MAC Interviews & Hiring Process - Page 35

I decided to share my experience since this site helped me so much!!!!!

So I sent a resume online for a MAC career call for freelance positions.  I then got an email and scheduled a time to interview at one of the local store (Park Meadows, Colorado).  At 11 am on a Thursday, I arrived at the store with my model as the email requested.  About 5 other girls arrived for the interviews as well. 

We all signed in, filled out some basic info about ourselves (since I had already sent my resume, I didn't have to fill out the whole application). I was the first one asked to an interview and me and a manager from another store went out to a couch in the mall and started.  These are as many questions as I can remember...

*What is your favorite MAC product? How would you sell it?

*How would you close a sale?

*How would I describe my makeup ability?

*Who is my celebrity makeup inspiration?

*What is my history in sales?

*What is my history in cosmetics?

*Rate 1-10 Kim Kardashians MUA

*What media I use to keep up with current trends and makeup?

*What are my goals for working with MAC?

I studies by butt of for the interview: history, sales, products, collections, this website... It paid off! I also had an opportunity to show her my portfolio. Overall it was about 45 minutes long.

After I was asked to do a demo (not every one was).

I was given a booth to do the demo on the model I brought. I was then given a tear sheet from a Mary Kay add to replicate.  Mine was a warm toned frosted-natural eye, pink cheek, red lipstick and high gloss.I had to do the look with 10 products or less. I had a few minutes to review the look. Then she came over and explained my time limits and the sanitation process (which I had studied).  Then 5 minutes to gather products. I chose... (don't remember the colors)

*Strobe Cream

*Prep+Prime Face

*Studio Sculpt Foundation - NW 30

*Powder - NW30

*Powder blush 

*2 frosted eye shadows

*Hi-Def Mascara

*Red lipstick from luster series

*Red Lip glass

*eyebrow gel

I was then given 5 brushes: 190,187, 242, 192, and I cant remember the last one.  I had hand sanitizer, alcohol, disposable tools and a pitri dish at my booth also.

I then had 30 minutes to recreate the look. After I was asked to critique myself, then she critiqued me. She then did eyeliner on one eye with Fluid-line in Black Track and brush 192. I had to replicate it on the other eye. I again critiqued myself and then she did. I was then told to clean my station and wait for a call.

So about 4 days later (to my surprise) I received an email from the original recruiter telling me to fill out a Nordstrom online app and the email her so they can have their HR pull it. A few hours later I received an email from Nordstrom wanting to schedule a phone interview.  That's next Tuesday. So over all I have a possible 15-20 hour/week position at the MAC counter in Norstrom, Flat Iron Crossings Mall...

Wish me luck all and good luck to any one out their on the same path!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarlyNaNaMUA 

I decided to share my experience since this site helped me so much!!!!!

 

So I sent a resume online for a MAC career call for freelance positions.  I then got an email and scheduled a time to interview at one of the local store (Park Meadows, Colorado).  At 11 am on a Thursday, I arrived at the store with my model as the email requested.  About 5 other girls arrived for the interviews as well. 

 

We all signed in, filled out some basic info about ourselves (since I had already sent my resume, I didn't have to fill out the whole application). I was the first one asked to an interview and me and a manager from another store went out to a couch in the mall and started.  These are as many questions as I can remember...

*What is your favorite MAC product? How would you sell it?

*How would you close a sale?

*How would I describe my makeup ability?

*Who is my celebrity makeup inspiration?

*What is my history in sales?

*What is my history in cosmetics?

*Rate 1-10 Kim Kardashians MUA

*What media I use to keep up with current trends and makeup?

*What are my goals for working with MAC?

 

I studies by butt of for the interview: history, sales, products, collections, this website... It paid off! I also had an opportunity to show her my portfolio. Overall it was about 45 minutes long.

 

After I was asked to do a demo (not every one was).

