How I Got My First Job in Medical Aesthetics
Many trainees want to know how to get their first job in medical aesthetics. Whilst we have many tips on this, sometimes it’s better to hear directly from those who’ve been in the same situation.
We spoke to our Clinical Director, Dr Harriet Jenkins, to provide you with some first-hand insights. Alongside her teaching work at Harley Academy, Dr Harriet is also a practising cosmetic doctor at STORY Clinics.
In addition to sharing her story of how she’s forged a successful career in aesthetic medicine, she also has some great tips if you’re looking for your first job as an aesthetics practitioner…
Why did you get into aesthetic medicine?
Dr Harriet - or Dr Harriet Jenkins, MBBS, BSc Psychology, AKC, Level 7 Aesthetic Medicine, to give her her full title - was training to be an anaesthetist in the NHS.
Whilst she loved certain elements of her work, she found it could be “very demanding, inflexible and uncompromising on other aspects” of her life.
She told us, “I got into medical aesthetics when I was looking for more flexibility and creativity from my job. I discovered aesthetics which balances my love for hands-on clinical procedures with an artistic element. It also encompasses caring for my patients to make sure they both feel and look their best.”
Her patience and background as an anaesthetist also help when dealing with nervous patients! Never discount what your previous experience can bring to your new field.
How did you get your first job working in medical aesthetics?
“I sent my aesthetics CV out to local clinics, this led to an interview, and then a job!”
If you’re preparing to do the same, we recommend reading our article, How to Write a CV for Aesthetics Jobs.
How long did it take you to get your first job after qualifying as an aesthetics practitioner?
“I got my first clinic job after completing all of the practical components of my Level 7 Diploma in Injectables with Harley Academy.”
How did you go about finding an aesthetics practitioner job with a clinic?
“I started by contacting all of the clinics in my local area regardless of whether they were advertising for vacancies or not,” Dr Harriet told us.
Once they’d agreed to take her on, she then “worked with the clinic to advertise” and market her services to patients.
How did you get the confidence to ‘sell yourself’ in order to approach potential employers?
“It was definitely unfamiliar territory having to market and sell myself to employers,” recalls Dr Harriet.
“It takes a bit of practice and it is important not to take it personally if you don't end up being hired or your CV is turned down.”
What’s your best advice for injectors trying to find their first job in aesthetics?
“Don't let the fear of rejection stop you from exploring potential jobs and new ventures,” she advises. “There are so many exciting opportunities in aesthetics just waiting to be explored.”
Preparing for job interviews at aesthetics clinics
Feeling inspired to start applying for your first aesthetics practitioner role within an established clinic? Check out our article on Aesthetics Clinic Job Interview Advice.
It’s packed with top real-world tips from another successful cosmetic doctor who runs her own practice and is responsible for interviewing and hiring injectors. She’s also been on your side of the fence - applying to clinics for jobs - so has some fantastic insights to share.
