Depending on where you're at in your business, you might be thinking about hiring employees or team members. If you're looking to add an assistant or bring on an independent artist to help, there's certain things you need to look for. 

What is their style?

The first thing you need to look for in an assistant is somebody who has a similar portfolio to what you already offer. For example, if you are a soft romantic boho kind of stylist, whether that's for bridal hair or makeup, someone who does high glam like Kim Kardashian style, isn't going to be compatible with you. Their work is not going to appeal to your clients and there's going to be a disconnect. When you think about taking photos, or having a cohesive look for a bridal party, things aren’t going to match up. Having an assistant with a similar style to yours ensures that your looks will flow together. 

Where are they located?

The next thing you need to consider is location. How close are they to your studio or where most of your weddings take place? By hiring somebody close to where you typically work, it's going to save you time and money. When you have to include pay for extended travel, it’s going to cut into your profit or otherwise affect what you are charging your brides. 

Research your candidates

When you find someone you want to interview, it’s important that you take the time to talk with them and do your research on them. What is their reputation like online? How do they conduct their business? How do they represent themselves? If they are going to be working with you and representing your business, it’s important that they have the right attitude and approach for your business and for your reputation. You want to make sure that they conduct themselves in the professional manner you expect. Before you hire someone, make sure you are asking for references. Not just references from brides they’ve worked with but from other artists in the industry. Make sure you ask questions that are going to be important to your working relationship with them. Did this person show up on time? Did they show up professionally dressed? How was your experience working with them? These are all important factors to know when you may be potentially hiring them to work with your brides.

Episode 40-What To Look For In An Assistant 

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Ask the right questions

When you get to the interview process, make sure you ask the right questions and pay attention to their behavior. We all know the standard interview questions that are asked at job interviews, but that’s not going to tell you what you need to know. Is your interviewee dressed appropriately? Did they put effort into their appearance? That’s not saying you expect a full face of makeup but, working in the beauty industry does it look like they are professional and care about their appearance? Do they have any questions for you?  Are they looking for a short-term relationship or are they invested in working together long-term? These are all things to take into consideration when you’re at the face-to-face point. 

Make sure you're compatible 

Even if your potential assistant has checked all your boxes up until this point, you need to gauge if you can consider working with this person long term. If you are doing bridal hair and makeup at a wedding, for several hours, in a high stress environment, is there presence going to help you or make it more stressful? At the end of the day, you need to make sure you are compatible and can work well together to make your job easier, not harder. 

While it can seem daunting to add new members to your team, following these simple guidelines will help make the process of finding an assistant with the right qualities easier. 

What's Next?

You might also really love my May 2023 Masterclass from my Masterclass Magic Series all about Team Building!  This masterclass is dedicated to helping you build a team of dedicated artists and fostering a sense of community within your brand.  Check out more on the masterclass and all the monthly topics here!