Thriving in a Stuggling Economy: Creating a Strong Resume for the Spa Industry

Critical Tips for the Beauty Clinician or Spa Aesthetician

A clinician’s resume used by an aesthetician should be able to pass two tests:

1) Will it be scanned or glanced at

and

2) will it be read?  

Many spa directors, managers and medical spa owners just don’t have the time to read every resume they receive, so having your resume done in an 'at a glance' format, where information can be gleaned from a quick glance will benefit you.  However, if it is a truly good resume and you have the qualifications, the spa manager will go back and take a second look, actually reading the resume.

Remember that the word “resume” itself means summary, and not biography.  The one purpose the resume has is not to get the job, but to get the interview. Then, when you are in the interview you have the opportunity to sell yourself and get the job.  Think of the resume as doing the same thing the Yellow Pages ad for the spa does, but in reverse.  The Yellow Pages ad makes a client come in to see you.  The résumé makes a spa manager want you to come in and see him or her.

When composing your resume be sure that your name is bold and noticeable. Centered or flush left, in a font larger than the rest of the resume so that your name stands out is desirable.  Then make sure that the first thing the spa owner sees is an indication of the type of job you want and are qualified for.  That can be the professional or career objective, or simply an eye catching headline.  For instance, if the resume itself is in 11 point Times Roman type, a very common font, then the name could be in 16 point, and a 14 point headline centered underneath could say “Skilled Aesthetician – 5 years Spa Experience” or the equivalent.

You’ll need to list your education and professional training and any licenses you hold.  If you have a college degree be sure to list it, but don’t go into a lot of detail listing every school you’ve attended if you’ve moved around a bit.  Always ask yourself if the information you are providing is relevant to the position you are going after, and if it will actually make you look good to the spa manager.  

Be sure to list jobs you’ve held in your profession in reverse chronological order.  The years of employment are fine, no need to list months and days. Many people can’t remember them anyway and the employer just wants to make sure that you are dependable and stable.

Also have a section called Accomplishments, Qualifications, or Industry Credentials… where you can give the employer reasons to consider you over someone else.  For instance, a dedication to providing quality facials, or extensive experience in waxing.  Perhaps you have received additional training (from Aveda for example) and you should always include this information. Same goes for specialty equipment for which you have received formal training.

If you are in your 20’s or 30’s, a 1-page resume is probably sufficient.  As a person gets older and has more years of experience they often need a two page resume, but a one page is quicker to read so if you can get by with a one page, do so.