MAC Interviews & Hiring Process
- Thread starter amandamakeup
- Start date
BeccalovesMAC
Well-known member
Has anyone applied or worked at the MAC Counter in Dillards in AZ? I hear Dillards is really cut throat. I want to get as much information as I can before I apply and bring my portfolio. Thank you
tattletale
Well-known member
BeccalovesMAC
Well-known member
@tattletale I have heard so many things. That Dillard's has a high turn over rate because ppl cannot handle the management style. I always wanted to apply but I have been intimidated.
BeccalovesMAC
Well-known member
Oh and I have not applied at Dillard's yet
tattletale
Well-known member
well you work for mac not dillards when you work at a mac counter expect nordstrom. so you really dont have to deal with dillards mgmt. well at least i never had too. turn over rate might be high because people want to grow and move to other locations like myself im gonna be leaving a store to grow even more with the company. dont let hear say discourage you.
BeccalovesMAC
Well-known member
Thank you for the information. can you guys shed light on typical starting rate? I got hired at Sephora but entertaining the idea of applying at my nearest counter.
kiss montaque
Member
I have an interview on the 18 here in Michigan for MAC. And I am going crazy over it. I have gone on you tube and various forums searching for answers. From all the information gathered I came to this conclusion. Come dressed to the nine makeup flawless and know the brand. I think I will handle the interview well the demo is what I'm worried about. I've heard you switch models and I'm scared that I will get the palest person with the worst skin that wants a look I have no clue on how to d
n top of the pressure of the demo. I am a black woman and only have worked on other black women so I'm terrified that I will not match the foundation right on a different race. Or pick the wrong one for the skin type. Can someone tell me about their demo experience?
n top of the pressure of the demo. I am a black woman and only have worked on other black women so I'm terrified that I will not match the foundation right on a different race. Or pick the wrong one for the skin type. Can someone tell me about their demo experience?
tiera720
Well-known member
Are you going to a group demo? If you aren't then they won't switch your model. But if you are they will. I was originally supposed to have a solo demo then the day before they switched it to a group one. I am nw 45 and I've mostly only worked on people of similar complexions so I was nervous. But I got a model with great skin so I just used mineralize skinfinish natural on her. But it seemed like everyone had the same idea and brought a model with great skin so I wouldn't worry too much about that part at least
kiss montaque
Member
Ok thanks for the information! !! I will let you all know how it turns out.
kiss montaque
Member
Oh and I don't know what kind of demo it is yet
Chrystia
Well-known member
First, if you end up with a model that is different than what you've normally worked on, take a deep breath. Hopefully this won't sound harsh, but its probably better to get a model that is different than what you know. The reality is MAC is All Ages, All Races, and All Sexes. Training will help with colour matches etc, but experience of actually doing it is ultimately what is going to make it happen. Having experience working on black women is great, but if you work at MAC you will need to be able to match any skintone, do any eye shape, or deal with whatever challenges each client brings in to the counter. It's not easy, and the more opportunity you get at doing things outside of that comfort zone, the stronger of an artist you are going to be. Some tips for handling this particular challenge:I have an interview on the 18 here in Michigan for MAC. And I am going crazy over it. I have gone on you tube and various forums searching for answers. From all the information gathered I came to this conclusion. Come dressed to the nine makeup flawless and know the brand. I think I will handle the interview well the demo is what I'm worried about. I've heard you switch models and I'm scared that I will get the palest person with the worst skin that wants a look I have no clue on how to d
1) Leave yourself some extra time if you are concerned about matching the foundation. If the colours ends up being off in the end, don't panic. When your person interviewing asks if there is anything you don't like or want to change, just own up that you feel like the foundation match is off and why. Is it too light? Is it too yellow etc? Admitting you were off will look better than pretending its perfect when they will see that match is off.
2) Not being trained, you aren't expected to be perfect on knowing which foundation is for someone's skin type. Before my demo I actually did some research on the different formulas so I'd have a general idea on the coverage and finish of the formulas so I had a basic working knowledge. But just try to get the coverage and finish of the skin to match what your model is asking for.
3) Explain why you are using what you are and teach them how they can recreate it. Show and Teach is HUGE at MAC. Interact with your customer.
4) When in doubt for undertone, go NW. More people fit into NW then NC as a general rule.
My demo experience was a long time ago so i don't remember a lot. But some key things I look for now when interviewing are:
1) STart with the focus feature that the customer requests. If they want a smoky eye, start there. If they want a red lip start there. Foundation, then that should be first. Then transition into doing the rest of the makeup.
