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Ace Your Cosmetology Interview!

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pdiluigi

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Ace Your Cosmetology Interview!

Students will be able to identify key interview strategies, practice effective communication skills, and develop confidence for cosmetology job interviews.

Mastering interview skills is crucial for cosmetology students to successfully transition from training to a professional career. This lesson will equip them with the tools to articulate their skills and passion, making a strong first impression.

Audience

11th Grade Cosmetology Students

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, role-playing, and a fun game.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Cosmetology Interview Slides, Interview Scenarios Game Cards, Pens/Pencils, and Small Prizes (optional)

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review Cosmetology Interview Slides and customize as needed.
    - Print and cut out Interview Scenarios Game Cards.
    - Ensure projector/whiteboard is ready.
    - Gather pens/pencils and optional small prizes.

Step 1

Warm-Up: First Impressions (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Begin with a quick discussion: "What makes a great first impression during an interview?"
    - Ask students to share their initial thoughts.
    - Transition to the slide deck: "Today, we're going to sharpen our skills to make unforgettable first impressions!"

Step 2

Slide Deck Presentation: Interview Essentials (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Present Cosmetology Interview Slides.
    - Cover topics such as: professional appearance, common interview questions, asking questions, and follow-up.
    - Encourage student participation by pausing for questions and sharing experiences.
    - Emphasize tailoring answers to cosmetology-specific roles and showcasing their portfolio if applicable.

Step 3

Activity: Interview Scenarios Game (8 minutes)

8 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
    - Explain the Interview Scenarios Game: Each group picks a card, discusses how they would respond, and one member role-plays their answer.
    - Circulate among groups, providing feedback and guidance.
    - Encourage creative and professional responses.

Step 4

Cool-Down: Quick Takeaway (2 minutes)

2 minutes

  • Ask students: "What is one key takeaway you learned about interviewing today?"
    - Have a few students share their responses.
    - Congratulate them on their efforts and encourage them to apply these skills.
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Slide Deck

Welcome! Ace Your Cosmetology Interview

Ready to land your dream job in beauty?

Welcome students and introduce the topic of interview skills, specifically for cosmetology. Ask them what they think makes a good first impression.

First Impressions: Look the Part!

Dress Code: Professional, clean, and appropriate for a salon/spa setting.
Hair & Makeup: Flawless – showcase your skills!
Nails: Manicured and clean.
Hygiene: Impeccable.

Discuss the importance of professional appearance in cosmetology. Emphasize that their appearance is a reflection of their skills and attention to detail. Ask for student examples.

Common Interview Questions

  1. Tell me about yourself.
  2. Why do you want to work here?
  3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  5. How do you handle difficult clients?

Go over common interview questions and provide tips on how to answer them specifically for cosmetology. Encourage students to think about their unique experiences and training. Ask them to brainstorm answers for one of the questions.

Your Turn to Ask!

Asking questions shows you're engaged and interested!

Examples:

  • What opportunities are there for continuing education?
  • How does your team collaborate?
  • What's the salon culture like?
  • What are the expectations for a new stylist/esthetician?

Explain that an interview is a two-way street. Encourage students to prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This shows engagement and helps them determine if the salon is a good fit. Ask students to share questions they would ask.

The Follow-Up

Always send a thank-you note or email within 24 hours!

Key points to include:

  • Reiterate your interest in the position.
  • Thank them for their time.
  • Mention something specific you discussed.

Stress the importance of follow-up. A thank-you note leaves a lasting positive impression and reiterates their interest in the position.

You've Got This!

Practice makes perfect! Now, let's play a game to put your skills to the test.

Conclude by reminding students that practice makes perfect. Encourage them to use the game activity to apply what they've learned.

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Game

Interview Scenarios Game

Instructions:

  1. Divide into small groups (3-4 students).
  2. Each group will pick an "Interview Scenario Card."
  3. As a group, discuss how you would answer the question or handle the situation.
  4. One person from the group will then role-play their answer/approach.
  5. The teacher will provide feedback.

Interview Scenario Cards (Cut these out!)

Card 1

Scenario: "Tell me about a time you had a difficult client. How did you handle the situation and ensure they left satisfied?"











Card 2

Scenario: "Why are you interested in working at Our Salon Name specifically, and what unique skills do you bring to our team?"











Card 3

Scenario: "Describe your ideal work environment. What kind of team support and professional development opportunities are you looking for?"











Card 4

Scenario: "You are asked to perform a service you are not confident in doing. How do you respond to the client and your employer?"











Card 5

Scenario: "Imagine a client comes in with a picture of a hairstyle that is simply not achievable with their hair type. How do you manage their expectations while still providing excellent service?"











Card 6

Scenario: "What steps do you take to stay updated on the latest cosmetology trends, techniques, and products?"











Card 7

Scenario: "How do you approach retail sales in a salon environment without being pushy?"











Card 8

Scenario: "You're asked to describe your biggest achievement in your cosmetology training or experience so far. What would you say?"











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