 

I was given a booth to do the demo on the model I brought. I was then given a tear sheet from a Mary Kay add to replicate.  Mine was a warm toned frosted-natural eye, pink cheek, red lipstick and high gloss.I had to do the look with 10 products or less. I had a few minutes to review the look. Then she came over and explained my time limits and the sanitation process (which I had studied).  Then 5 minutes to gather products. I chose... (don't remember the colors)

*Strobe Cream

*Prep+Prime Face

*Studio Sculpt Foundation - NW 30

*Powder - NW30

*Powder blush 

*2 frosted eye shadows

*Hi-Def Mascara

*Red lipstick from luster series

*Red Lip glass

*eyebrow gel

 

I was then given 5 brushes: 190,187, 242, 192, and I cant remember the last one.  I had hand sanitizer, alcohol, disposable tools and a pitri dish at my booth also.

 

I then had 30 minutes to recreate the look. After I was asked to critique myself, then she critiqued me. She then did eyeliner on one eye with Fluid-line in Black Track and brush 192. I had to replicate it on the other eye. I again critiqued myself and then she did. I was then told to clean my station and wait for a call.

 

So about 4 days later (to my surprise) I received an email from the original recruiter telling me to fill out a Nordstrom online app and the email her so they can have their HR pull it. A few hours later I received an email from Nordstrom wanting to schedule a phone interview.  That's next Tuesday. So over all I have a possible 15-20 hour/week position at the MAC counter in Norstrom, Flat Iron Crossings Mall...

 

Wish me luck all and good luck to any one out their on the same path!!

Good luck! The Kim Kardashian question is so funny... I wonder what kind of answer they're looking for with that one.

Super anxious right now. Had my demo on thursday. already had telephone and face to face interview with the manager of the store I applied to. just waiting to hear back now. fingers crossed.

Hey all! I have just now worked up the courage to make a username and post on here, but I have been following the forum for the past month or two. This forum is what got me through my application and interview process.

I just moved from Australia to Vancouver, freelancing mostly for the past 5 years and wanting something new and different! So I went into Downtown with my resume and portfolio and crossed my fingers. I honestly don't have a lot of cosmetic retail experience at all, as I've freelanced for majority of my career so far. Long story short, I was offered an on-call position at the Pro store within the same week of applying and interviewing. Waiting for my orientation and start date, I was then offered a guaranteed 10-hours-a-week position on top of that! How does this happen? I was just a little surprised that I hadn't even started yet and they offered me more, guaranteed hours, basically. So I picked up my August schedule yesterday and have more hours than I thought I would, which is great of course. Orientation is next Tuesday. Does anyone have any pointers about what orientation will involve? The thought of starting my first shift is nerve-wrecking entirely, but then I just keep assuring myself that, hopefully, orientation will go through all my queries and put me more at ease. 

I wouldn't go, It's only been two weeks. Have you had your demo yet?

Hi everyone!

I am SUPER new to this site and this particular thread, but I was referred to it as I was just contacted today to come in to interview for a freelance position.  I've been frequenting my local Macy's counter for several years, and I'm very familiar (for the most part) with everyone who works there.  I've dabbled with the idea of applying for a position there, as I adore makeup, but I am not *completely* satisfied or comfortable in my skills of doing other people's makeup.  I've done a bit here and there, but it's been a while since I've practiced on anyone, so I am totally aware that I need to step it up and get some more practice in.  I'm comfortable with doing makeup on myself, but still trying to get comfortable on the application for others, ya know?

I'm usually complimented on my makeup when I stop by the counter (which is always nice:), and several times in the past, different MUA's have "recruited" me to work there, or suggested I apply.  But again, because of me not being 100% confident in my skills to do others makeup, I kept putting it off... Even though makeup is something I've always wanted to do, and I've always been obsessed with it and MAC.  