2) Don't spend forever trying to bust out fancy tricks on skills. Don't downplay your artistry, but I've seen girls use up 30 minutes doing fancy eyes then rush through the rest because they are out of time. Keep your focus on asking lots of open ended questions (what, where, how, etc) that help you uncover a clear picture of what your customer wants. The ability to communicate to create the makeup is key.
3) REmember its also a sales environment. Build a sale and relationship with the person.
Good Luck!
3)
kiss montaque
Member
Thanks soooo much your post just made me feel so much better. And your advice wasn't harsh at all. It was straight and to the point. I have been researching the different products on here as well as you tube so I have a better understanding of what to do. I just don't wanna make someone look like an oompa loompa lol. And also thats why I wanna work for MAC because the diversity and I don't wanna limit my artistry by just doing one skin color or type. I want to be able to do make-up for all.
Biancaxo
New member
What part of az were u applying for? I live in tucson and I'm thinking of going in to turn in a resume
boldlipbeauty
New member
Hi everyone! My name is Amanda, I've lurked around Spectra for quite a while & have decided to register today to share my interview & hiring experience!
I think my process was rather rare and odd. I went to a Macy's Mac counter in one of our local malls to check out the new Retro Matte collection (LOVE, by the way!) & pick up a few items from it. I was complimented by 2 of the artists there, one pulled me aside and told me that both her and her manager loved my makeup and that I should apply because they were hiring. I was flattered and told her I would definitely think about it. I wasn't sure whether to apply or not because while I love makeup & have experience in cosmetics, I wasn't really confident that I was Mac material.
I decided to hand in a resume after all, so I went last Monday to the counter to hand it in and the manager wasn't there, but the artist working assured me she would get it to her as soon as she was in and gave me the days that she would be working that week. So Saturday afternoon I dropped by the counter again and introduced myself to the manager, who asked me if I had experience (which I said yes) and asked me to come in for an interview that Monday (today), she told me we would sit and have a one-on-one interview and that I would then do a face demo in front of her. I was instructed to bring a model and my own brushes.
Monday/today rolls around and I came in for the interview where we actually didn't do a sit down interview. She seated my model and told me I had ten minutes to gather my materials and that she wanted me to create 'a beautiful smokey eyed look'. I gathered all of my materials and completed the look in about 30 minutes. Afterward she came over and complimented the job I did, gave me some constructive criticism and showed me a few more things I could have added to the look. She then told me she really liked me, thought I was cute & personable and that she would love to give me a chance. I was offered a freelance position on the spot, which I accepted. She then explained to me that she needed to wait for my papers to come in and took my phone number. She said once my papers are signed, it'll take about 12 days for my employee number to come in and then I could attend training & start working.
The whole process was so quick it was almost unbelievable, every story about Mac's interview process that I've heard has been at least a week long! Its still shocking to me, but I'm so so happy I got the job! No sit down interview, no phone interview, no Talent+, nothing. Just a demo. Has anyone else had an experience like this?
I think my process was rather rare and odd. I went to a Macy's Mac counter in one of our local malls to check out the new Retro Matte collection (LOVE, by the way!) & pick up a few items from it. I was complimented by 2 of the artists there, one pulled me aside and told me that both her and her manager loved my makeup and that I should apply because they were hiring. I was flattered and told her I would definitely think about it. I wasn't sure whether to apply or not because while I love makeup & have experience in cosmetics, I wasn't really confident that I was Mac material.
I decided to hand in a resume after all, so I went last Monday to the counter to hand it in and the manager wasn't there, but the artist working assured me she would get it to her as soon as she was in and gave me the days that she would be working that week. So Saturday afternoon I dropped by the counter again and introduced myself to the manager, who asked me if I had experience (which I said yes) and asked me to come in for an interview that Monday (today), she told me we would sit and have a one-on-one interview and that I would then do a face demo in front of her. I was instructed to bring a model and my own brushes.
Monday/today rolls around and I came in for the interview where we actually didn't do a sit down interview. She seated my model and told me I had ten minutes to gather my materials and that she wanted me to create 'a beautiful smokey eyed look'. I gathered all of my materials and completed the look in about 30 minutes. Afterward she came over and complimented the job I did, gave me some constructive criticism and showed me a few more things I could have added to the look. She then told me she really liked me, thought I was cute & personable and that she would love to give me a chance. I was offered a freelance position on the spot, which I accepted. She then explained to me that she needed to wait for my papers to come in and took my phone number. She said once my papers are signed, it'll take about 12 days for my employee number to come in and then I could attend training & start working.
