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You own your own salon, celebrities drop in to get the latest styling ideas and you fly around the world to make sure that Leonardo Di Caprio’s hair looks fantastic at the set of his new movie. Well, if you work hard many of your dreams can come true. The keys are following these goals and getting the right training. How can you get started?

To learn from the best people in the industry, you’ll have to become their apprentice or trainee. Your chances to be accepted for an apprenticeship or traineeship will be higher if they have the feeling that you fit well working in their industry and interact pleasantly with clients. I’ve found these three basic rules, the “Three A’s for Hairdressing” compiled by Helen Cater which will make your entry into that business easier. Just keep the three A’s in mind when you’re preparing for your apprenticeship or traineeship interview and it will keep you from making avoidable mistakes:

The first one is Appearance. You’re applying for an apprenticeship or traineeship in an industry that is all about appearance and your potential boss will surely check your personal care. Look after your own hair, make sure your nails are not chipped and your hands are well groomed. A hairdresser’s appearance is his business card and nobody wants to get touched by scruffy fingers. Don’t try to dress too fashionably but choose a style that is tidy and avoid jeans and trainers.

Attitude is the second A.  Be professional and show that you seriously want that apprenticeship!  That means no disturbing mobile calls and no messages; turn your mobile off.  Try to be yourself but avoid swearing even if you feel comfortable in the interview situation.

The Last A: Attendance. Be on time! Whatever it takes, if you are late at such an important event like an interview how can your employer expect you to be on time during an average work week?  Nobody will mind if you turn up too early, if it’s more than 20 minutes maybe take a short walk around the block and get familiar with the area.

Now that you are prepared with 3 basic rules how to make your interview successful a big challenge for your future hairdressing career is finding a reliable employer.  If you feel uncertain about this complex topic you can contact a group training organisation like apprenticepower to help you.

Image by C_Pichler.