Interview techniques

• newEditor
• Hair and beauty
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• BTEC

Interview techniques

Learning objective

What qualities will a salon manager look for when hiring?

In your groups, list as many things you think a Salon Manager looks for when hiring a Stylist .

Write them on the post it notes and then stick them on the board.

1. Teamwork

2. Communication

3. Presentation

4. Time management

5. Handling pressure

6. Passion for the industry

7. Reliability

8. team Working

Before the interview- Research the business

Before any salon interview, candidates should:

• Look at the Salon style and services offered

• Research the Salon reputation

• Understand the Type of Salon (High end, casual, Modern, family run .)

• Check reviews or social media

👉 This shows genuine interest and helps them tailor answers.

Example:
"I noticed you specialise in extension work — I really enjoy learning new skills and working to develop new skills."

Before the interview- Have real life examples of experience

Think of real stories using the STAR method:

• Handling pressure

• Teamwork in college, working in salon

• Following salon policy

• Solving problems

• Learning a new technique

Encourage learners to prepare 2–3 strong examples in advance.

Before the interview- Plan questions to ask

Candidates ask about:

• Training and development opportunities

• Structure of team

• Typical Day

• Expectations of the role

This shows ambition and engagement

• Practice answers out loud

• Stay calm and confident

• Show passion the hair and beauty industry

• Smile and maintain eye contact

Enthusiasm is often as important as technical skill.

For the interview- Dress professionally

Role:

• Wear clean, smart clothes

• Maintain good personal hygiene

• Clean Styled hair

• Keep nails presentable

First impressions matter — Looking good and professional matters

For the interview- What to bring

Candidates should bring:

• Updated CV

• Certificates (if they have them)

• Portfolio/photos (optional but impressive)

• Notebook and pen

👉 Being organised shows professionalism.

During the interview- First impressions count

From the moment they walk in:

• Smile and greet confidently

• Maintain eye contact

• Offer a handshake (if appropriate)

• Sit upright with good posture

• Avoid slouching or fidgeting

👉 Employers often decide their first impression in the first 30 seconds.

During the interview- Communication

During answers:

• Speak clearly and at a steady pace

• Avoid slang or swearing

• Use professional language

• Listen carefully before answering

• Don’t interrupt

Encourage learners to use real examples rather than vague answers.

👉 Example:
Instead of “I’m good under pressure”
Say: “During a busy Salon session…”

During the interview- Show your passion

Employers want Hairdressers who:

• Work well in teams

• Stay calm under pressure

• Care about quality of the service offered

• Follow health and safety standard

• Product knowledge

You should:

• Mention teamwork often

• Show enthusiasm for hairdressing and your own creativity

• Talk about learning and improvement

Passion is memorable.

During the interview- Ask good questions

At the end of the interview:

You should ask 1–2 thoughtful questions, such as:

• What training opportunities are available?

• What is a typical salon day like?

• How does the team work together?

👉 This shows motivation and maturity.

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Star technique

Teach learners the STAR technique for answering questions:

• Situation — Brief context

• Task — What needed to be done

• Action — What they did

• Result — Outcome

Example chef answer:

"During a busy Saturday service (S), our fryer broke down (T). I reorganised stations and communicated with the team (A), and we still completed service on time with positive feedback (R)."

Cuisine around the world

Select 2 countries from the following 5:

• China

• Japan

• Singapore

• Vietnam

• Pakistan

Write up a menu from your 2 counties.

 5 starters, 5 mains and 5 desserts

1 menu - street food

1 menu - mid range 

1 menu michelin star restaurant

 

 

So - you must create 3 menus for each country: one street food, one mid range and one michelin star.

 

You must investigate and give a description of the ingredients, & cooking methods involved

 

You must show your research to display which restaurants you got the information from.