What will your salon do to build your career? That is the question you need to ask yourself when looking for employment. And it goes way beyond money. Today’s employee market values being rewarded, job security, time off with pay to create quality living and to be part of something they have pride of ownership in.

Recently my daughter had been looking for a job and when she would come home from the interview I would ask her how it went. She would tell me all the questions they asked her but she had none of her own questions answered. Even the most basic questions such as, is this full time, how much an hour will I make or when and how do I get a raise? Now given the fact that she is only 19 and this is just a fill in job to support her education, it is not that way with hairdressers looking to apprentice or a veteran looking to build their career.

If you are going to invest your time into a salon you need to know that the investment is working both ways. You are there to build the salon business and in turn they are there to build your career. And you will know this by interviewing the salon at the same time that you are being interviewed.  Here are just a few questions to ask:

• Ask how you will earn senior status in the Salon? 
• Inquire as to what other positions available in the salon such as management, creative director, team leader, color technician.
• Ask if there is any compensation for long-term employment such as company shares.
• Does this salon/spa have an incentive program that rewards peak performance?
• Is there an education fund for advanced learning?
• What marketing does the salon do on a continual basis to get new clients?
• What process is in place to determine who gets the new clients?
• Does the salon support outside advertising when stylists initiate it?

Take note salon owners, if you can answer no to these questions and you are having trouble finding good employees you have just found out why.  If you build it they will come. If you want quality employees that will stay long term and help build your business you have to give them reason to want to be there.