Well, last month or so, I finally dropped off a resume for consideration for any open position. The manager, whom I know fairly well, was not in but I knew she would get my CV.  I didn't think any more of it, mostly because I just recently started 2 part time jobs elsewhere.. However, today I went by and spent too much money on the Electric Cool collection.. (OMG, how amazing are those shadows! I'm in love, haha!).. and I chatted it up with another MUA that I know pretty well.  Out of the blue, she asked me if I was still interested in freelancing because she knew at one point I was interested in doing that.  I explained that I was, but wasn't sure how it would work out due to my other PT jobs.  Needless to say, she said that she would mention it to the manager.  Well, a few hours later, I got a call back from the manager and she wanted to set up an interview time for me.  She explained that they do the initial interview AND the demo on the same day.  Due to my not knowing my schedule for one of my jobs (and because I just started there), I will have to figure out my schedule first and then call back for the interview.  SUPER long story (not so) short lol, I am mildly terrified of my demo interview.... haha.  I don't want to come across as insecure and lacking confidence for my demo, but I know I need to definitely practice on some friends until my interview.  Reading the different comments about what to expect in the interview is very helpful, but I am still very nervous.  I would like to think that because I've been "recruited" on several occasions (and even today when I stopped by, and also because the manager called me shortly after) that I could have a decent chance of getting this position, but I am definitely not being cocky in my thinking.  That being said, I know when I go in I need to exude confidence and do my best to show off my skills, but I'm so nervous that I'm just going to mess it up and ruin my chances lol.  Unfortunately, I usually end up second guessing myself and my performance. =/   

SO, so sorry that this is so long... if you've read it all, I would definitely appreciate any tips or encouragement in this process.  Sounds like most of you probably know what I'm feeling, and I know that even the best sometimes second guess themselves, but if you can recommend any tips on how to get past that, please do let me know!  

Thank you so, so much for any and all encouragement!

-Natalie.

Quote:

Originally Posted by natuhlieee 

Hi everyone!

 

I am SUPER new to this site and this particular thread, but I was referred to it as I was just contacted today to come in to interview for a freelance position.  I've been frequenting my local Macy's counter for several years, and I'm very familiar (for the most part) with everyone who works there.  I've dabbled with the idea of applying for a position there, as I adore makeup, but I am not *completely* satisfied or comfortable in my skills of doing other people's makeup.  I've done a bit here and there, but it's been a while since I've practiced on anyone, so I am totally aware that I need to step it up and get some more practice in.  I'm comfortable with doing makeup on myself, but still trying to get comfortable on the application for others, ya know?

 

I'm usually complimented on my makeup when I stop by the counter (which is always nice:), and several times in the past, different MUA's have "recruited" me to work there, or suggested I apply.  But again, because of me not being 100% confident in my skills to do others makeup, I kept putting it off... Even though makeup is something I've always wanted to do, and I've always been obsessed with it and MAC.  

 

Well, last month or so, I finally dropped off a resume for consideration for any open position. The manager, whom I know fairly well, was not in but I knew she would get my CV.  I didn't think any more of it, mostly because I just recently started 2 part time jobs elsewhere.. However, today I went by and spent too much money on the Electric Cool collection.. (OMG, how amazing are those shadows! I'm in love, haha!).. and I chatted it up with another MUA that I know pretty well.  Out of the blue, she asked me if I was still interested in freelancing because she knew at one point I was interested in doing that.  I explained that I was, but wasn't sure how it would work out due to my other PT jobs.  Needless to say, she said that she would mention it to the manager.  Well, a few hours later, I got a call back from the manager and she wanted to set up an interview time for me.  She explained that they do the initial interview AND the demo on the same day.  Due to my not knowing my schedule for one of my jobs (and because I just started there), I will have to figure out my schedule first and then call back for the interview.  SUPER long story (not so) short lol, I am mildly terrified of my demo interview.... haha.  I don't want to come across as insecure and lacking confidence for my demo, but I know I need to definitely practice on some friends until my interview.  Reading the different comments about what to expect in the interview is very helpful, but I am still very nervous.  I would like to think that because I've been "recruited" on several occasions (and even today when I stopped by, and also because the manager called me shortly after) that I could have a decent chance of getting this position, but I am definitely not being cocky in my thinking.  That being said, I know when I go in I need to exude confidence and do my best to show off my skills, but I'm so nervous that I'm just going to mess it up and ruin my chances lol.  Unfortunately, I usually end up second guessing myself and my performance. =/   

 

SO, so sorry that this is so long... if you've read it all, I would definitely appreciate any tips or encouragement in this process.  Sounds like most of you probably know what I'm feeling, and I know that even the best sometimes second guess themselves, but if you can recommend any tips on how to get past that, please do let me know!  

