To those who want to work for MAC...

[calbear]

I'm going to add my two cents into the mix:

Make sure you do what you are responsible for. If your area of pride is skin care then make sure it is always stocked and cleaned without someone having to tell you. Have your stock concern in on the date it's due. Try to listen and make sure coworkers aren't always complaing about your area - it usually means you are not on top of it and the testers are always empty (which is annoying to everyone).

Make your goal. If you can't seem to do it - then re-evaluate. If you are one of those employees kicking it in the back and not taking any customers - bad idea.

If you need to learn to the do the 'blank stare', then learn it. It's the look you give when a customer is really killing you and you can't cuss them the heck out. It's a blank look in your eyes with a nice smile. You know the customer that does all the fun things we talked about in that 'bad customer' thread. This way you don't lose your job over some bs.

Don't take anything personal - remember that half your customers don't have a clue and perhaps you work with people who are the same way. Let it go and just remember that it's a job (one where we love all the pretty things and have a bit of fun).

 

[FacesbyNiki]

Quote:

Originally Posted by calbear I'm going to add my two cents into the mix: Make sure you do what you are responsible for. If your area of pride is skin care then make sure it is always stocked and cleaned without someone having to tell you. Have your stock concern in on the date it's due. Try to listen and make sure coworkers aren't always complaing about your area - it usually means you are not on top of it and the testers are always empty (which is annoying to everyone). Make your goal. If you can't seem to do it - then re-evaluate. If you are one of those employees kicking it in the back and not taking any customers - bad idea. If you need to learn to the do the 'blank stare', then learn it. It's the look you give when a customer is really killing you and you can't cuss them the heck out. It's a blank look in your eyes with a nice smile. You know the customer that does all the fun things we talked about in that 'bad customer' thread. This way you don't lose your job over some bs. Don't take anything personal - remember that half your customers don't have a clue and perhaps you work with people who are the same way. Let it go and just remember that it's a job (one where we love all the pretty things and have a bit of fun).

I learned the 'blank stare' real fast.

 

[giz2000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FacesbyNiki I learned the 'blank stare' real fast.

Oh God yes...I had customer come in a while back that wanted to try a grey eyeshadow...she was older and had hooded lids...I personally don't like a lot of eye makeup on a hooded lid like hers, so I suggested that she put the color on her lid and bring it up slightly into the crease. She looked in the mirror and said "I think that makes my eyes look smaller...let me have the brush." She then proceeds to bring the color almost all the way up to her brow, and proclaims "You see? Now my eyes look more open...I taught you something" in this "I-know-more-than-you" voice. She looked like someone punched her in the eye....I just smiled and let the blank stare take over...

 

[FacesbyNiki]

Quote:

Originally Posted by giz2000 Oh God yes...I had customer come in a while back that wanted to try a greay eyeshadow...she was older and had hooded lids...I personally don't like a lot eye makeup on a hooded lid like hers, so I suggested that she put the color on her lid and bring it up slightly into the crease. She looked in the mirror and said "I think that makes my eyes look smaller...let me have the brush." She then proceeds to bring the color almost all the way up to her brow, and proclaims "You see? Now my eyes look more open...I taught you something" in this "I-know-more-than-you" voice. She looked like someone punched her in the eye....I just smiled and let the blank stare take over...

OH
MY
GOSH!!

I seem to get those every weekend.

 

[Juneplum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by giz2000 Oh God yes...I had customer come in a while back that wanted to try a greay eyeshadow...she was older and had hooded lids...I personally don't like a lot eye makeup on a hooded lid like hers, so I suggested that she put the color on her lid and bring it up slightly into the crease. She looked in the mirror and said "I think that makes my eyes look smaller...let me have the brush." She then proceeds to bring the color almost all the way up to her brow, and proclaims "You see? Now my eyes look more open...I taught you something" in this "I-know-more-than-you" voice. She looked like someone punched her in the eye....I just smiled and let the blank stare take over...

ha h aha h ah

u rule giz

 

[NikkiHorror]

"I taught you something"???????????? What a biz-natch!!

 

[MisStarrlight]

Yeah...she taught you what NEVER to do!

Some people...

 

[giz2000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juneplum ha h aha h ah u rule giz

I really wanted to just smack her...but I restrained myself...

 

[MACGoddess]

What others said is great and I am going to echo Littlemakeupboy in that now the pressure is off IMO, there are certain letters of the alphabet that I am glad are gone for good... I think they have let all of us at the store just chill out and not be so anal about checking our "numbers" all the time.

Too, I am NEVER one to sell someone a product they don't need nor want, regardless of sales goals, etc. If you walk out with one thing but it is the perfect thing for you and all you really need at the moment, then I am more than happy to help you out with it, no biggie!! If you have a few other problems and I have products in mind that WILL help you then I will definitely tell you about them and why they are important to you.

Sales goals have never been a problem for me, one reason is that I am not OCD about it, some days are more busy than expected and some are less busy... Also, if you really take the time to talk to your customer when you are with them, you will find out what ALL the makeup problems are and be able to suggest combinations to help their skin, face, eyes etc. Most people want to keep it simple, not everyone wants ALL of our shadows, or wants to wear 6 e/s on one look... It is very important to LISTEN to your customer and just as important to learn to ask the right questions.

