How Do I Get a Job as a Licensed Esthetician?

Admin • Mar 03, 2021

As job openings related to esthetics are predicted to grow up to 17% in the next few years, a career in skincare has become an exciting prospect. As new services and skincare treatments hit the market, both spa and at-home services are in high demand.

Estheticians are essentially skincare experts that provide a range of services relating to the overall health, appearance, and feel of our skin. They also specialize in anti-aging treatments and skin-healing therapeutics. As skincare science advances, estheticians have to learn how to use the latest in skincare technology. An esthetician will typically provide facials, chemical peels, waxes, skin conditioning and healing treatments, blemish extraction, microdermabrasion, and other skincare specialties. With all the ways you can treat and repair your skin, there are many areas of focus for estheticians.

Choose an Accredited Esthetician School

In order to enter the professional world of esthetics, it is expected that a prospective esthetician completes a training course at an accredited institution. Accreditation is important, as it ensures your program has been officially recognized and will get you the training hours you need to reach licensure. Esthetician courses are typically between 600-800 hours to complete and are often available at a full-time or part-time class schedule.

PJ’s College of Cosmetology offers an accredited esthetician course that is completed in 700-750 hours. This course gives students the experience they need to work full time at a spa or run their own skincare business.

Gain Your License

Licensure is an important step in becoming a fully recognized esthetician. This can vary between states but generally involves a state examination board (State Board of Cosmetology) that tests the applicants on both written and technical skills. There is a fee to take the exam. It is generally only available to those who completed a training program with an accredited institution and fulfilled the required hours.

Indiana License Requirements

All applications must be accompanied by the $40.00 application fee.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Applicant must have completed tenth grade education or equivalent.
700 hours of esthetics education completed at an Indiana beauty culture school.
Pass written examination through PSI.

Kentucky License Requirements

750 hours completed at an accredited school (out-of-state hours must be certified by the State Board or Official Licensing Agency).
Applicant must have completed 12th grade education or equivalent.
Pass written and practical examination.
Payment of license and examination fees.

Establish Your Specialty and Join an Apprenticeship

During your time in an esthetician training program, it is a good idea to master all the techniques you are taught, but to keep in mind how you want to establish your career. Which branch of esthetics do you want to focus on? Do you want to work solo or with a network of estheticians? These are all important questions to ask yourself as you begin your esthetics journey.

Some skincare professionals will do a general range of services, while others choose to focus on one aspect (such as hair removal) and open a salon devoted to that service. As for the type of employment, some estheticians will choose to own their own business, while others work at an established salon, spa, resort, dermatologist's office, or even on cruise ships or behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. Those with an entrepreneurial spirit often enjoy building their own skincare or cosmetic brand.

As you are just beginning your career, it can be beneficial to join and apprenticeship or internship. Job shadowing and connecting with a mentor can help you learn the specifics of a job position and guide you on the day-to-day details of handling clients.

Use Your Esthetician License and Build Your Career

This is the moment where your hard work has paid off. Whichever route you have decided to go within the esthetics industry, there is an abundance of job prospects. All you have to do is trust in your training, abilities, and the skills you have practiced.

As you are starting out, networking, contacting salons and institutions directly, or browsing traditional job boards can all help you get to the interview stage. Additionally, in today’s market and connected world, it is wise to think of alternatives. Show off your skills online by making a website or online portfolio advertising your services. There is no limit to how you can reach new audiences and find new professional opportunities. Once you have landed that dream job or have built up your own salon, all you have to do is continue to demonstrate your expertise, build relationships with clients, and always look for ways to keep building your brand and client list.

If you have questions about how to start your esthetician career, PJ's College can help. Our enrollment advisors are available to answer any career guidance questions and aid in the enrollment process. Fill out an information request or call 800-62-SALON (72566) to speak to an advisor today.

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Making a Job Switch

27 Sep, 2021

Whether you’ve been fired or are simply looking to take your career to the next level, switching jobs in the beauty and wellness industry takes strategy and planning. You can have a job or you can build a career; the choice is yours. If you find yourself job hopping frequently, either by choice or by circumstance, it’s going to be more difficult to establish yourself. A job switch is something to be taken seriously as the consequences of your move, both good and bad, can reverberate for months and even years. Before you make a job switch, think through these 5 things. YOU WILL LOSE BUSINESS We know it feels like everyone will follow you if you do leave, but not everyone does. Some won’t like the drive, the new salon, spa, or shop décor, or even your new team members. Some clients may even be looking for an excuse to try someone new. MULTIPLE MOVES RAISE A RED FLAG TO FUTURE EMPLOYERS Salon, spa, and shop owners look at your track record and if they see you’ve moved multiple times over the past 1-3 years, they are going to be less enthusiastic about hiring an “at risk” team member. YOU MAY BE THE PROBLEM If you have moved several times and are still not happy, then it’s time to do a checkup from the neck up. The only common denominator in your career choices is you. It’s time to stop and think about what it is you really want, write it down, and go find it. WHEN IT ISN’T WORKING, TALK IT OUT Let’s face it: there are going to be times when you just are not “feeling it,” and the love and newness has worn off. When you get to that point, reflect on what you are feeling and ask yourself, “Is it true and is it real?” If it is, then the only way to work through it is to go to the source and talk it out. If you don’t, it will fester and get worse. RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE WHAT IS WORKING Look around and appreciate the perks, joys, esthetics, flexibility, team, training, or whatever else is really great about where you work. Sometimes just shifting your thoughts can create a new perspective. Moving on After Being Fired What if your job switch is based not on choice but on circumstance and you have been fired? Being fired is extremely stressful, no matter the reason. You can find yourself struggling with all types of emotions ranging from embarrassment, anger, fear, and even depression. If you’re in this sticky situation, follow these steps to turn this potential negative into a positive. LOOK TO YOUR FUTURE It can be difficult getting past the “being fired” part, but you must move on! You have two choices: you can live in a negative space and dwell on the past or you can decide to look to your future and learn from this experience. TAKE OWNERSHIP This can be as painful as being fired itself. Spend some time taking a personal inventory of the reasons why you were dismissed. Don’t play the “blame game” and point fingers at others. Take full responsibility and turn this negative experience into a positive learning opportunity for your future. Reach out to mentors or enroll in outside education to help you grow in any areas that are keeping you from the success you are destined to achieve. MOVE FORWARD It’s time to freshen up your resume and cover letters. Be certain to point out your successes and your strengths. There is no reason to mention your dismissal at this time. INTERVIEWING During your interview for a potential new position, be prepared to answer those questions you fear the most like, “Why did you leave your last job?” Honesty is the best policy, but there’s no need to get into a long drawn out conversation about it; keep it brief. Share what you have learned and how you have made a personal commitment to learn and grow from this experience. If you have enrolled in outside education and/or have mentorship in this area be sure to share this information during your interview. For other interview tips, check out this guide. Being fired from a job can shake a person to their core. It ranks in the top of life’s most stressful situations, but if you take the initiative by enrolling in classes and reaching out to mentors to move past any barriers, you can turn things around. Job switches can happen at any time for a multitude of reasons. It’s up to you to be proactive and always go towards what you want. When you need to make big changes, make sure to do your research and make sure the changes are in the direction of your dreams. If you are interested in starting your career in cosmetology, PJ’s College of Cosmetology can help. Call us at 800-62-SALON (72566) or request information at gotopjs.com.

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