Tips for Applying

Resume Help

Have questions about creating a resume? Download the Resume FAQ sheet answering ten common questions about resumes. You can also download a Sample Resume by Clare Couture, a typical cosmetology student and Beacon alumni. Other great resources are your instructors, career centers at your local high school or community college and a variety of online resources.

Tips for Your Portfolio

  • Want to own the rights to all of the images in your snazzy new portfolio? Download a Sample Model Release Form and always ask your model to sign your version of a release form before you take their photo. You can tell your clients that you want to be able to publish photos of your early work once you become famous!

  • If you have not graduated to working on clientele, use wigs and/or mannequins for your entry.

  • Use a high-quality camera and light source and you'll get high-quality photos! Your cell phone camera may take great snapshots, but you might want to upgrade to a digital camera for your portfolio shots.

  • Do your homework to create a unique feel and look for your signature look.

  • Keep the main focus on the hair. Avoid full body shots.

  • Focus on the lighting. Dark lighting does not show off hair.

  • Overuse of props and accessories take focus away from the hair.

Tips on Creating a Winning Promotional Piece

  • Think like a winner! If you are one of the 100 winners, your entry must fit in a box that is NO LARGER than 20"x20"x20" and CANNOT WEIGH more than 25 lbs.

  • Keep in mind that your promotional piece will need to photograph well for the online entry process and for judging, but winning entries will be on display at PBA Beauty Week in front of hundreds of professional salon owners. Make sure your submitted entry is ready for display: Does it stand up on its own? Does it have a hook to hang from? Do you have a way to display your business cards?

  • Do not use glass in your professional marketing piece. If selected as a winner, glass may break during the shipping process.

  • We recommend not using mannequin heads for your Professional Marketing Piece.

  • Hot glue does not hold up very well in the mail or on display. Try using super glue, rubber cement or some other permanent adhesive.

  • If submitting a video for your Professional Marketing Piece, please limit your video to no more than 60 seconds. Post your video to You Tube and include a link to your video in the appropriate field when you enter online.

  • When photographing your Marketing Piece try using a white matte backdrop to eliminate glare, a good light source like natural sunlight from a window supplemented by an adjustable lamp or two and a tripod to eliminate shaky camera syndrome. A large sheet of matte white card can work well as a backdrop. The internet, books and magazines are all great resources for still life photography tips.