How To Get A Job At MAC

Ever wondered how to become a retail makeup artist for MAC cosmetics? This article gives advice for seeking work at MAC, the level of makeup experience expected, job interview presentation and expectation, resume preparation and portfolio.

In summary MAC is more likely to hire a makeup artist with experience, all applicants should have a portfolio of his or her work available and when applying for a position as a MAC retail artist, it is of the utmost importance to arrive to the store with flawless makeup, especially during the interview.

In a MAC store, applicants are usually hired by the store's manager. Some counter jobs will consider strong customer service skills if a person does not have much professional experience applying make-up.

There may be many applicants however, who do have cosmetic experience and/or counter experience. Therefore, consider the competition for the position. People who are experienced makeup artists with good customer service skills are probably more likely to get an interview.

RESUME PREPARATION

Some counter positions that are advertised require a resume. When creating a resume or polishing up an existing one, any previous make-up artist experience, beauty courses, and certificates should be highlighted. Customer service experience should also be described in the resume. People who do not have make-up artist experience should at least try to take courses at an acadmey or beauty school to learn basic or advanced makeup application techniques. A make-up artist certificate from a MAC recognised training academy may also help.

PORTFOLIO OF WORK

All makeup artist's resume's should include their portfolio of work. Not all MAC stores and counters will ask for a portfolio but showing a few recent professional photographs of work demonstrates that you have experience as a working makeup artist. If you are just starting out and don't have any professional photographs to show then a close up of makeup that you have done is still going to be better than presenting your resume without any pictures at all. It might be the difference between getting an interview and not getting one so make sure you take lots of photos of your work and network as much as possible to get those great TFP jobs.

PERSONAL PRESENTATION FOR THE INTERVIEW

Make-up should be well-blended. There should be no visible lines, and eyes should be phenomenal. Clothes should be stylish and professional. It may be a required to spend at least an hour on a makeover, so dress with that in mind.

DURING THE INTERVIEW

During the interview, it is highly likely that applicants will be asked to demonstrate. It may be necessary to demonstrate on a friend or a person that the MAC representative has arranged to participate in the demonstration. Sometimes applicants are asked to create different looks on the same person within a given period of time.

Prior to the interview practice applying MAC makeup on friends, family members, and anyone else who is willing to have a makeover. Be experienced in applying makeup on people of various skin tones, skin types and style. Applicants should also know how to correct a variety of facial flaws and create different looks that are in tune with MAC's style.

THE MAC PHILOSOPHY

Definitely read and be ready to answer questions regarding the MAC philosophy and think about

your own beauty philosophy.

For more information on MAC products and their philosophy visit the website www.maccosmetics.com.au

The Academy For Makeup Artists is a MAC college partner. Find out more about our Makeup For Retail 4 Day Intensive here.