Placement Agency Matches Salon Professionals with Salons

Cosmo Connection’s (Ontario, Calif.) Darla Dart says her company has the right medicine for curing the “jack rabbit syndrome” (nail technicians hopping form one salon to another in search of the perfect fit). She says her new computerized matching system, which matches professionals with salons, will help salon owners and nail technicians alike avoid mismatches and the accompanying hassles.

“It’s our goal to screen and interview in depth the professional and the salon owner to find out what the need is on both parts and put the right operator in the right salon,” says Dart, president of Cosmo Connection. “Because of my experience in the business as an operator, shop owner, and teacher, I realize the difficulty people have finding a salon they’re suited for, “she adds. “If I interview in depth to find out what she wants in a salon, and then interview the salon owner to find out what she wants in an operator, the business relationship is likely to be more stable.”

For a $25 fee, nail technicians can use the service for one year. Dart researches the applicant’s experience, clientele history, and references. She says the service is a relief to salon owners who’ve spent hundreds of dollars on ads that turned up nothing or hired technicians they knew little about.

“When I used to interview people, as a salon owner, I asked if they had a clientele and just took their word for it,” Dart says. “Now I can check their backgrounds. I can do all the things the salon owner doesn’t have time to do.” With a list of 20 salons looking for technicians, Dart says all she needs is a list of people looking for work.

In response to a need for more education, Cosmo Connection will do more in the future that just place salon professionals. It will offer cosmetology training for technicians who want to make themselves more marketable. “This is some-thing that’s needed not only in California, “Dart says, “it’s needed nationwide.”