Detailed description of my Demo Interview

[airrinleah]

Hi All!! Yesterday, I had my demo interview for a freelance position at Carousel Center Mall in Syracuse, NY. I thought I would give you a detailed description of my application demo interview - that's what I was looking for before this experience. I was really excited and before I started my fingers were a little shaky! As soon as I started, though, I was calm and it was a blast! (and by the way.... I GOT THE JOB :-D :-D :-D )

I brought my friend, also named Erin, with me to model. She is *beautiful* and I picked her (aside from the fact that she is my friend) because she doesn't tend to wear makeup, she has beautiful green eyes and red hair, and her skin is freckled and flawless! I definitely recommend bringing someone with nice skin - it makes the job easier.

Erin and I met outside and walked together to the counter. The manager, Holly, and the other MA on the floor, Ricki, greeted me and brought us to the middle of the counter. There was a tall chair set up and we put our stuff on the floor near the chair. Immediately, Holly told me that the all the girls (the morning MAs) were all excited I was interviewing and decided it was a "sure thing" :-) (You gotta love knowing all the MAs by name :-) )That set me at ease right away. Throughout the interview, whenever Holly stepped away, Ricki came over and checked up on me, and asked if I had any questions or needed anything - I felt really comfortable!

Holly told me she was going to pick one of the Culturebloom looks from their manual (not a look on the website, I checked) and actually gathered all of the colors for me and gave me their brush set all set up. She told me I could look around and grab an appropriate foundation and concealer, and anything else I wanted to use for the look. I grabbed prep and prime face and lip, and then looked for foundations. I don't personally use the P&P eye at all, but Holly grabbed the Medium and said "for your base" and so I decided to use it instead of the paint. I was pretty sure Erin was NW20 and it turned out to be a perfect match... unfortunately they had no NW20 in Tech or Fix (the two foundations which I have used) so I grabbed Studio Tint, which I really ended up loving for her skin, and actually believe Tint was better for her than the Tech/Fix would have been.

Holly showed me the look, and allowed me to keep the facechart for the duration of the interview. It used the following:

Lavender Sky, Vellum, Iris Print, and Vapour Shadows, violet underground e/l, dressed brow set
Redd lip liner, trance plant, and culture bloom l/s
Sweet William blushcreme

while Holly went to help a customer, I sanitized my hands first, and then all of the products. I wiped the shadows with a tissue, dipped the eyeliner, lipliner, lipstick, and p&p lip in alcohol and then sharpened the pencils. I found the disposable mascara wands, qtips, spatulas, and petri dishes and took out the brushes I felt particularly comfortable with. Unfortunately, they don't put the 187s or 212s in the belt (both brushes I LOVE) but I found alternatives.

When Holly came back, I started the application. I began by asking Erin about her skin and whether she had moisturized or had on any makeup. I began with the prep and prime skin (from petri dish), describing it to her and then actually having her put some on her hands (that's how an MA got me to buy it - it's SO SMOOTH!) and applied it with the 190. Right away, I started selling the 190 brush, as I love it for primer, moisturizer, and foundation application. I applied the P&P lip and eye at this point, also describing the brushes (316 and 242). I asked Holly about the 187 and whether or not they use them in belts - she said because they are so expensive, they only sell them & so I described the brush to Erin and told her I would show it to her in the end - it's really one of my fav. brushes and I described how I like to use it.

