Spa+Clinic Team For young graduates beginning to forge their way in the beauty or spa industry or someone returning to work after a break, understanding more about the career opportunities available to them and finding the right job isn’t always easy.
Similarly it can be difficult for prospective employers to choose the best candidates for their particular needs from a slew of job applications.
Isabel Roos has over 40 years’ experience in the spa and beauty industry and, as a CIDESCO examiner and managing director of the ISA Carstens Academy in South Africa, has worked with numerous students.
Here, she works with CIDESCO in sharing her helping hints on how to approach the industry as a recent graduate; from helping evaluate career options, to advising on job applications and securing employment.
Many opportunities await students after completing their studies, the most popular option is being a therapist in a salon environment where the key performance area is to build their own clientele.
New employees will be looking to ensure that these clients return to them personally on a monthly basis for the improvement and maintenance of skin and body conditions.
Another option where opportunities continue to rise is to become a spa therapist, which I believe is a wonderful career as it enables therapists to have a more holistic approach to treating clients.
The spa therapist will focus more on the relaxation of the client in order to assist with relaxation of body, mind and spirit.
Knowledge of water therapies is important, as many spa treatments include these.
The key performance area for a spa therapist is treating the body in many different ways, thus it can be extremely fulfilling and varied for the therapist.
Alternatively, a graduate can enter the retail sector whereby the therapist will start as a sales representative for a specific company.
As part of the sales team, this individual may also be involved with training of salon therapists as well as a consultant in the use of product.
This opportunity may evolve into becoming part of the management team of the company and leads to promotions in the corporate business world of beauty and wellness.
The best ways of finding jobs and opportunities
The easiest and most popular way is to search on the internet for recruitment companies in the beauty and spa sector, of which there are many. They will be familiar with the industry qualifications and many of them operate on a global basis.
Therefore, if a graduate is looking to work overseas, they will be able to advise. They can also assist with interview tips and assist with CV compilation, which is normally a free service.
Preparing for interviews
Find out about the company where you are going to be interviewed. Visit their website to find out about its size, the owner, manager and the vision of the company.
Be on time for the interview. Dress code should be strictly office wear and make sure you have all necessary documentation with you such, as proof of qualifications.
Be honest at all times during the interview, especially about your salary expectation if asked.
Do not bad-mouth your previous employer or any of their staff.
Ask relevant questions regarding the opportunity you are applying for now: ie. office hours, weekend work, annual leave. Do not sound over-eager but equally sound very interested in the position.
What businesses look for most in their recruits
Companies want to know that you’re interested in working for them and will fit in well as part of their team. Show a willingness to share your expertise but also show that you are keen to learn and develop too.
Factors to consider if you want to be self-employed
- Be sure that your personal circumstances will allow you to work irregular hours.
- Set a business plan and ensure that it is viable.
- Know that you will be working very long hours.
- Know that it will not always go according to plan – be flexible.
- Be patient – it takes a thousand days before you will show profit.
- Do not employ too many employees too soon. Rather, do the work yourself.
- Ask for advice from as many people in the industry as possible. Most people are happy to share their own experiences and advice.
