Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/556136
Create your free business website! www.ascpskincare.com 25 Ready, Set, Apply! So, if you think you have what it takes, how do you make it happen? Of course, the interview is key. Look professional; no sloppy or nightclub attire. Be friendly to everyone; the front desk could be watching to see how you interact with them and others. Be confident, but not cocky. And be prepared to have specific answers to questions such as: • When have you gone above and beyond for a guest? • Why do you love the esthetics profession, and how is that reflected in your work? • Tell of a time when you had to work with a difficult guest or fellow employee. • How is teamwork reflected in your practice? • Are you willing and able to work weekends and on major holidays? Then, be prepared, if asked, to stay and perform a specific spa treatment. Conduct Your Own Interview While you are at a property for your interview, I highly encourage you to interview the spa. You need to feel that this is the best fit for you; if it's not, you won't be happy or successful. Things to look for include: • Are employees smiling; are things calm, but humming? • Is there a good energy? • Do you feel a connection with the person interviewing you? • Do you believe in the efficacy of the major skin care line? • Is the retail store well-stocked and merchandized, and does it have engaged sales people working it? • Is the spa clean—especially the esthetics room where you do your practical? Don't settle for a poorly run or chaotic spa! Got the Job? Now Keep It Once you've gotten the job, you want to be successful. How can you put your experience, passion, skills, and desire to make a difference to work? One of the things that impresses guests right off the bat is cleanliness, so make sure your room, your person, your tools— Ella Stimpson is the spa director at the five-star Sea Island in Georgia and was chair of the International Spa Association from 2011–2013. She was executive director of spa operations for Wynn Las Vegas from 2009–2014, and the spa director at the historic Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from 2001–2009. Stimpson also has a background as a US Army Intelligence Officer, middle school teacher, and personal trainer. Contact Stimpson at maryella.stimpson@gmail.com. everything—are spotless and up to code at all times. Be a successful team player: be prepared to share your supplies and your expertise and leave the room the way you would want to inherit it; borrow only with permission and pay it back; jump in to help without being asked; don't be selfish with guests or show hurt when they decide to be seen by someone else; and always volunteer to help a struggling colleague. Be the gentle expert with your guests. Educate them about their skin and proper products throughout the process; describe what you see and make gentle suggestions. Do not criticize what you see, what the guest is using, or what they might be doing for their skin—no one likes to feel stupid. And pay close attention to body language: are they open to learning more, are you possibly hurting them, do they want to just sleep, or are they having a good time? Be an effective retail salesperson so the guest can continue the success of their treatment at home. Ask about major concerns, then make concrete recommendations that speak to those concerns, as well as what you learn during the course of the treatment. Focus on two or three must-haves for them to purchase. And know all the products— the ingredients and the benefits. Be the Best Your success will most ride on your softer skills. Work hard to connect with your guests in a real way so they want to see you again, even if they only visit once a year. Have complete respect for their confidentiality and maintain it at all times. Know how to respond to criticism by taking it with a smile and learning from it. Take responsibility for any mistakes and correct them. Care about the whole spa, not just your practice. And be a continuous, hungry learner. Be someone who doesn't complain and who actively looks for ways to do things better. Be the person you'd like to work alongside, receive a treatment from, or manage. And have fun! The luxury spa is a place for happy, engaged people. Enjoy the journey! Work hard to connect with your guests in a real way so they want to see you again, even if they only visit once a year.