 

Thank you so, so much for any and all encouragement!

-Natalie.

Hey! Definitely be confident, do your research, and DON'T over think it! It will help to know your models foundation/concealer shade.. but other than that, if you plan it too much it will seem scripted and you'll be to worried about forgetting things so it won't seem natural. Talk about what you learn about the company, what you're doing as you're doing it, smile, dress in black, hair& makeup done- of course. You probably will have to apply gel liner on your model, so prepare for that. Good luck :)

I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!  They just called me for a part time position, Im so happy and excited!!!!!  will keep u all informed.

Congrats on getting THE job!!!

So my freelance and on-call number came in yesterday. wooooo it took a long time. should i be proactive and start calling different counters, or should i wait to here from the door i was assigned to?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniCakes 

So my freelance and on-call number came in yesterday. wooooo it took a long time. should i be proactive and start calling different counters, or should i wait to here from the door i was assigned to?

Call the door that you were assigned to first and tell them that you got your number, the person in charge of freelancing might not have/probably didnt let your counter know yet.

So here is my experience so far as a MAC freelancer... I received my number 2 weeks ago. I was not contacted by a freelance coordinator or my home store. I had to call around to several different counters and ask if they had freelance/on-call hours. My first shift was a few days later and it was awesome. There is no training, no time to go over products, no prepping. I was literally thrown on the floor to sink or swim lol. Luckily for me the first counter I freelanced at was kind of slow. I knew the counter manager from shopping at the pro store and I was greeted with a warm welcome. After I finished my shift, the manager told me I did a great job and she would have more hours for me in September. Great! The second store I freelanced at was super busy on monday and tuesday. Once again, I was thrown on the floor with no help. I felt more comfortable because of the first day at the previous store. I jumped right in and helped any and everyone I came in contact with. The most difficult part of freelancing is finding the products. The product set up is different from store to store. 

The rules seem to be different from store to store. Managers can expect you to know the rules when you don't, but I don't take anything personally.  Tomorrow I will be freelancing at another store and I'm super excited because the manager can book me all the way up until December. We'll see how it goes. 

I have been lurking around a couple days now!

Im in UK and was wondering if their interview process was pretty much the same as US?

As far as I know, it seems US MAC interview process, they like to have groups in at a time, does that apply in UK?

Also... I handed in my CV on the Sunday just gone, I had asked them if they were recruiting first and to my surprise the counter staff said that they 'think' they were.

She took my CV in and also asked if I had any make-up experience, she didnt ask about retail experience.

I told her I had make-up experience (not a huge amount but I still do have it!) and she said she would hand my CV in to the manager when shes back.

Didnt think much of it until they rang me a 2 days later.

Im not sure if they do that to everyone who hands in CV's, but it got me super excited!

She said she was going through some CV's and are calling people up to tell them they will be calling again to arrange an interview in 3-4 weeks time.

Now i dont know what to think about this...! I have a feeling maybe shes just ringing to say shes recieved my CV :S

But she did however, mention that there was a PT slot available and they were also on the lookout for Xmas temps too, which usually turns into a permanent job after Xmas.

Im doing a lot of research on MAC at the moment and I hope they do call back!

I told one of my cousins about them ringing me back, and she told me its probably cause they need to arrange a time suitable for a bunch of people to interview at the same time.

I guess I just need to vent on this post-interview process since I barely know anyone personally that can advise me with anything regarding this matter since it's MAC.

On September 4th, I went in for my interview as well as my demo (for a part-time position).  All went really well, in fact they had said I should be expecting a callback at the end of the week.

One week went by, asked my other friend who works there how long the waiting process is and she said 1-2 weeks depending if they had more interviews.

I waited another week.

Two weeks went by and still received nothing.  I called the counter I was applying for (interview was done by other managers), but she had stepped out for the moment so the employee I spoke to asked for me to leave my number.

Two and a half weeks went by and so I decided to call again in hopes that I could speak to the manager.

She said she had gotten my message from the first time I called and had already TOLD the managers to give me a callback and went and said "hmm... let me contact them right now and I will call you back, I have your number here."

