How to Interview Your Interviewer:
What Barbers Should Ask at Interviews
Interviews—they’re no one’s favorite thing in the world.
(Well, maybe some people, but, c’mon, how many people really enjoy the painstaking interview process?)
Preparing for an interview can be stressful. You need to look the part, you need to have your resume and references all lined up, and you need to make sure you’re ready to answer whatever questions are thrown at you.
But here’s the deal about interviews—it’s not just about what the interviewer asks you. That’s right, an interview isn’t a one-way conversation. As the interviewee, there are things you need to know, too.
Asking your interviewer questions can seem daunting. You’re already nervous, so speaking up might seem a little too intimidating at times. But asking your interviewer questions is a crucial part of deciding whether or not you want the job.
Feeling nervous? Not sure what to ask? Don’t sweat it. We’ve laid out a list of some must-ask questions that ever barber should know before they walk into the shop of their dreams!
Keep reading to add these to your list, but don’t be afraid to brainstorm. It’s important to ask what’s important to you—because, after all, you’re the one who’s deciding on whether or not the job is a good fit for you.
Your opinion—clearly—is the most important.
Does This Job Encourage Continuing Education? Is It Offered Through the Shop?
This is a hugely important question to ask. Why? Because this demonstrates very clearly how your employer feels about furthering your career—not just adding you to the team to squeeze more money out of you and into their shop.
Even if this doesn’t feel like a priority for you right at this moment, we can promise you it’s going to be a big deal for your career. You want to know that your employer is working with you instead of against you when it comes to taking the next steps in your personal career.
Talk with them about continuing education programs, see if they have any in mind, and even check to see if they’ll pay for anything. This doesn’t have to dramatically influence your decision, but it is important to know!
How About Contracts—What Will Need to be Signed and Why?
Working at this salon might be a great fit, but what happens when or if it’s time for you to move on?
Are there specific contracts you’d have to sign that bar you from working with clients in this area? Do you lose every client you’ve brought to the shop? Do non-competes exist for this shop?
These contracts don’t have to be a deal-breaker, but you do want to know that they exist before you take the job so you can have ample time to weigh the pros and cons.
Let’s Talk About Top Barbers—What Do They Make?
This might seem like a tough thing to ask—we get it. Asking about your own salary/benefits setup is stressful enough. But try to word it in a way that doesn’t sound super pushy—no, you don’t need specific salary details, but it’s fair to want to get an idea of what potential is available at this shop.
Does this shop’s top earners have some sort of cap on their salary? Does the potential for a higher salary than what you’re being offered even exist? These are important things to understand—every ceiling should become a floor at some point in your career, so it’s important to understand what ceiling exists for you in a specific shop in the first place.
Don’t be afraid to ask about benefits, either. Talk about dental, time-off, sick days, vacation days, healthcare, 401k contributions, and more! It’s important to take all these things into account before deciding if a position is right for you.
What’s the Culture Like Here? Do Barbers Like Working Here?
You might have the chance to chat with a barber who is on staff at this spot, and you also might not. Either way, try to gain an understanding of how barbers feel about working at this shop.
Sure, the money could be awesome, the benefits could be sweet, and the job could sound amazing—but if in reality that barbers that work there don’t actually enjoy working there, is there a point? You want to love your job—not just the job benefits.
Are Your Busy Days Low-Key or Stressful?
Do all the barbers function as a team on busy days, or is it more of a lone wolf, every-man-or-woman-for-themselves situation?
Does this shop get down with Groupons and, if so, can you opt-out of those coupon deals if you want?
Try to get a clear picture of what a busy-AF day looks like at this shop. Does this vibe with you?
Have a few other Qs that could be useful to fellow barbers going through the interview process? We bet some of you barbering vets out there totally do.
If you feel so inclined, drop a comment in the reply section below this blog and share some more tips, tricks, and insight with your community—we can bet you anything this group of barbering pros will definitely appreciate it!
