Getting An Aesthetics Job With No Experience
“How do I get an aesthetics job when I have no experience but every employer asks for experience?” – It’s the classic conundrum many new injectors face.
Our director of education and STORY Marylebone practitioner, Dr Kalpna Pindolia, has many years of experience in aesthetic medicine. Here she draws on her wealth of industry knowledge to answer this common question…
How to get your first aesthetics job when everyone says they need experience
“I remember feeling like I was between a rock and a hard place when I started in aesthetics. After completing a Foundation Training course, I knew I loved medical aesthetics and this was my path forward… But what next?”
Dr Kal continues, “Who was going to give me an aesthetics job after one day of training? The answer was – and is – it’s unlikely anyone will employ you as an injector after one day of training.
“However, I didn’t want a job after one days training – I wanted experience first. That’s why I completed the Level 7 course and started my own business. This helped me to get my first job in aesthetics and led to more roles!”
Level 7 Diploma in Botox and Dermal Fillers
“Students on the Level 7 Diploma in Botox and Dermal Fillers course build a portfolio of case studies. You cannot use this portfolio to demonstrate specific cases due to patient confidentiality. However, on your CV and at interview, you can talk about the following…”, she advises.
– How you are finding the Level 7 qualification and your progress.
– The number of cases you have completed.
– What range of areas and techniques you have used.
– Which products you use and are familiar with.
“The Level 7 injectables qualification has become the norm to look for when recruiting for medical aesthetics jobs,” notes Dr Kal. “Because of this, I often hear of students successfully securing their first role before the end of their course.
“The JCCP-backed qualification sets such a high standard that having this Level 7 Diploma demonstrates an attractive level of knowledge, safety and competence to employers. By undertaking the Level 7 Diploma in Botox and Dermal Fillers, trainees are committing to extensive professional development to become high calibre injectors.”
Other training
Dr Kal further advises, “Go on courses, attend webinars, go to conferences and learn, learn, learn! This reflects your passion for the work when you populate your CV. Aesthetics is more than treatments, it’s about consultation skills, holistic approaches encompassing skin and knowing about industry trends. Ensure you are keeping up to date with this fast-paced industry so you know what’s going on – even if you decide certain areas are not for you.”
My own business
“When I was half-way through my supervised cases, I was really growing in confidence,” says Dr Kal. “So, I started my own business working as a solo aesthetics practitioner. As I was based within an established semi-permanent makeup venue, I was able to build a client base slowly. This supported my completed numbers, in terms of experience.”
My first job
“Whilst I was growing my injecting business and taking my Level 7 injectables course, I polished my CV. I tailored it to be more aesthetics-orientated and started to send it to about 10 clinics every 6-8 weeks. This was not stalking… but maybe stalker-ish…?
“Each email would be varied slightly and show a bit of personality. I made sure it wasn’t the same “copy and paste” each time to demonstrate that I cared and wanted to work for them.
“When an injector left one of these clinics, I got through the door. They remembered me from my previous communications.”
Other suggestions for getting your first aesthetics job
“Networking is important in aesthetics,” stresses Dr Kal. “Attend that conference, keep in touch with colleagues you meet on courses. Keep up relationships with company representatives and get to know your fellow students… Word of mouth can be a good route into your first job.
“Make sure you join online networking groups too, such as Comma – the Community for Medical Aesthetics. You’ll find that jobs are posted there and you can also ask practitioners of all levels for advice. For instance, on how to get a job at a specific clinic or in a certain area you’re interested in, or to find out where you’re going wrong if you’re not getting any responses.
“Become listed on a voluntary register, such as the JCCP register, which Harley Academy students are eligible to join. This shows that you are a safe practitioner who is happy to promote their qualifications. This is a definite benefit in terms of highlighting your employability.”
Persistence
She also underscores how “Persistence is key. As a highly-educated and knowledgeable medical aesthetics practitioner, there is plenty of room in this industry for you. Don’t worry about what others are doing – just go for it… You never know when your opportunity will arise; if you put in the work, it will happen.”
