Salon staffing has become an absolute nightmare; either my expectations are unreasonably high or the standards of salon professionalism has taken a nose dive.  Being punctual and dressed for success are no brain-er’s, so I thought.  Three of the last four interviews started late and were a waste of time because I already made up my mind NOT to hire the applicants.  The applicant that had the professionalism to at the very least, be punctual, could not perform any of the services they claimed on their application.  Isn’t it illegal to lie on an application???  If your  claim is  proficiency in eyelash extensions, wouldn’t you expect to perform a demonstration to that effect. duh!!  Not only that, If you use the term ‘ make up artist’, isn’t it likely that you will be asked a question or two about….wait for it…MAKE UP!!!  Why the blank stare??? it’s not a trick question.  What type make up brushes do you prefer? what type bristle? blank stare, blank stare, blank stare. “Okay, so have a great day and good luck in your future endeavors…. gtfooh”

Recently I had a truly ignorant conversation with a new hire, this poor thing had been late more times than she’s been on time, bless her heart.  Finally, after she had accumulated the maximum amount over a certain time period, I had to document her for excessive tardiness.  Now, I am as patient as the next Salon Manager but this child is really testing the limits of my patience.   In response to her write-up she says ” Oh, they don’t want stylist here”, …….(HUH??) “they just make it impossible to work here”……. “Imma have to go ahead and give my notice”……I displayed tremendous restraint in that I just let her talk and showed her the time card for the time period in question; otherwise known as proof!!!.  To that she exclaimed, “you got me”lol.  For the record, being late four days in a row is not an indictment on the company but has everything to do with your level of professionalism….or lack there of!!!

When I was in beauty school, the freshman class was all about professionalism; dress code, state board standards, ethics, punctuality, and how to avoid all things unbecoming of a cosmetologist.  Being on time was actually considered late because it leaves you no time to prepare you station and your guest for their service.  It was a rule that being at least fifteen minutes early was standard operating procedure.  Being early allows you time to pull your client history, prep your area,  or even time to make a fresh pot of coffee. If you walk in at the same time as your client, you are essentially giving them a consultation with your purse still on your shoulder.

We Can Do Better!!!

Go to your local beauty school and have a conversation about the quality of students they are graduating.

Demand Better!