How To Build a Portfolio and Nail Your Interview

Are you getting ready to graduate from cosmetology school? Congratulations, that’s an exciting accomplishment in your beauty journey! And now comes the really fun part: finding a job that fits your career goals.

So, how do you take the step from a cosmetology graduate to someone working in the growing industry? First, consider what you need to show potential employers to prove you know your stuff, then nail the perfect interview! We know that this can seem overwhelming, which is why we listed out everything you need to know.

What Is a Beauty Portfolio?

First things first, it’s important to know what a portfolio is and it can help show potential employers your artistic talents. A portfolio is a collection of:

• Photographs
• Reviews
• Past recommendations
• Certificates

The goal of a good portfolio is to show off your best work. This helps employers see what you’re capable of doing and also lets them see your unique style so they can make sure you’re a good fit for the job.

How To Bring Your Portfolio Together

Now that you know what a portfolio is, it’s time to start putting yours together! It’s never too early to start building one, as it can really make the job hunting experience go much smoother.

But, if you aren’t sure where to start, the right beauty school can help. During your education at The Studio Academy of Beauty, we’ll be providing more tips on how to build your portfolio and write a professional resume. And, we’ll help you build a professional Instagram account that you can be proud to show potential employers.

In the meantime, here are a few tips you can follow to set yourself up for success:

• Take photos at different angles and lighting to showcase the whole look.
• Include a variety of shots and styles, with an emphasis on hairstyles, makeup looks, and skincare. You want your portfolio to represent everything you can do.
• Look for an area with a clean, simple, and not busy background so it doesn’t take away from your work.
• Start taking photos during school. That way you have something to show potential employers right after you graduate.

When you’re just starting your beauty career, don’t be afraid to also volunteer your skills to help get a name for yourself as a beauty professional. Getting involved in a fashion show or community event are just some ways you can add even more styles to your portfolio. It’s the perfect way for you to experience these exciting things while building your collection!

Craft Your Resume

Along with your portfolio, potential employers will also want to see your resume. Both your portfolio and resume should look professional and show them that you’re serious about pursuing a beauty career.

Not sure what you should include in your resume? At the top of your resume, these are the most important things to list first:

• First and last name
• Contact information
• Your education summary
• Relevant experience in the industry

Then, it’s time to talk about the skills and experiences you’ve had that would let employers know you’ve got the right stuff for the job. And, it’s okay if you don’t have specific on-the-job beauty experience. Salon owners also want to see if you have the soft skills necessary, like customer service and punctuality.

Make sure to include a link to your professional business Instagram profile! Salons love to see how you’ve built your community online.

Design Tips

Remember this is a professional resume, so make sure you organize the letter to ensure it’s easy to read. Follow these tips when making your resume:

• Use a readable font.
• Write the font size at 11 or 12.
• Set margins to no less than 0.5 inch.
• Try to keep it to one page and stay concise.

You don’t need to go big on the design for your resume, because that’s what your portfolio is for! But, do make it look professional! This is part of your education at The Studio Academy of Beauty, too.

Interviewing for the Job

Once you make it through the initial process, it’s time to get ready for the interview! Think about what you loved about beauty school and the skills you’ve learned and draft some answers to some potential questions you may be asked. It makes it much easier to answer when you’ve prepared instead of thinking on the fly.

Some other tips:

• Dress professionally, including your hair and makeup. Salons and spas want to see what you are capable of, so showcase your best work on yourself!
• Arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled interview. While they might not be ready to interview you, being on time and ready shows that you’re serious about your new career.
• Act as if the interview starts right when you walk through the door. Treat everyone you interact with nicely and wait patiently and quietly until your interview starts. Even those who you don’t interview with may remember you depending on how you act.

Learn How To Become a Beauty Professional!

If you are passionate about becoming a licensed beauty professional, take the next steps to enroll at The Studio Academy of Beauty! You can get an education in more than hair, skin, and nails. While we can’t guarantee employment, you can also learn how to build a professional resume and participate in mock interviews and job fairs to help you find your dream career.