Barbers: Career & Application Guide

What do barbers do?

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors.
Question patrons regarding desired services and haircut styles.
Clean work stations and sweep floors.
Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.
Apply lather and shave beards or neck and temple hair contours, using razors.
Record services provided on cashiers' tickets or receive payment from customers.
Shape and trim beards and moustaches, using scissors.
Perform clerical and administrative duties such as keeping records, paying bills, and hiring and supervising personnel.
Keep card files on clientele, recording notes of work done, products used and fees charged after each visit.

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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