Hair Professional
Level 2
Hair Professional roles
Employers looking to hire a Hair Professional Apprentice want someone who is extroverted and willing to learn new skills. This role requires communicating with clients on a daily basis, so great transferable skills are key. Hair and beauty salons are fast paced environments, so the right Hair Professional Apprentices must have great time management and organisation. Some Hair Professional Apprenticeships will start with admin and receptionist/customer service duties, which will then transfer to styling/cutting further into the apprenticeship. You daily duties can include:
- Meeting and greeting clients in a friendly and helpful manner
- Assisting qualified Hairdressers with shampooing, providing treatments, blow-drying etc.
- After relevant training, some basic cutting and styling will be involved in this role. This will become more complex as your skills develop
- Working on the reception desk and booking client appointments
- Keeping the salon clean and tidy
- Offering clients refreshments
Hairdressers, barbers and salons are growing rapidly across the UK and is now recognised as a well regarded profession. So our employers will require an apprentice who will help their salon stand out from the rest through excellent customer service.
Always Be Prepared
Before attending any interview you must always prepare! You should never arrive to an interview without doing any research into the business or job description. Attending without any prior research will damper you chances of being accepted.
One way to help you prepare is to look at practice questions ( You can view some example questions to the right side with hints and tips on how to answer ), as this will help you understand what the employer may ask.
Other ways to help you prepare can include:
- Writing notes about the business, apprenticeship duties etc.
- Print off your CV – can use this to help you for answers
- Plan what to wear the night before
- ALWAYS plan your journey – check travel times, traffic etc.
The more you prepare, the higher the chance that the interview will be successful be on your way to start the business administration apprenticeship.
Talk a little about your personality and related interests, mentioning any awards or achievements. See if you can relate any interests to hair and beauty. Don’t over share information about yourself but don’t give too short an answer.
Implement your research on the sector into your answer. For example, mention if you have any prior training in health and safety, beauty/cosmetology or barbering industry along with any previous qualifications or experience. Explain why you are passionate about pursuing a career in this industry.
Reflecting on an example of prioritising tasks during a heavy workload is a positive way to show competency in a role and demonstrates organisational skills. This question can also give an indication of how well you react in an urgent situation.
An answer to this question requires an element of story telling and is a good time to show your positive traits and team – player qualities. You could discuss compromising and finding a solution to suit each person involved etc.
Strengths – Mention two or three strengths (for example, communicating effectively, time management and organisational skills) and give an example of one of them.
Weaknesses – This is where you can show you are honest, can self-evaluate and are keen to improve. Choose a positive aspect of your personality and mention how this can be slightly detrimental.
When an employer asks this question be as honest as you can. Employers get an understanding of who you are and what drives you. For example, motivation to build a successful career or provide more for your family etc. are both acceptable answers.
Be honest about your reasons for leaving your last job role. But if you are leaving a position that you were not happy in, don’t slander the business. Mention how you want a career with more opportunities for progression or how the role you are interviewing for is a much better fit.
Use this time to ask questions about the business, daily operations or their expectations of you as an employee in this role. Do not ask questions about the company that could have been answered previously with an online search. Aim to ask open ended questions that won’t result in the employer just giving a yes or no answer.
This question is to test that you have researched the position and what will be expected of you on a day-to-day basis. Write down each point and take it with you to your interview for guidance. This will show that you are organised and willing to understand the role.
This shows that you have done your research on the business. You could mention the type of customers they attract and the style of hairdressing/barbering there. You could also mention the company’s reputation. If you are interviewing for an apprenticeship with a bigger brand, you could discuss the brand and their latest campaigns etc.
Personal Presentation
An essential part of making a good impression in an interview is dressing smart. Looking presentable shows that you are serious about the role, ambitious and respectful of the business itself. Even if the interview is informal you still need to make a good impression; so always research the type of company you are applying for.
As a salon is more informal setting, the attire is more likely to be casual and comfortable clothing; However, you still need to look smart during your interview. For example, a good outfit for an interview set in a salon can include:
- Men – smart shirt and trousers, smart business shoes, clean and styled hair (shave if needed)
- Women – smart trousers/shirt, dress or skirt, smart shoes/boots, clean and styled hair
(or any smart business attire that you feel comfortable in)
When attending a more informal interview you don’t need to look corporate, so you can choose attire that is a bit more comfortable and casual. However, you still need to look smart so avoid jeans, trainers and casual t-shirts. No matter what role you apply/attend interview for, dressing appropriately will increase your chances of securing the perfect apprenticeship and give you the confidence to have a successful interview.
Make an Impact
First impressions are key when it comes to an interview; if you arrive looking unpresentable, late and with an attitude the employer will automatically decide that you are unsuccessful. Arriving in suitable attire (as stated above) and at least 10 – 15 minutes earlier will already increase your chances. Other ways to make an impact include:
- Having a bubbly and optimistic personality – always have a smile and say hello
- Give a firm handshake – shows confidence and professionalism
- Always go into detail when answering questions – avoid one word answers
- Sit upright – never slouch when sitting down
- Ensure you don’t fidget or mess with objects – looks like you’re bored or nervous
- Always say ‘thank you’ when the interview is finished
Interview Preparation Tasks
1. Read the Interview Confirmation email thoroughly – Familiarise yourself with the location that your interview will take place at. Check transport times. Read through any extra details or helpful advice in the email ton help you prepare.
2. Research the company you are interviewing for the position at – Look at their website and social media accounts. Find out who founded the company and when, what the company does, who their clients or customers are. The employer will ask what you know about the company, so find out as much as possible.
3. Have 2 open questions prepared to ask the employer about their company – After you have researched the company prepare at least two questions to ask the employer about the company. Make sure you aren’t asking questions that are already answered on the website.
4. Study the Job Description and think about what your transferrable skills are – Consider what would be expected of you in the role on a day to day basis. Work out which skills you have that would benefit the company and keep these in mind when you are talking about how you are the perfect candidate.
5. Research the company’s competitors if they have any – Being able to give suggestions and ideas for improvement at the company is a great way to show you are informed and proactive.