The whole process was so quick it was almost unbelievable, every story about Mac's interview process that I've heard has been at least a week long! Its still shocking to me, but I'm so so happy I got the job! No sit down interview, no phone interview, no Talent+, nothing. Just a demo. Has anyone else had an experience like this?
GlamMeUp
Member
Hi all! I have been lurking this thread for almost a year and have a lot to share with you guys regarding the MAC interview process and what they look for. The first time I ever interviewed with MAC was about five years ago. I came late due to traffic so, of course you guys know I didn't get the job. She let me do my demo anyway but later revealed to me that she wouldn't be able to go further because I was late. I understood and didn't apply again until years later.
Fast forward to last year in October when I had my second demo with MAC at the same store I'd interviewed for five years ago. Boy was I nervous, lol. Won't go into detail but lets just say I didn't get the job and had to fight for a second chance. Second chance came to do another demo in February of this year, and it was with the regional trainer AND the trainer for my city. Nerves got the best of me again. Wasn't expecting to use the regional trainer as my model. I'm coming thinking that I was going to pick a customer from the store. Needless to say I did a dramatic black smokey eye and nude peachy lip for a 'date night' look. She looked totally different than when we first started. I took her from girl next door to pop princess. I could tell that she wasn't used to seeing herself like that by the way she looked in the mirror. Took that as a bad sign and knew that I wasn't going to be hearing from anyone anytime soon and kept it moving. I was right. ;/
Fourth interview was with the recruitment regional at a career fair about two months later. I was told that MAC was having a job fair at a local Dilliard's and decided to go. The only reason why is that I was told that MAC is one of the hardest companies to get in at and that it can take several tries to get a position with them. No big deal, I still was in school, just quit my part-time job in the mall, had nothing to lose and decided to try with MAC again. I waited and waited in the lobby at the career fair and finally it was my turn to be seen. She was intimidating, lol. I answered the questions very quickly though and remained confident in my abilities. She asked me how I'd rate my skills and I told her a 5. She said I should be a national MUA (don't know if she was being sarcastic or was serious). I follow up after three weeks and was sent a rejection letter. Apparently there weren't many positions open at the time, from what I was told by another manger.
Months later,I completed school, got certified as a licensed cosmetologist and am back at it again. I spoke with one of the store managers over the phone and she told me no positions were open at the time but they're always looking for freelance and I should send her my resume. I plan to follow up in a couple of days. Keeping my fingers crossed and hope that I hear some good news. Wish me luck!
Fast forward to last year in October when I had my second demo with MAC at the same store I'd interviewed for five years ago. Boy was I nervous, lol. Won't go into detail but lets just say I didn't get the job and had to fight for a second chance. Second chance came to do another demo in February of this year, and it was with the regional trainer AND the trainer for my city. Nerves got the best of me again. Wasn't expecting to use the regional trainer as my model. I'm coming thinking that I was going to pick a customer from the store. Needless to say I did a dramatic black smokey eye and nude peachy lip for a 'date night' look. She looked totally different than when we first started. I took her from girl next door to pop princess. I could tell that she wasn't used to seeing herself like that by the way she looked in the mirror. Took that as a bad sign and knew that I wasn't going to be hearing from anyone anytime soon and kept it moving. I was right. ;/
Fourth interview was with the recruitment regional at a career fair about two months later. I was told that MAC was having a job fair at a local Dilliard's and decided to go. The only reason why is that I was told that MAC is one of the hardest companies to get in at and that it can take several tries to get a position with them. No big deal, I still was in school, just quit my part-time job in the mall, had nothing to lose and decided to try with MAC again. I waited and waited in the lobby at the career fair and finally it was my turn to be seen. She was intimidating, lol. I answered the questions very quickly though and remained confident in my abilities. She asked me how I'd rate my skills and I told her a 5. She said I should be a national MUA (don't know if she was being sarcastic or was serious). I follow up after three weeks and was sent a rejection letter. Apparently there weren't many positions open at the time, from what I was told by another manger.
Months later,I completed school, got certified as a licensed cosmetologist and am back at it again. I spoke with one of the store managers over the phone and she told me no positions were open at the time but they're always looking for freelance and I should send her my resume. I plan to follow up in a couple of days. Keeping my fingers crossed and hope that I hear some good news. Wish me luck!
GlamMeUp
Member
Thanks. Maybe one day I'll have an opportunity to experience the awesomness as well soon.
Hi everyone, so this past Wednesday I went to a Mac job fair and thank God I got called back to be back on Thursday for the make-up demo with my model. So right now I'm going to wait until this next week since the interviewer said that she will be calling until then. I'm praying that I get the job. I will update.
