Heres the deal. I just landed a postion with Mac out here in CA. I applyed twice. Once a couple years ago with no make-up experience and no portfolio. I didnt get the job. I applyed a couple weeks ago, after I went to makeup school, put together a portfolio (small and nothing to flashy), and learned about MAC products by using them. This doesnt mean you need to go to school or have a portfolio. I have met plenty of people who didnt do eiether. But it helps you be a shoe in, its hard for them to turn you away if you show them how commited you are to makeup. Now, if you dont have the makeup skills yet I suggest you show them you have experience in RETAIL SALES. Thats the other side to getting the job. They want people who can sell their product. So you dont necessarily need to have the make up skills. IT HELPS THOUGH.
Heres what I think you should do:
Start learning about MAC. Go to the website, learn the products. Use them. Start doing makeup for all your friends and take pictures of them. They dont have to be super professional. Get a portfolio together of ten shots that show various looks. Natural, trendy, high fashion. Do some with bright colors, smokey eyes, etc. Make a resume that shows you have experience in sales and retail. Make a cover letter to go with it. Make copies of it and put them in report covers. Go to a few mac stores and counters and submit them all to the manager. Ask for the manager, speak to them in person. Tell them you want an interview. Wear ALL BLACK, remember to look the part and do your makeup nice and have you hair look good. They care about your appearance. Then wait for the call. You will have at least 2 interviews if not 3 or for. The first could be a group interview or one on one verbal. You will eventually have to do a makeup demo. I suggest applying at free standing MAC stores. The pay scale is better and you can be more edgy and creative with your clothing.
Hope this helps!