 

[ms.marymac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MACGoddess What others said is great and I am going to echo Littlemakeupboy in that now the pressure is off IMO, there are certain letters of the alphabet that I am glad are gone for good... I think they have let all of us at the store just chill out and not be so anal about checking our "numbers" all the time. Too, I am NEVER one to sell someone a product they don't need nor want, regardless of sales goals, etc. If you walk out with one thing but it is the perfect thing for you and all you really need at the moment, then I am more than happy to help you out with it, no biggie!! If you have a few other problems and I have products in mind that WILL help you then I will definitely tell you about them and why they are important to you. Sales goals have never been a problem for me, one reason is that I am not OCD about it, some days are more busy than expected and some are less busy... Also, if you really take the time to talk to your customer when you are with them, you will find out what ALL the makeup problems are and be able to suggest combinations to help their skin, face, eyes etc. Most people want to keep it simple, not everyone wants ALL of our shadows, or wants to wear 6 e/s on one look... It is very important to LISTEN to your customer and just as important to learn to ask the right questions.

I think I am still in the habit of checking my numbers and stressing, but I am trying to get used to it. I also have never been one to sell something I know someone can't use because A) I cannot lie and B) That usually results in returns....which brings me to...

Another reason it is important to listen and be honest is if you are not, it will bite you in the butt sooner or later! Someone who is aggressive and pushy might bust out a bunch of high dollar transactions, but a lot of times they also get a lot of returns and upset customers.

Oh, I thought of something else. Don't be one of those textbook cosmetic counter peeps. You know, the ones that say things like, "Your dark circles are sooooo dark. You need this concealer." You are dealing with a person's self esteem and excuse my French, but it is real Shi**y to insult a person in order to make a sale. I know not all counter employees are like that, but the ones that are give us a bad name!

 

[aeni]

Yeah...that happened years ago when my mom went out to buy some undereye creme. The MA insinuated that I looked like I hadn't slept in a week...to which point I left and my mom of course buying the product.

 

[Vernita]

Thanks for all the advice. I have a full time gov't job but I've wanted to work for MAC since I got my makeup artist license in Aug 06. I applied at all the local stores that sell MAC in MD and VA (Nordstrom, Bloomingdale, Macy's). I finally landed a part time evening and weekend job with Macy's in October with Lancome. No one was hiring for MAC. So I've been a frustrated Lancome beauty advisor with no product training, no product manuals and a reprimand for spending more than 10 minutes matching foundations or doing makeovers because I'm suppose to sell products not waste time showing the products.

Well I heard about Craigslist and found an add for MAC artist in the DC Metro area at the end of December. I sent my resume and just had my "screening" interview at Pentagon City last week and let them know that I was available for any location in the VA /MD area. I hope that I will hear something soon to come back and interview with managers and then schedule for my demo with managers and an artist. What is the difference between getting a counter job or a freelance job? I did ask the question and was told that the hiring process was the same - interview with managers and do a demo makeover.

 

[SARAHluvsMAC]

congrats! freelance means you are not a permanent employee, you work at several locations and are not guaraneed hours, however you have the option to choose your shifts

who did you interview with?

 

[Vernita]

I had my screening interview with Homa at Pentagon City last Tuesday (1/9/2007) and I already have a model just waiting for my call.

 

[FacesbyNiki]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vernita I had my screening interview with Homa at Pentagon City last Tuesday (1/9/2007) and I already have a model just waiting for my call.

I worked with Homa when we were both at Clinique. I interviewed with her also.

She knows her stuff.

 

[Vernita]

Just wondering, if I don't get a call by the end of the week from the screening interview, should I start going to each MAC counter a Nordstrom, Bloomingdale in my area (Pentagon City, Mont. Mall, Columbia Mall, Annapolis Mall, Tyson' Corner) and ask to speak to the MAC counter manager and ask if they are hiring?

or

Should I wait a few months, try creating a portfolio using a professional photographer (my husband) and do some friend's faces and then try applying again??

I'm leaving the Macy's where I am as of Saturday at the Lancome counter because the store management is getting even crazier than they were before the holidays - suddenly losing employee files that have your SSN# and having them complete paper work all over again. There's a list of other issues but it's not worth airing all of that.....

 

[FacesbyNiki]

I don't think it matters because you might have to still go through her to interview.

 

[Bernadette]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vernita Just wondering, if I don't get a call by the end of the week from the screening interview, should I start going to each MAC counter a Nordstrom, Bloomingdale in my area (Pentagon City, Mont. Mall, Columbia Mall, Annapolis Mall, Tyson' Corner) and ask to speak to the MAC counter manager and ask if they are hiring?

You should call them or stop by. They might just be really busy and haven't had the chance to call you.

 

[SARAHluvsMAC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vernita Just wondering, if I don't get a call by the end of the week from the screening interview, should I start going to each MAC counter a Nordstrom, Bloomingdale in my area (Pentagon City, Mont. Mall, Columbia Mall, Annapolis Mall, Tyson' Corner) and ask to speak to the MAC counter manager and ask if they are hiring? or Should I wait a few months, try creating a portfolio using a professional photographer (my husband) and do some friend's faces and then try applying again?? I'm leaving the Macy's where I am as of Saturday at the Lancome counter because the store management is getting even crazier than they were before the holidays - suddenly losing employee files that have your SSN# and having them complete paper work all over again. There's a list of other issues but it's not worth airing all of that.....

were you holiday help at columbia?

 

[Vernita]

No, I didn't work in Columbia. I was at a Macy's location that is not in a mall and the conditions were not improving. I think it's bad when you are in an environment where management actually tells you to tell customers to come back for whatever they want in 2 days when the store is open and they have decided to do inventory while the store is open therefore making virtually any product you sell unavailable for 2 days, but you are there to service customers that you can't sell products to, constantly covering 1-3 other cosmetic areas in addiiton to your own area because people were not scheduled to come in or they haven't hired to replace the ones that quit - 8 people quit within 3 months.

For the part time evenings and weekends working, it was becoming very frustrating - trying to service your customers and looking really dumbfounded when customers come to you to buy products from the other counters that don't have a beauty advisor and you are opening every drawer and display cabinet to try and find what the customer wants but you aren't familiar with the other cosmetic lines and where the product is that the customer wants.