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The best nail technician will define your salon’s ratings. There are so many artists in the beauty industry, but how do you find a technician that matches your skill requirements and work style? This article will walk you through the steps of hiring the best nail technician to make sure your salon remains your customers’ favored destination.
Know What You Want
Define the characteristics you are looking for. What makes a top nail technician? It’s not just someone who knows how to hold a nail file or polish, but someone creative, detail-oriented, and with excellent customer service skills. Here is what to look for in the best nail technician:
- Skills and Certification: Before you get technical, take a moment to ensure this person has completed their training and gotten their certification. While creativity is key, knowing the ins and outs of proper nail care, like techniques, sanitation practices, and general safety, is non-negotiable.
- Creativity and Style: The world of nail art is in a constant state of evolution. A top-notch nail tech will need to have the ability to adapt, continually learn, and embrace new techniques or trends.
- Detail-Oriented: It’s really the little things that make a mani-pedi look professional and put together. Always look for someone who can boast of attention to detail while working.
Use Practical Tests to Assess Skill
You’ve narrowed the field. Now, it’s time to start testing their technical know-how. A resume only tells you so much, as it’s difficult to really understand what kind of technician they truly are. Ask them to do a set of nails, whether it is a full set of acrylics, a gel manicure, or even a nail art design.
Observe how they work. Are they clean and organized? Do they produce quality work in a timely manner? Look for signs of how they handle their tools and how clean their workspace is. It’s a matter of seeing they work efficiently and safely.
Don’t Forget Customer Service Skills
A nail technician isn’t just a technician. They are also the face of your customer service. A client is only going to return if they feel comfortable, valued, and recognized on a personal level. So, your ideal tech will have to be someone who is friendly, easy to talk to, and professional.
Ask some behavioral questions to get a better sense of how they handle customer service situations. Sample questions to ask are: What would you do if a client isn’t happy with the way their nails turned out? Then listen for an answer that indicates strong problem-solving skills as well as a high level of empathy.
Find the Right Cultural Fit for Your Team
Technical skills are imperative, but a nail tech also needs to be a good culture fit. A nail technician is just one piece of the salon puzzle and you need to make sure they can fit in seamlessly with the rest of the staff. A problematic technician can create a hostile working environment that affects everyone else.
What kind of person are they? Are they diligent? Are they punctual? While you’re looking at what they can do, don’t forget to look at who they are. Will your staff get along with this person? Are they reliable and punctual? Will they make your salon better or worse by working in it? Again, someone who fits in will equal a more harmonious salon environment.
Post Job Listings Where Top Talent Seeks Opportunities
Once you have decided on the kind of individual you require, it is time to hit the ground running. As you already know, asking for recommendations is the most efficient way to find the right fit, so ask your clients and friends first. If this method does not work, place classified ads and accept walk-ins.
In addition, use the nail tech job posts on beauty industry job boards, Facebook, Instagram, and the Booksy App to scout for talents. Who knows? You may find a perfect fit in the place you least expect.
How to Attract the Best Candidates
Your salon should be interesting enough to attract potential applicants. In other words, tell the person what you do and how they will profit from such a position. Are you offering a competitive wage or is there an attractive commission? Employee perks, such as flexible work hours and schedules, bonuses, and tips or upgrade possibilities, are targets any smart job hunter will vie for.
When you combine this with a fun environment and built-in consumer base, the ideal nail tech will be knocking at your door. What type of culture do you wish to create at your salon? If it is a creative, high-energy environment that specializes in luxury pedicures, let your potential hire know so they can decide whether they are a good fit or not.
Involve Your Team in the Hiring Process
There is nothing wrong with requesting your staff recommend possible hires. These are people you trust, admire and rely on. Since they will be working with the person you employ, their opinion is indispensable.
You also have to call a meeting to get a good cross-section of opinions. The result is likely to be a good fit and a stronger hire in the end, as you will have a larger base of valuable information.
Build a Salon Team that Reflects Your Brand
Finding the right nail technician for your brand and clientele should not be challenging. You want someone whose work matches your quality and style, but it goes far deeper than that. Just as important as the person you hire are the values of your salon and the environment you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
With the right nail technician, you will provide a similarly skilled or better replacement for your outgoing technician. It may take a little while to get them up to your standard, but if they are diligent and care about the job, you will eventually get there. This is the perfect time to take to social media to post job listings and book auditions with the Booksy App in your search for your dream nail technician.