At this point, I lightly applied the foundation from the petri dish, explaining that she didn't need much because of her beautiful skin and I wanted to let her freckles show through. I should mention that Erin didn't necessarily need foundation, but I wanted to show that I could match it to Erin's skin. Holly was with me for about 80% of the application, and I applied eyes, then cheeks, then lips. I talked and taught and used Mac references throughout. Some of the things I brought up:

foundation shouldn't be like a mask - blend in the jawline, don't need to cover the skin - should just be an improvement if improvement is necessary, unless you are going for a different look

described shades of foundation, and why I matched her like I did (look at inner arm - green veins = nc, blue/purple veins = nw, lower numbers for paler skin)

named every product I used (brushes, shadows, sanitizing measures, all product), and explained finishes to shadows, various brushes and what I used them for, and other ideas for the brushes. Also mentioned the differences between brush materials (synthetic , goat hair, etc.) and used this as an opportunity to mention that Mac is cruelty free in their makeup production and brush manufacturing.

labeled parts of the eye (inner v, outer v, lashline, waterline, lid, crease, tear duct area, lower lashline) and briefly explained that dark colors recess and light colors highlight, for eyes (crease vs. lid, browbone) and for other face bone structures.

mentioned ways the look could be altered and adapted to Erin's personal makeup style.

when I was applying makeup and not particularly needing to describe where, or when, I used that time to talk to Erin as a friend about MAC and why I love it - I explained Back2MAC, Viva Glam & Aids Donations, and the Motto.

As I was finishing up , I referenced the picture and cleaned up a few things. I did ask Holly if she had any suggestions or tips and she had me use the 219 to intensify the color in the corners, and blend the right eyeliner a bit. She made a few other suggestions and ta-daa! We were done! It was a shock for me and for my model because a girl who usually wears gloss and a LITTLE pinkish shadow was wearing a smokey purple eye with red/burnt orange lips and blush. It was a riot. She was such a good sport and never flinched :-p

At this point, Holly asked if she could have a few minutes with me, and Erin took off, as we drove separately. Holly and I went to the food court and.... SHE OFFERED ME THE JOB :-D She hired me for "on-call" and "freelance". I am so, so excited :-) She said that my speaking and 'verbage' was the best or tied for best she has experienced for an interview - I dedicate that to a few things: in my "real" life I am a music teacher, I am used to describing and teaching my way through things, Obsessively reading here and on LJ, studying descriptions on the website (brushes and finishes) and, especially studying things I don't use or have limited exposure to (their mascara, foundation, concealers).

The whole experience took about an hour and a half, and I am going back today for paperwork. I am so totally excited, and looking forward to my first event.

If you have any questions about the process (anything!) I would love to answer them for you. I hope this helps someone going for the interview!!

Erin =)

[d_flawless]

wow, that was incredibly helpful, congrats!

[user2]

Wow OK I won't apply at MAC because I hardly doubt that I will explain in that great detail .....

But great info though!!!

[NJDes]

Congrats. I'm glad you got the position. It seems like you did an amazing job explaining everything.

[Juneplum]

wow! congratulations hon!!!

[MisStarrlight]

Awww, that's the store by my parent's house. I love the girls there so much! Congrats on the position, by the sounds of it, you totally rocked it. I would have definitely offed you the position right then.

I'll most likely be working up there a few times over the summer-they're having a huge event in May & whenever else they need me when I'm home....so I'm sure I'll be meeting you soon.

[serendipityii]

Congrats on getting the job!
How long did it take from handing in your app til getting an interview? Also, how are you supposed to sanitize prep&prime eye? And can you explain more about using the petri dish & stuff? I'm applying next week and I'm superfreaked that I'm gonna do something wrong if I get far enough to do the makeup demo!

[Piaqua]

Congrats! I'm from syracuse and at that MAC counter all the time. Don't you just love Ricki, she's my absolute fave. If would like, you can PM me and tell me when you're working (I'd assume sometime during our super-late culturebloom event), and I'd love to book an appt with you

[ishtarchick]

hoorray!!!! cognratulations

[airrinleah]

Thank you so much everyone!!! I am so excited :-)

VuittonVictim: you can definitely apply!!! I never ever thought I would get the position and I am just so thrilled :-)

MisStarrlight: Have you worked at the Carousel Counter before? That would be a blast to work together!