Currently, I am still waiting for some kind of callback.  Didn't know when she would exactly call me back, or if she contacted anyone regarding my situation.. But I guess you can say I'm a little frustrated and not really sure of what to do.  Sorry if this was in detail I just wanted to make this experience as visual and as real as possible lol.  My friend who works at another mac (Mac, Soho, NY) says that this kinda feels pretty long from when they said they'd call me.

Is this post-interviewing process normal?  What would you advise that I would do next? 

PM'ing you. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by LyzaMarie 

I guess I just need to vent on this post-interview process since I barely know anyone personally that can advise me with anything regarding this matter since it's MAC.

 

On September 4th, I went in for my interview as well as my demo (for a part-time position).  All went really well, in fact they had said I should be expecting a callback at the end of the week.

 

One week went by, asked my other friend who works there how long the waiting process is and she said 1-2 weeks depending if they had more interviews.

 

I waited another week.

 

Two weeks went by and still received nothing.  I called the counter I was applying for (interview was done by other managers), but she had stepped out for the moment so the employee I spoke to asked for me to leave my number.

 

Two and a half weeks went by and so I decided to call again in hopes that I could speak to the manager.

 

She said she had gotten my message from the first time I called and had already TOLD the managers to give me a callback and went and said "hmm... let me contact them right now and I will call you back, I have your number here."

 

Currently, I am still waiting for some kind of callback.  Didn't know when she would exactly call me back, or if she contacted anyone regarding my situation.. But I guess you can say I'm a little frustrated and not really sure of what to do.  Sorry if this was in detail I just wanted to make this experience as visual and as real as possible lol.  My friend who works at another mac (Mac, Soho, NY) says that this kinda feels pretty long from when they said they'd call me.

 

Is this post-interviewing process normal?  What would you advise that I would do next? 

Sooooo I just got hired as a permanent artist!!!! I had two counters offer me interviews and I decided to work for a counter in the city closer to my home. I go in Friday to fill out my paperwork and I am too excited! All in all, freelancing was great if you can get the hours.

15 minutes i had my verbal then demo then verbal again then was offered the permanent position all with in an hour. did paperwork 2 weeks later then started a full month after that. been with mac ever since in a counter location and a store now

Quote:

Originally Posted by Awongbartlett 

Hello everyone! Calling all MAC recent hires!!! I'm for the dc/Baltimore area and have recently went under the long drawn process of interviews with Mac. I've already done my initial interview with home at a career call 2 weeks ago, did my 2nd interview/demo interview last wednesday at their Maryland training facility followed immediately with a 3rd interview with Sheryl? Who I beleive is the temp. Regional manager. Sheryl told me I would need to wait 2 weeks before I hear anything from Mac to see if I'm hired. How long did the interview process take for you girls, from the moment you first interviewd to the call that said you were hired?

3 months. Yup, really. 

Depends, I have read for some people it can take up to a year, and in the MAC interviews UK thread, the user in there got hired pretty quickly. Seems on avg. its about 3 months. I had my interview last Thursday and got a call back in less than a week to say I have gotten through to demo (Yay!!) But she is going to call me back later this afternoon to give me more details... I just know its at 10am and the location... dont know what date!

However... I had applied for an Xmas temp position (24hr and 18hr) and they did tell me xmas temps interviews are usually a little different. My interview was VERY informal. I had done tonnes and tonnes of research on MAC and was really confident about my knowledge on the company, but they didn't even ask me the history or ANYTHING other than "how would you sell me this lipstick and what would you recommend with it". They asked me mainly about myself and what I do, looked at some of my images, but as I was talking to them I kept on mentioning about products, how to apply, what with and why. I just couldn't believe how informal it was  I asked them about progressing in the company and they said usually (depending on budget) they may keep some temps on as permanents (obv if they think you did well) but if they dont have any positions/budget, temps are usually the first people they call instead of taking on new applicants. I just wonder if a temp was to stay perm, would they have to go through another interview?!

I also read in the MAC interviews UK, that the user in there went through the first interview, and a demo, and she was hired the next day and was due to start work the week after, so it took less than 3 weeks!

Mine so far has been 1 week exactly, and the manager had told me that temps start work round 20th Oct