Ep. 3 - Writing a Job Description That Attracts The Right Estheticians
You know it's time to hire, but now comes the next challenge: attracting the right candidate.
Too many spa owners struggle to find good hires because their job posting is either too generic, too demanding, or it just doesn't appeal to the kind of esthetician they actually want on their team.
By the end of this post, you'll have a clear, compelling job description that sets you apart and actually attracts the best estheticians.
Why Most Job Posts Fail
There are three main reasons job postings don't work:
1. They're too vague. Just "seeking a general esthetician" with a few bullet points. Nothing makes your spa stand out.
2. They're too demanding. Just a long list of requirements with no mention of why someone would want this job. It reads like a set of rules more than an opportunity.
3. They're not speaking to the right person. A post that's too formal might scare off a warm esthetician. A post that's too casual might attract someone unprofessional.
If you don't define your spa culture, you'll attract anyone and everyone. And that's not what you want.
How to Write a Standout Job Description
1. Be Clear (Clear is Kind)
Say exactly what this esthetician will be doing. Include what services they'll perform and what experiences or skills are required versus preferred.
I personally prefer to hire people straight out of school because I love their eagerness. But I've also hired estheticians with 15+ years of experience.
List what is required versus preferred. If you want someone skilled in microblading with a tattoo license and two years of experience, that's required. If you prefer two years of waxing experience but are willing to train, that's preferred.
Figure out what you're willing to train on.
2. Describe Your Spa Culture and Values
What's it like to work at your spa? What kind of team dynamic do you have? What values are most important to you?
Our core values are: be kind, be open, be safe, be reliable, and family first. When COVID hit, we leaned on these values to make decisions. That's when we closed before there was a mandate because "be safe" guided us.
I don't recommend having more than five core values. Two or three is really awesome.
Remember: Hiring isn't just about skill, it's about fit.
If your spa is fast-paced with strict time standards, say that. If your focus is luxury and relaxation, say that too. The more specific you are, the more likely you'll attract someone who aligns with your vision and repel the ones who don't.
You WANT to repel candidates that are not a good fit.
3. Include Specific Instructions to Filter Out Bad Fits
This is probably the most important thing you'll learn from this entire post.
I personally require a very specific subject line with their resume. If someone sends me their resume without that subject line, I delete it. That tells me this person cannot follow directions right from the get-go.
Other great filtering techniques:
Have the applicant send their resume with their MBTI in the subject line. This tells you if they can follow directions AND be resourceful.
Ask them to answer a specific question in the cover letter.
Here's a real example: One client had an applicant email asking, "Oh, what's an MBTI?" I told her to delete it. The purpose of hiring is to make your life easier, not put more work on your plate.
Another client had an applicant ask, "Do you want my MBTI from the paid version, or is it okay from a free online quiz?" That was okay because she came with solutions, not problems.
Notice the difference? This will save you SO much time right from the start.
Where to Post Your Job Description
1. Careers page on your website. Even if you're not hiring right now, collect resumes for the future. A great hire might come along before you're ready.
2. Facebook groups and Instagram. Post in local esthetician groups. Share a story or reel. Sometimes your next hire is already a client or in your audience.
3. Local schools, training centers, and CEU locations. Build relationships with instructors and supply houses. Ask if you can put a flyer on the door. Many students are actively looking for work.
If you're only posting on job boards, you're missing out on the best candidates.
Your Next Step
Update your job description this week. You can use my free esthetician job description template at AmandaLuisaConsulting.com (click on Resources at the top).
Then post it in at least two new places this week. Be specific and clear so the right estheticians are excited to apply.
Need help creating the perfect job post for your spa?
Fill out this intake form to book a discovery call with me. Let's make sure you attract the right team members from the start.
Thanks for being here. Peace and love, my friend.