Hairdresser Resume: How to Land the Job

How to Tailor Your Resume to a Hairdresser Posting

Landing your dream Hairdresser job starts with a resume that screams “I get it.” This isn’t about generic career advice; it’s about crafting a resume that speaks directly to hiring managers in the Hairdresser world. This article will give you the tools to transform your resume from a list of tasks into a compelling narrative of your skills and accomplishments.

This is about showcasing your expertise in the Hairdresser industry, not about basic resume formatting.

What You’ll Walk Away With

A rewritten resume summary that immediately grabs the hiring manager’s attention and highlights your most relevant skills.
10+ tailored resume bullet points that demonstrate your impact on salon profitability and client satisfaction.
A “skills matrix” to identify the specific skills and qualities that are most valued by Hairdresser employers.
A checklist for optimizing your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and human readers.
A plan for gathering proof of your accomplishments, including metrics and client testimonials.
A list of common resume mistakes to avoid in the Hairdresser industry.

The 15-Second Scan a Recruiter Does on a Hairdresser Resume

Hiring managers spend mere seconds initially scanning a resume. They’re looking for keywords, quantifiable results, and a clear understanding of your experience.

Here’s what they’re scanning for:

Years of experience: Do you have the minimum required experience?
Specific skills: Do you possess the skills listed in the job description?
Salon names: Have you worked at reputable salons?
Client satisfaction metrics: Can you quantify your success in terms of client satisfaction or retention?
Revenue generation: Have you contributed to increased revenue or profitability?

The Mistake That Quietly Kills Candidates

Failing to tailor your resume to the specific job description is a fatal mistake. Generic resumes get lost in the shuffle. Show you understand the salon’s needs by highlighting relevant skills and experience.

Use this line when describing specific services provided:

Use this when describing specific services provided.

Provided [service] to [number] clients per week, resulting in a [percentage]% increase in client retention.

Rewrite Your Resume Summary to Scream “Hairdresser!”

Your resume summary is your first impression. Make it count by highlighting your most relevant skills and experience.

Instead of a generic objective statement, use a summary that showcases your expertise:

Weak:

“Seeking a challenging position in the Hairdresser industry.”

Strong:

“Highly skilled Hairdresser with [number] years of experience in [salon type]. Proven ability to increase client satisfaction and drive revenue growth through exceptional service and expertise in [specific skills].”

Tailor Your Bullet Points to Highlight Your Impact

Each bullet point should demonstrate your impact on the salon’s success. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

Here’s an example:

Weak:

“Provided Hairdresser services to clients.”

Strong:

“Provided Hairdresser services to an average of 15 clients per day, resulting in a 20% increase in client referrals within six months.”

Build a Skills Matrix to Target the Job Description

A skills matrix helps you identify the skills and qualities that are most valued by employers. Compare the job description to your skills and experience to identify areas to highlight.

Example of a skill matrix:

Technical Skills: Haircutting, coloring, styling, perming, extensions.
Customer Service: Communication, active listening, empathy, problem-solving.
Sales & Marketing: Product knowledge, upselling, client retention, social media marketing.

Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies use ATS to screen resumes. Optimize your resume for ATS by using keywords from the job description and avoiding fancy formatting.

Checklist to optimize your resume for ATS:

Use keywords from the job description.
Use a simple, clean format.
Avoid tables and graphics.
Use a standard font like Arial or Times New Roman.
Save your resume as a PDF.

Gather Proof of Your Accomplishments

Back up your claims with evidence. Collect metrics, client testimonials, and examples of your work.

Here’s a plan for gathering proof:

Track your client retention rate.
Solicit testimonials from satisfied clients.
Take before-and-after photos of your work.
Document any awards or recognition you’ve received.

Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common resume mistakes:

Generic objective statement.
Lack of quantifiable results.
Typos and grammatical errors.
Irrelevant information.
Fancy formatting that can confuse ATS.

What a Strong Hairdresser Resume Looks Like

A strong Hairdresser resume is tailored, results-oriented, and easy to read. It showcases your skills and experience in a way that is relevant to the specific job description.

A strong resume includes:

A compelling summary that highlights your key skills and accomplishments.
Tailored bullet points that demonstrate your impact on the salon’s success.
A skills matrix that targets the job description.
Optimized for ATS.
Proof of your accomplishments.

Language Bank for a Hairdresser Resume

Use these phrases to make your resume sound more professional and impactful:

“Increased client retention by [percentage]%”
“Generated [dollar amount] in revenue through upselling and product recommendations.”
“Consistently exceeded client satisfaction goals.”
“Expert in [specific skill] techniques.”
“Proficient in using [salon software].”

Proof Plan: Turning Claims Into Evidence

Prove your skills and experience with a concrete plan.

7-Day Plan:

Day 1: Identify 3 key skills from the job description.
Day 2: Gather data to support your claims for each skill.
Day 3: Write 2-3 bullet points for each skill, highlighting your accomplishments.
Day 4: Ask a colleague or mentor to review your resume.
Day 5: Revise your resume based on feedback.
Day 6: Optimize your resume for ATS.
Day 7: Submit your resume.

FAQ

What skills are most important for a Hairdresser?

Technical skills like haircutting, coloring, and styling are essential. However, customer service, communication, and sales skills are also crucial for building a loyal clientele and driving revenue.

How can I quantify my accomplishments as a Hairdresser?

Track your client retention rate, average ticket price, and product sales. Solicit testimonials from satisfied clients and document any awards or recognition you’ve received.

Should I include a photo on my resume?

In some regions, including a photo is customary. However, in other regions, it’s not recommended as it can lead to bias. Research the local customs before including a photo.

What is the best format for a Hairdresser resume?

A chronological or combination format is generally recommended. A chronological format highlights your work history, while a combination format emphasizes your skills and accomplishments.

How long should my resume be?

Aim for a one-page resume, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience. If you have extensive experience, a two-page resume may be acceptable.

What fonts should I use on my resume?

Use a standard font like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. Avoid fancy or decorative fonts that can be difficult to read.

Should I include references on my resume?

It’s not necessary to include references on your resume. You can provide them upon request.

How can I make my resume stand out from the competition?

Tailor your resume to the specific job description, quantify your accomplishments, and showcase your unique skills and experience. Proofread carefully for typos and grammatical errors.

What if I don’t have much experience?

Focus on your skills and education. Highlight any relevant internships, volunteer work, or personal projects. Consider including a portfolio of your work.

How important are keywords on a Hairdresser resume?

Keywords are crucial for getting your resume past applicant tracking systems (ATS). Use keywords from the job description throughout your resume.

What should I include in my cover letter?

In your cover letter, expand on your skills and experience, and explain why you’re a good fit for the salon. Show your enthusiasm for the position and the company.

Is it worth paying a professional resume writer?

If you’re struggling to write your resume or you’re not getting interviews, a professional resume writer can be a worthwhile investment. They can help you showcase your skills and experience in the best possible light.