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If you've completed training and just passed the state cosmetology board to become a licensed cosmetologist, the next thing on your list is likely finding your dream job. After preparing your resume and submitting it to a few salons, you finally get a call to come in for an interview. Along with seeing a virtual portfolio of your work, many salon owners will request a live haircut or hair servicing before they decide to hire you. This gives them a clear picture of your talent and expertise in action. Here are just a few ways to prepare and hopefully ace your first hair salon interview.

The Right Tools

Making sure that you have the right tools when you come to the interview is crucial for landing the job. Ahead of time, create a checklist of all of your supplies and tools and make sure to bring the essentials with you, such as:

• Shears
• Combs
• Brush
• Hair cape
• Flat or curling iron
• Blow dryer
• Other specialized styling tools if needed
• Styling products

There are different types of shears. Using a specialty pair of scissors such as thinning shears allows you to incorporate your own technique into the hair cut. This may include de-bulking thick hair or creating light, wispy layers throughout your client's hair to create the style they want. This allows you to easily create a style with brushes and flat irons after the hair has dried completely. Don't forget to bring your own styling products such as gel and finishing spray to complete the final look on your model.

Bring A Model That You've Worked On Before

Most likely, the salon will request that you bring a model with you. Choose someone that you have worked on before. Because everyone's hair texture is different, this allows you to make sure that there are no surprises when the model is in the chair. A model with thick hair will take longer to wrap foils or curl as opposed to a model with a thinner hair. Keep this in mind for timing purposes as well. You don't want to take several hours working on thick, long hair when you could have it done half of the time with shorter hair.

Showcase Your Best Work

After you've chosen the model you'll be bringing, then you need to decide what she wants done. In some cases, the salon owner will make a suggestion, but oftentimes they just want to see your best work. If you specialize in color or fishtail braids, be sure to perform this style on your model. This is not the best time to try a new hair coloring or cutting technique. Focus on what you know.

Engage With Your Model

The salon owner or person doing the interview will want to make sure your communicative skills are solid. This starts by asking your model exactly what she wants from the hair cut and style. You should also engage in conversation while you are providing services. Try to multitask and always be thinking a step ahead to ensure that you transition smoothly through each step during the hair cutting, color and styling process.

Being prepared ahead of time for your interview will take some planning. Going to the interview prepared will help ensure you can highlight your best work and land the job.