AHP Indie Stylist

Indie Stylist Student Edition 2021

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your interview, having them in front of you will keep you mindful of information that is important to you when making your career decision. When creating your questions: Start with the basics. Typically, a potential employer will answer the following questions in your interview, but list them anyway for quick review. List basic questions, such as: • Will I be a contractor or employee? • How will I be paid? And, how often? • Is scheduling flexible—or not? • Are there benefits? Vacation time? Sick pay? • Is training and continuing education available? • Are there advancement opportunities? • Where do you see your business in the next five years? Consider the vibe. The culture or "vibe" of a company is a major consideration when looking for your dream job. During your research, you were able to get a sense of the culture—and you'll likely get a feel of the business's vibe when you go for your interview—but you may still have questions for the interviewer, such as: • Does the spa have a concrete mission statement? How about clear values? • What's the work environment like? Is it comfortable and inviting? Is it ever stressful? If there are stressful situations, what is the cause? How is conflict resolved? • Are the majority of employees long-term, or is there a high rate of turnover? If there is, why? • Do employees get along with one another? Do they build friendships? Hang out after work? • Is the business involved in the community, charity work, or fundraising? Is there employee involvement in these activities? • Is there a diverse culture? A spirit of inclusion? Ask questions and observe. If at all possible, try to speak with current employees for a better understanding of the company culture. Even if you can't speak with an employee directly, their body language should answer a lot of your questions. For example: • Are employees happy? Are there smiling faces around you? Do they seem to like each other? • Are the employees neat, professional, friendly, and accommodating to clients? Are they making eye contact with those around them? • Is there a sense of teamwork and a cooperative spirit? Or, do you sense an atmosphere of competition? Tip: A pre-interview visit will allow you to get an idea of drive time, parking, etc. You'll also be able to see if the location is well-kept and feels safe. Finally, you'll be able to observe the demeanor of clients and employees, as they enter and leave a business, to get an idea of the "vibe" and to observe the dress code. NOW, DECIDE WHETHER A SPA IS A GOOD FIT FOR YOU Now that you created your wish list, whittled it down to top contenders, did your research, and created a list of important questions for the interviewer—and possibly other employees— how do you decide whether the job is right for you? Well, if you are an intuitive decision maker, your gut tells you when a decision is right—and also when it's so, so wrong. If this is you, take comfort in knowing you did a lot of research and soul searching before landing on a particular job. If, on the other hand, you are the type to make pro and con lists and weigh them logically, you can also feel pretty darn comfortable with your decision to take an offer. After all, you created a very clear picture—and checklist—of your dream job. No matter how you make your decisions, you did the work. Now go and build that magnificent career you worked so hard to create! Focus your questions on areas that are of genuine interest to you—not just questions you think the employer wants you to ask.

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