A few different questions all in 1 thread :)

[amoona]

Ok so I'm going to try to bang out all my questions in one thread. As many of you know I was offered a freelance position and took it, filled out my paper work and now I'm just waiting for it to process.

(1) The manager at the counter that hired me told me it should take two weeks ... on Thursday it'll be two weeks ... and she wanted me to call her as soon as I could access the system so that she can book me for the Barbie Loves MAC event this weekend. The paper work still hasn't been processed and I'm worried that it wont be done in time for the event. The assistant manager yesterday told me that it could take up to another two weeks. How long does it usually take for freelance paper work to process? I'm sure it is different for every region and stuff and every person but I was just wondering about a rough estimate.

(2) I was told when you become a freelancers you are put on a freelance/on-call list and you can be called up by any location in your region (our region has 13 locations inlucind 1 store opening in april). How often is this list updated?! Is it every month or just everytime a new freelancer is added? I was thinking about going downtown this week (where most of the locations are) and introducing myself to the managers so they can put a face to a name. I just don't know if I should wait until my name is officially on the list or not.

(3) I'm also very egar to leave my current office job but I can't until MAC offers me a part-time position ... my mom doesn't want me hanging around the house lol. I've heard girl who have been hired after two weeks of freelancing or a month and then of course some that have taken a lot lot longer. I really don't mind waiting, but I am VERY ready to become a perm employee hehe. Is it ok to ask the managers at different locations if they're hiring or am I supposed to wait to be approached about it? I'd also love to work at the new MAC store they're opening in April, location is VERY convenient plus I'd get to wear pigments lol. But who do I ask about that? By now would they already have their staff for that location?

(4) After speaking with many different MAC MA I've become very interested in starting a career with MAC. I'm leaning more towards the management side, what are the different levels of management that MAC has?

I think that's it for now haha, if any more come to me I'll add them on. Sorry I know I also ramble on with questions.

 

[FacesbyNiki]

Oh wow. LOL good job and keeping your questions in one post.

I would so suggest introducing yourself to managers, that way they see a face with a name and will remember you quicker. But also always be what I like to call 'MAC ready' when you go and see them. First impressions are the lasting ones. Just always have your make up done and look nice. Even in jeans and Uggs, you can still have good make up on. Smile and say hello to every MA that you come in contact with. We do talk to each other. LOL

Good luck hun. Sorry, I can't answer any of your other questions. All I know is that with our staffin shortage, we hired our freelancer within a week. Our holiday help was hired right after her 'time' was up with us. It depends on the locations and it's needs.

 

[lilchocolatema]

(1) B]It took me a month to get my paper processed.[/b]

(2) .Yep, I called every location and introduced myself, gave them my availability, and I began to receive calls for every week! Almost all the counter managers know me now, and I will always get calls b/c of this. Just sell yourself and your love of the product to them, it works!

(3) I would stay FL/OC for awhile to see how it really is. Like we always say, it isn't what its cracked up to be. It's stressful! We have to be magicians, plastic surgeons, shrinks, mothers, and mind readers to our customers! LOL! Not only is that stressful, but making your numbers, booking appointments and all that, it really adds up. Being a FL/OC artist, you don't have all the pressure. But to keep getting jobs, you have to prove yourself, of course. Freelancing has become my main source of income, I work every week for 2-3 days. There is the chance that you can work all the time, then there's the choice that you can not get calls for weeks or months at a time. I wouldn't quit my job to freelance, but try to get all the hours that you can. It's just not stable enough (in the beginning) But, you have a GREAT chance of being offered a perm position. Sell your ass off all the time, always preach Viva Glam, and Beat your face ALL THE TIME. Make the customer want to look just like you! Isn't that how we feel looking at other MA's?!?

(4) I think it takes at least a year to become a manager, but I work mostly at the MAC store, so I know about them. Don't know about counters too much. But I do know that it isn't easy, and being consistent is a huge part.

Hope that helps...its all from personal experience!

 

[MisStarrlight]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amoona (1) The manager at the counter that hired me told me it should take two weeks ... on Thursday it'll be two weeks ... and she wanted me to call her as soon as I could access the system so that she can book me for the Barbie Loves MAC event this weekend. The paper work still hasn't been processed and I'm worried that it wont be done in time for the event. The assistant manager yesterday told me that it could take up to another two weeks. How long does it usually take for freelance paper work to process? I'm sure it is different for every region and stuff and every person but I was just wondering about a rough estimate.

Paperwork is very unpredictible...I was told 4-6 weeks for my freelance paperwork. I got hired the last week in October, filled out my paperwork 1-2 weeks later & then started on Black Friday.
My permanent paperwork got done in 2 weeks (new hire & both promotions)...so just cross your fingers & keep checking.

Quote:

Originally Posted by amoona (2) I was told when you become a freelancers you are put on a freelance/on-call list and you can be called up by any location in your region (our region has 13 locations inlucind 1 store opening in april). How often is this list updated?! Is it every month or just everytime a new freelancer is added? I was thinking about going downtown this week (where most of the locations are) and introducing myself to the managers so they can put a face to a name. I just don't know if I should wait until my name is officially on the list or not.

To freelance at other locations, you have to let them know specifically which locations you are willing to work at...in my region that had to be done directly through each location. Definitely go in & introduce yourself-looking good, of course...I would wait until you got confirmation that your info went through though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by amoona (3) I'm also very egar to leave my current office job but I can't until MAC offers me a part-time position ... my mom doesn't want me hanging around the house lol. I've heard girl who have been hired after two weeks of freelancing or a month and then of course some that have taken a lot lot longer. I really don't mind waiting, but I am VERY ready to become a perm employee hehe. Is it ok to ask the managers at different locations if they're hiring or am I supposed to wait to be approached about it? I'd also love to work at the new MAC store they're opening in April, location is VERY convenient plus I'd get to wear pigments lol. But who do I ask about that? By now would they already have their staff for that location?

Freelance work can be very touch & go, so don't go quitting your other job yet. You can watch the job postings & see if there is anything opening up, but I would suggest being very eager (cleaning, helping customers, & all of that..don't gossip, don't stand around, always help out) & make it known that you would like a permanent position. There is usually a hierarchy between the freelancers (those who have been around longer are up for the permanent position first), but if you're good & well liked, you stand a good chance at passing the hierarchy, at least a little.

Quote:

Originally Posted by amoona (4) After speaking with many different MAC MA I've become very interested in starting a career with MAC. I'm leaning more towards the management side, what are the different levels of management that MAC has?

Management starts with product specialist (sorta) & then there's 3rd Key, ARM, RM, SRM, MRO...some locations have an ops manager...I'm sure I'm missing some, but that's the basic run down. every manager I know has been w/ MAC at least 3 years, but it's basically the same, you work your way up...post for jobs when there is an opening & stuff like that.

Hope that helps!

 

[amoona]

Yea although I'd love to leave my job right now I know I wont until MAC offers me a part-time position. I don't mind dealing with the stress of meeting goals and all that, I've had sales goals before when I was a banker. What I'm dieing to do is get in there and just soak all the artists for their skill lol. I hope that didn't sound wrong ... I see some beautiful work from many of the guys and girls in my area and I'd love to work side by side with all of them and learn directly from them to improve my skill.

When I say management I'm talkin bout that by the time I'm done with my degree I'd love to be working my way up to a position equal to regional manager or something. Maybe they can send me back to the Middle East to run their market down there haha. I dream big?!

You ladies really did help with the tips ... it's just making more eager to start. :-D