Issue link: http://www.ascpskindeepstudent.com/i/1108234
www.ascpskincare.com 21 school. Margie Moseley, an esthetician at Beyond Bliss Nail Salon and Spa in Boerne, Texas, offers this advice to the job seeker: "Working in an existing business with a mix of clients will give you exposure and help you build a clientele. Go slow, gain expertise in the basics, and then look for other options." Begin to research the options in your area while you are in school by reviewing job descriptions and want ads. Save those job descriptions that appeal to you and carefully note the skills that are specifically mentioned. Pay attention to the words used to describe the job specifics and use them in your resume. Become an explorer! Make an appointment to visit different types of employment settings. Some spa directors or owners may allow you to tour the facility or shadow a member of the esthetics staff for a few hours. Making contacts in the industry before you graduate is a great way to learn about the different work options and cultures to gain a feel for the setting that best suits you. The door to a specialty setting such as a medical spa may be more welcoming than you think. Rhonda Freund, managing director of the Aesthetic Rejuvenation Center in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, feels that personality is more important than years of experience. Freund says, "An upbeat personality and someone who wants to be part of a team can help make a client want to return to the practice. Specific protocols and skills, as well as product training, are an ongoing part of the education in a medical spa business. Don't let your lack of experience keep you from applying." PRACTICE AND THEN PRACTICE AGAIN Robinson recommends that students "go out there and get your hands on as many people as possible. Cultivate what inspires you in this industry, and pursue that." Recruit friends, neighbors, and family members to become "models with whom you can practice your new skills. This will serve you well with your state board examinations and practical interviews where you will be asked to provide a skin care service." Hands-on experience with men and women of different ages and skin types will build your confidence. Practice not only your skin care and client communication skills, but also your knowledge and use of skin care retail products and tools. Moseley says many new estheticians lack an understanding of how retail products impact the client. She feels that retail is an important key to success as an esthetician, but retail savvy and a strategy for making recommendations are not always taught in school. In addition, schools generally provide a limited line of skin care products. Working with samples from other companies, trying out new and different types of products, and continuing your education beyond the classroom are all strategies she recommends. RESUME REALITIES: DIGITAL VERSUS PRINT Even in our digital age, a well-written resume you can email or take to interviews is a valuable tool to market yourself. There are many free resume templates available on the internet you can access and customize. Have a friend or a colleague proofread your resume for spelling errors or improvements. For print copies, use the highest quality paper and carry your resume with you at all times. You never know when you'll meet someone who can assist you in your job search. And yes, cover letters have not gone the way of the dinosaurs. Develop a template cover letter, but customize each one that you send out either in person or digitally. It's always exciting to start a new career, and according to the International SPA Association's 2016 US Spa Industry Study, the future is bright for the skin care profession. Spa revenues and visits continue to grow, as well as employment opportunities. Good luck as you pursue your new profession! Portfolio Tips Showcase your unique talents and your best work 1. Take high-quality pictures of your work to use as you develop a website, create Pinterest pins, and produce future marketing materials. 2. Beyond pictures, include certificates from classes, volunteer activities, trade shows, awards you receive, and copies of thank- you notes or reviews during your student experiences. 3. Well-produced and well-edited videos of your work are always impressive. 4. Create a hard paper copy of your portfolio, as well as a digital copy that you can send to potential employers. 5. As soon as you get your license, add that too!