Serendipityii: I handed in my app a few months ago - December maybe? I got the interview on the day Culturebloom came out. I sanitized prep and prime with a drop of alcohol on the top, wiped with a tissue, then scooped out what I wanted to use with a spatula. I never used anything emolient or liquid from the container - I got it out, onto the petri dish, and then worked from there. You just want to avoid ever double dipping from product container to face back to container. Good luck!

Piaqua: Ricki is so awesome :-) Unfortunatly the Culturebloom event was this weekend and it was too quick to get my hiring papers into the system - but there is supposed to be an event in May and I would just LOVE to do your makeup for that :-D

[devin]

wow! i really appreciate the detailed description that was great!! Congratulations!!

[Life In Return]

Congratulations

[Pimptress]

I think I need more practice or to even own some MAC foundations before I should hand in my application! Congrats! I don't think I could ever do so well!

[farra712]

Congratulations! I have been talking to the counter manager at our counter about doing freelance and she hasn't offered me an interview, but told me she would love to hire me when I have my last day at my current job. This is a great guideline for me to follow if I get a demo interview. Let's cross our fingers!

[mitsukai]

how did you handle sterilizing eyeshadows? when i had my eyes done by one of the MAs i don't really remember what she did. she sterilized the brushes before, but just used them regularly in the e/s.

[Holstrom4]

Congrats! That was a very interesting read!!

[beautenoir]

congratulations!...you did a great job expaining MAC and selling stuff in your interview!...thanks for this detailed description of the process...it was a huge help!

[tarteheart]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitsukai

how did you handle sterilizing eyeshadows? when i had my eyes done by one of the MAs i don't really remember what she did. she sterilized the brushes before, but just used them regularly in the e/s.

Hi, fellow BPALer! Powder products are dry and do not harbor much bacteria; you would just want to wipe the top of the shadow with a dry tissue to remove any possible contaminants. Lipsticks, Lipgelees, pencils, and Shadesticks (I think) are sanitized with alcohol. Emollient products are just wiped also with a tissue or alcohol wipe in order to remove the top layer.

[Bec688]

wow, you did an excellent job, that was a really good read, and Congratulations on getting the job I'd love to work for MAC some day.. but my nearest store is about 2 hours away Plus, MAC isnt as huge in Australia as it appears to be in the states,I learn so much from you guys from reading your posts on here, they're all extremely helpful

[giz2000]

Congratulations...you did great!!

[koolmnbv]

I have a few questions maybe some MAC ppl/employees could help answer! I recently dropped off an application so I want to try to start practicing now w. everything in case I get a call back I want to be as prepared as possible. I am mainly worried about this time limit, like under timed pressure will my MU still look as good? Any tips on this from any1 would be most helpful!
but my
1st question is- how long was your time limit?

2nd q- If the time limit is 30 minutes (what I heard) and I usually take alot longer than that to get the MU looking the way I like how could I cut my time down (I usually take about 45-60mins)

3rd question- did they help you along in anyways w. tips on application, fndtns selection, sanitizing technique or what not? Also were you allowed to ask questions as you went along?

4th question- The brushes they supplied you with, were they already sanitized?

5th q- did your time limit start before or after you picked all your products and got them all ready and sanitized?
(if you cant tell Im kinda worried about this time limit)

6th q- This question doesnt pretain to the interview process but more of after you got hired...how do you handle a situation that someone doesnt like there application or colors etc. even if its the look of what they told you they wanted.

Also what do you do if someone is very vague in what they want and/or looking for? How do you KNOW what to give them if they are not specific?

7th- How hard is it too learn to work on diff. skin types,textures,colors ethnicities etc. I am also kinda worried about this because I only mainly do apps on my sisters right now and a few friends but not a vast range of ppl.

Ok thanks for any help! Sorry for all the questions I just want to be prepared in case I get my call back!!

[koolmnbv]

Also sorry more questions (totally jumping the gun these though)

Are your sales goals hard to meet? Like are you selling hard all the time or do they average your goals out so that your sales arent so hard to make?

