Writing a resume is difficult when you lack work experience or the training required to do a specific job. However, even when you have experience and/or training, putting the words down on paper can still prove a challenging task.
We recommend breaking down your resume-writing into two components:
Prep Day
Typing Day
Prep Day
What is your job goal? Have you narrowed this down to the industry? The particular employer? The more research you do, the better your resume will look.
Now that you’ve thought about your goal, allow yourself some time to think about the skills you think you need to have for your goal. For example, if you want to start at a “ABC Salon and Spa” as a receptionist, ask yourself, “what skills does that receptionist need to have?”
Let’s brainstorm…a good receptionist…
has a friendly demeanour and a welcoming smile
knows about services and products sold
is able to answer questions from clients
needs to work well with people
knows basic math
is able to use point of sales and booking systems
has good phone manners
ensures the clean maintenance of the facility
supports the team
Now that we’ve thought about the skills you would need for that particular position, ask yourself:
“What skills do I have that relate?”
Don’t focus so much on your duties at your previous job, as much as the skills you applied there.
If you have little to no work experience, think about skills you may use on your free time. What are your hobbies? Do they include particular skills?
Now that we have a list of your skills to pick from for later, our second task is to think about the personality traits required for your goal.
For example, a good receptionist has the following traits:
friendly
punctual
organized
intuitive
research-oriented
Now that you’ve thought about the traits you would need for that particular position, ask yourself, “what traits do I have that relate?”
Typing Day
Now that you have well-though-out ideas, organizing them into a resume will be a breeze!
Types of Resumes
Chronological resume- your best bet if you have sufficient experience and the training required for your objective
Functional resume- an excellent choice for those with little to no work experience
Combo resume- best for those with skills from another industry not related to your job goal
Not everyone will be looking for the same values in their training choice. Some people may value an online course over in-person training due to their busy schedules. Some may value the reputation of their educator. This is of utmost importance for people that plan on working in salons and spas. Having respected training on your resume is a must. On the other hand, if you plan to be self-employed, the reputation of your trainer may not matter as much.
Either way, asking the following questions will be useful in helping you choose the right training provider for your career path:
Sample questions
What are the total fees?
What is covered in the total fee? Tuition? Books? A kit? Application fees? Graduation fees?
Is there a Work Experience component?
How much real experience will be provided if any?
What student support is offered if any?
Some schools may offer added support such as financial aid, job search services, counselling, computer access, etc.
What type of credential do I get when I graduate?
There is a difference between certificate and certification. Certification is industry-recognized and granted only after meeting industry requirements through testing. A certificate is documentation of participation in any given course.
What are the minimum and maximum class sizes?
Class size matters in technical training. How many students will you be competing with for your instructor’s help and attention?
Are there any student perks?
Some training providers may offer discounts at distributors post graduation. Other examples include parking, food services, technology supports, etc.
Are the instructors available for one-on-one support?
What methods can I use to contact my instructor after class?
Is there an attendance policy?
What is the training providers policy on attendance, personal image standards, conduct, etc?
What is the refund policy?
What if I change my mind before I start? The first week after? What if something unexpected happens that prevents me from finishing the course?
EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP
EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP is a Beauty Industry Resource Centre offering business, career, and employment services to Albertans. Contact us to meet with our Career and Employment Consultant who can help you develop a career path that is right for you.
We often don’t see disabled people working in the Personal Care industry, specifically, in beauty occupations. However, many services are ideal for a person with mobility issues. For example, Nail Techs or Lash Techs sit for most of their day.
Training in certain services can prove to form a lucrative career for a person with a mobile disability. For instance, self-employed Lash Techs charge around $80 for 1 hour of service.
Are there government supports to help me find employment?
There are there supports for beauty industry workers with disabilities. Disability Related Employment Supports a.k.a. ‘DRES‘ is a provincial employment support that funds supports or services for Albertans to help them find and maintain employment.
There are also supports for employers who want to hire people with disabilities.
If the eligibility criteria for all parties are met, you may find supports in:
education/training,
job search, and
the workplace
Examples of eligible assistive services:
job coach
note taker
academic aide
tutor
Examples of eligible assistive technology:
Set-up, installation and training on use of specialized equipment and/or software
ramps
wheelchair lifts
widening doorways
making a washroom accessible
raising lowering or adapting a work station
adapting equipment for the specific use of a person with a disability
