Finding a job that makes you happy can be difficult no matter what you’re trained in. In the beauty industry, finding a job can feel intimidating because of the variation of positions and possibilities.
Where should you start?
Who can help you?
How can you make yourself stand out in a crowd of applicants?
Even if you’re unsure, don’t feel too discouraged. The beauty industry is booming, and won’t slow down any time soon! Finding a makeup artistry job is a matter of patience, professionalism, and confidence. Here are ten tips to set you on the right track for finding a makeup artistry job.
Tip #1: Decide what you want
If you’re going to find a job, you have to decide what kind of work you actually want to do. Setting yourself goals ensures that you apply to the right places for the type of work you want.
If you want to work in special effects makeup creating television monsters, you’ll submit your applications to very different places than if your passion is wedding makeup. Applying to any makeup job while you search for work in your dream specialization, however, can be beneficial because it lets potential employers see that you’re working hard in the meantime. Even so, knowing what your goals are and orientating your job search towards them is a better tactic than applying in the wrong places and hoping for the best.
Tip #2: Build your resumé and portfolio
Just because you aren’t working in your ideal position doesn’t mean you can’t be productive. Between interviews, spend some time on improving your resumé and portfolio. This could mean taking small makeup jobs while you search for something bigger, adding more experience and practice to your list of credentials.
It might also simply mean investing time and effort in polishing up your cover letter and resumé or putting together a really professional portfolio. Don’t be afraid of letting friends or mentors comment on how you’ve presented your qualifications. Remember, these documents give potential employers their first impressions of you. Even the most talented makeup artist in the world might not be hired with a poor resumé or sloppy portfolio.
Need help with your portfolio? Read this: Building your Makeup Portfolio 101
Tip #3: Value your own skills
Taking small jobs between interviews or working at another job while you search for your dream position can be helpful, but don’t undervalue yourself. Some beginner makeup artists do internships or apprenticeships to gain experience and improve their resumés and, even though they aren’t always paid. There is a big difference, however, between working as an intern and giving away free services. Doing makeup jobs for acquaintances who just want free makeovers takes up time that you could spend improving your resumé.
Tip #4: Use your resources
Do you have friends or mentors who could recommend you to contacts in the industry? Can you find local online forums or job databases that concentrate on makeup and the beauty industry? These are useful approaches for new makeup artist trying to break into the industry. Of course, knowing which resources to use is easier if you’ve decided on the kind of makeup job you’re actually looking for!
Tip #5: Network
The makeup industry can be competitive, but that doesn’t mean that you should shy away from new clients or other makeup artists. Keep an eye out for local networking opportunities or seek out ways to network online.
Approaching an experienced makeup artist with a polite and professional message on their Facebook page can help you build contacts and might result in useful tips, advice, or information.
Attending local makeup fairs and tradeshows can help you to meet other artists in your area and these companies and agencies that might be hiring, and also expose them to you! Finding a makeup job is more difficult if you shy away from the industry and miss opportunities because you don’t feel confident.
Tip #6: Market yourself
Even if you aren’t employed, you can still market yourself as a talented makeup artist, particularly in an age when online platforms and social networking are crucial to building a brand.
Keep in mind, however, that marketing yourself doesn’t mean exaggerating your skills or qualifications. Instead, make sure you’re well connected on social networking pages such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. These tools are great for communicating visual work such as makeup artistry. They let you reach a wider audience than you’ll have access to without an online presence.
You should also have a clear, organized, and attractive website. This is your most useful tool because the modern client’s first instinct is to search the Internet when she needs a service. Your website might be her first impression of you. Make sure it’s professional enough to interest people, but unique enough to show them why you’re their best choice. Good marketing by makeup artists can mean the difference between a job search and a long period of unemployment.
Here’s a post that might help: Tips for Building your Website
Tip #7: Present yourself
Once you have interviews, make sure that your professionalism shows in your appearance as well as your resumé. Your clothing must have a professional look but must also be stylish enough for an industry that depends on fashion and trends.
Your hair and nails should be carefully groomed. Your face should be made up to display your skills without being too wild. You want to look talented but in a classy manner. You don’t want potential employers to think you’re trying too hard to self-promote. Attending an interview looking stylish and well put together will contribute to your success. You’re in the business of making people look good, so include yourself in that.
Pro Tip: While looking good is important, you should also be comfortable with your appearance for the interview. If you try to present yourself as someone you’re not, you’ll feel uneasy and employers will pick up on that. Look clean and professional, but be yourself!
Tip #8: Take risks, but be realistic
Some young professionals apply for jobs by sending their resumés to any opportunity they see. This isn’t a bad tactic and sometimes taking a risk can be beneficial. Even if the chances of finding your dream job right out of training are small, employers might admire your enthusiasm and hire you.
Remember, however, that you must also be realistic. If all of the jobs you apply to are those you’re not qualified for, you probably won’t have many interviews. If you go after opportunities that fit your skills and some that are more ambitious jobs, you may get lucky while still maintaining a safety net of feasible opportunities.
Tip #9: Keep Practicing
Just because most of your time is dedicated to your job search doesn’t mean you should let yourself fall out of practice! Makeup artistry is the kind of skill that you should never stop practicing, even once you’re an expert. Spend days between interviews trying new looks or practicing on volunteers.
Tip #10: Stay proactive
Don’t let a long job search discourage you. The worst thing you can do, particularly in an ever-changing industry, is to give up searching and to fall behind your competitors. Even if you haven’t had an interview in a while, you should still distribute your resumé and portfolio. Makeup artistry is the kind of creative industry where you can keep yourself inspired and productive between jobs or contracts, so take advantage of your passion and keep working!