Also what happens if you dont meet your sales goals?

[airrinleah]

Quote:

Originally Posted by koolmnbv

I have a few questions maybe some MAC ppl/employees could help answer! I recently dropped off an application so I want to try to start practicing now w. everything in case I get a call back I want to be as prepared as possible. I am mainly worried about this time limit, like under timed pressure will my MU still look as good? Any tips on this from any1 would be most helpful!
but my
1st question is- how long was your time limit?

For my interview, I had about an hour from start to finish. Time wasn't a big stressor. For freelance events, slots are 30 minutes, and that takes some time management. Practice doing an application from start to finish in 30 minutes, and also in 50.

Quote:

2nd q- If the time limit is 30 minutes (what I heard) and I usually take alot longer than that to get the MU looking the way I like how could I cut my time down (I usually take about 45-60mins)

Practice!!!!! Do it on yourself and talk your way through and time yourself! Move quickly and explain things as you go. Have a definite plan: ie. moisturize, foundation, primer, concealer, eyes, cheeks, etc...

Quote:

3rd question- did they help you along in anyways w. tips on application, fndtns selection, sanitizing technique or what not? Also were you allowed to ask questions as you went along?

Sanitizing, yes, everything else: No. They want to see how good you are at the application. If I had questions about product location (in the store) or sanitizing, I felt very comfortable asking!

Quote:

4th question- The brushes they supplied you with, were they already sanitized?

Yes. Once you use a brush, do not put it back into your belt until it is sanitized (likely they will do that for you at the end)

Quote:

5th q- did your time limit start before or after you picked all your products and got them all ready and sanitized?
(if you cant tell Im kinda worried about this time limit)

Don't worry! After :-)

Quote:

6th q- This question doesnt pretain to the interview process but more of after you got hired...how do you handle a situation that someone doesnt like there application or colors etc. even if its the look of what they told you they wanted.

That totally happens, and you do your very best to make it better in the time that you have, but the most important thing is to make them a part of the process - I show them almost EVERYTHING that I do - every step of the way and ask questions "do you like this" "is this the color/look/style you like" so that I never get past a step without their acceptance.

Quote:

Also what do you do if someone is very vague in what they want and/or looking for? How do you KNOW what to give them if they are not specific?

Just do your best! Ask for even a vague comment: Bold, bright, fav color, neutral, or do a look you love on yourself. be creative and look for inspiration in their eyes, clothes, style. Keep them talking throughout and giving you feedback on what you ar edoing so you can take it in a new direction if they seem unhappy.

Quote:

7th- How hard is it too learn to work on diff. skin types,textures,colors ethnicities etc. I am also kinda worried about this because I only mainly do apps on my sisters right now and a few friends but not a vast range of ppl.

It's trial and error! My first time freelancing I asked for foundation matching help on a few ladies with darker/yellower skin that I am not used to doing. You get an eye really quickly, though.

Quote:

Are your sales goals hard to meet? Like are you selling hard all the time or do they average your goals out so that your sales arent so hard to make?

I am sure it depends on the counter, but they use past years' statistics to come up with appropriate goals.

Quote:

Also what happens if you dont meet your sales goals?

If it happens enough, I am sure the manager would talk to you about your selling technique. My manager sets extra-high goals with prizes from the "BAG O MAC" full of D/C LE stuff if you get it :-p

Quote:

Ok thanks for any help! Sorry for all the questions I just want to be prepared in case I get my call back!!

Good Luck!!! Welcome :-)

[koolmnbv]

thank you for all this helpful info and all the time taken to write it!! So nice and helpful!!

[kappatit]

i used to go to syracuse university and i had the HUGEST crush on ricki. shes like the hotter christina aguilera hAHHA which im sure shes heard like 150000 times. i used to shop mac there all the time while cursing the lack of a freelance/pro store. (im from nyc) but seriously i loved talking/buying to/from her! congrats girlie~