Preparing for Work Placement in the Personal Services Industry

Basic Facts about the Personal Services Industry

Employment Status of the Personal Service Industry

• Over 70% are employed fulltime in small businesses

• 49% of the workforce are female

(which is an increase of 60% over last 20 years)

• 15% are self employed in small business

Male 51%

Female 49%

Employment in Personal Services

Success Factors

• Quality of Service

• Quality of Staff

• Quality of Product

What makes the Personal Services Industry Unique?

• Highly personalised service

• First impressions are vitally important

• Inter-action is at all levels

• Commitment to meeting individual needs

• Quality conscious

What are personal services businesses looking for when taking on work placement

students?

• Commitment to customer service

• Positive attitude

• Basic knowledge of the industry

• Genuine desire to learn

• Enthusiasm

• Ability to work as part of a team

• Willingness to carry out basic duties

• Well- developed organisational skills

What should you do before work placement?

• Find out information about the organisation • Confirm what is appropriate dress • Ensure that you are well presented (tidy hair,

appropriate make-up, clean pressed clothes, minimal jewellery, suitable footwear etc)

• Prepare possible interview questions and responses.

Interview Skills

Interviews are not just about talking about your skills and abilities but also how you present yourself.

Preparation is the key. A well prepared applicant is confident and relaxed, and will perform better in an interview.

“Of all the things you wear, your expression in the most

important.’

Janet Lane

Interview SkillsStandard questions for an interview:• Tell me about yourself?• Have you ever done this kind of work before?• What do you know about our organisation?• What is your greatest achievement?• What are 3 words that describe your personality?• What are your career aspirations?• What are your major strengths/weaknesses?

Interview Skills

Questions you might ask:• What are some of the responsibilities of the job?• Could you tell me more about the company?• What job opportunities are available in this

industry?• Is their any further training I can undertake to fast

track my career?

Interview Skills

During the course of an interview the employer will be evaluating your negative factors as well as your

positive attributes.

After Interview ChecklistArrived on time

Dressed properly

Friendly with receptionist

Introduced myself to the interviewer and shook hands

Described my qualifications

Described my other interests and activities

Gave a copy of my resume

After Interview Checklist

Looked at the interviewer while talking (eye contact)

Kept good posture

Avoided nervous mannerisms

Mentioned my major strengths

Arranged to call back for decision/feedback

Handshake and thanked for interview time

How to make a positive impression during your work

placement in the personal services industry…

• Be enthusiastic

• Be on time

• Be honest at all times

• Be polite to customers and other staff members

• Show a willingness to learn

• Be well groomed

• Be well spoken

Pursuing a Career in the Personal Services Industry

Personal Services Occupations

• Hairdressers & Beauty Consultants

• Florists

• Dry Cleaners

• Funeral Services Personnel

• Photographic Associated Personnel

• Video Hire Outlets Assistants

What is important in the Personal Services industry?

• Attitude

• Appearance

• Qualifications

• Experience

NetworkingThe following are a few suggestions as where to start your job search:

• Talk to former work mates, relatives and friends about possible job leads.

• Go through the ‘employment’ sections of newspaper.

• Contact private recruitment agencies.

• Use the internet.

• Check the centre management notice board within local shopping centre.

• Source potential employers through the yellow pages and then cold call them.

Cold Calling

Cold calling is the direct approach to potential employers for an unadvertised position. You can approach the prospective employer by telephone, visit or write.

Where can you find more information?

www.arav.com.au

www.serviceskills.com.au

www.careersgateway.serviceskills.com.au

www.myfuture.edu.au

www.jobjuice.gov.au/default.htm