Top Interview Questions to Ask Prospective Salon Employees
As a salon owner, you know that the profitability of your business rests largely on the shoulders of your employees – it’s up to them to provide a quality service that will create loyal customers. That’s why it’s so important that you separate the wheat from the chaff during the interview process. Half of the battle is asking the right questions. Here are some great options to inspire you:
Tell Me about Yourself
You’d be surprised at how much you can learn about a person based on what they say (or don’t say) about themselves. Often, it’s important to read between the lines here, but it often gives you a good impression of their personality. Are they hesitant about describing themselves and modest, or do they jump chattily into the answer with gusto?
What Do You Think The Biggest Challenge In Hairdressing Is?
Here you can see if they can provide substantive and thoughtful answers about issues within the industry.
Why Do You Want To Leave Your Previous Salon?
This is a great test of professionalism. Not everyone gets on with their boss, but if your interviewee spends ten minutes slagging off their employer, you should really consider if you want them on your team. You should be looking for a polite, mature, and professional answer here. It may also help you understand if your interviewee was fired for any bad behaviour previously.
What Can You Tell Me About Our Salon?
This just shows if they’ve done their homework. It’s certainly a bonus if they’ve shown the initiative to learn all they can about the company before entering the interview room. It also gives them a chance to butter you up with compliments!
What Made You Apply For This Job?
Their motivation should be a key part of your assessment of whether they are suitable for your salon.
Which Qualities Do You Think You Can Bring To The Salon?
Here’s where they get an opportunity to show you how they can enhance your business. Most stylists have their own specialities. Can they contribute a new treatment to your salon and train other members of staff? Are your staff a little on the quiet side and a great communicator is just what you need?
What Is Your Greatest Strength As A Hairdresser?
Similar to the previous question, this is an easy way for an interviewee to show off their skills.
What Is Your Biggest Weakness As A Hairdresser?
This is something you’ll have to bear in mind, if you hire them.
What Would Your Friends Say About You?
This is when you get a deeper insight into their personality, now that you have a better idea of how competent they will be in your salon. People tend to be freer with their weaknesses in this question.
How Do You Connect With Customers?
It’s interesting to find out how interviewees would approach your customers and how they usually develop bonds of loyalty/can shift.
How Would You Describe Your Own Personal Style?
Although every good stylist can adapt themselves to the salon’s niche, often personal style reflects where their strengths lie and what they’re most passionate about. It’s nice to have a diverse collection of staff members, but you may also want someone who fits neatly into your salon’s image.
This was provided by the team at Salon Supplier, Salons Direct who have their own section focussing on experience and business principles. They are in the process of developing their very own career hub which will assist candidates and salon owners locating the right opportunities, quickly and effectively.
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