told them at the time that I wanted to eventually be moved into an esthetician role- and they loved the idea of having someone who knew spa treatments up front, with the ability to be moved around the spa and handle various tasks. I loved it and loved learning all the ins and outs of the spa. Once an esthetician position opened, I was moved, but I asked to still continue to help with the front of house duties because I enjoyed it so much! I became very valuable to the hotel spa because I could cover many shifts...which means $$$!

 

Claire is right, ASCP has a lot to offer- and so does Claire! :) I put on my resume my professional affiliations (ASCP, Day Spa Association etc) and I think it does increase your chances of getting an interview because they see you take professional responsibility. Good luck darlin', something is going to come up!

Comment by Patrick McRae on November 6, 2012 at 12:43am

While it may not be the most exciting approach, consider esthetics-related jobs that can help you build credibility and network with potential clients and employers. Department and retail beauty supply stores (like Sephora and Ulta) will gladly hire licensed estheticians, and some even have facilities to offer mini-treatments. Though these aren't necessarily 'treatment room' positions, they will show future spa/salon employers that you have a knowledge of brands and products and, more importantly, well-honed customer consultation skills. 

Another possibility might be pursuing a front desk or spa coordinator position. Focus on businesses where you think you might like to work as a skin therapist and let them know you'd love to work your way up. While you might spend a year answering phones and washing towels, you are demonstrating your work ethic, learning how the industry works and positioning yourself for taking over the first available treatment room. One of my coworkers began this way while still finishing esthetics school and within months of getting her license was able to fill an opening in the esthetics department of our spa.

Comment by Judy Lemus on November 5, 2012 at 6:14pm

Like you said, all you need is ONE opportunity - so try to make it with the person in charge of hiring, offer an onsite facial (or whatever you excel in) as a hands on interview.  Let them SEE what you do.

Comment by Regina Paige McKinney on November 5, 2012 at 2:41pm

Tanya internships are available

Comment by Claire Barnes on October 30, 2012 at 7:41pm

Tanya...sorry to hear this.  Please don't be disheartened.  Have you registered for my upcoming Webinar which is on ASCP?  Here is the link for the FREE webinar where I will be helping people on here like yourself understand the resume writing process and the interview process.  During these difficult employment times we need as much help as possible.  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/140633026    Take a look and possibly register   Hope to see you on there so I can help you.

Comment by Tanya L White on October 29, 2012 at 2:51pm

Thanks for the advice. and the positive reinforcement!!! 

Comment by Ann Prendergast on October 29, 2012 at 12:14pm

Hi Tanya :)

First of all, congratulations on getting your license! I own my business so I have never had go on interviews so Idk exactly what the "atmosphere" is like right now in spas and interviewing but I would suggest a few things...mentioning on your resume that you are already insured by ASCP and utilizing their webhosting and create a website! Play up your specialties (waxing, incredible facials, makeup, whatever). I will assume you go to the interviews dressed professionally with your hair up and nails trimmed :)

What are of the country are you located? There is a website that shows the salary expectation for different regions of the country so when interviewing you should keep that figure in mind as well. I would also research a spa before you interview there...whats the demographic? what is the spa's history with customer service...what is the word of mouth? Do they provide product and supplies? That sort of thing...

Please stay positive and you WILL get hired soon!!! Good luck!!!