Originally Posted by
lexgex /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I am considering registering for make-up artistry courses. The school I was considering talks the big talk about the t.v. and movie industry. Well, I know that isn't that easy of an industry to get into unless you know someone. So I know there is the possibility of taking the course and then finding joy at working at the MAC counter. I've heard it is difficult to get full-time work there right away. May I ask how much they make hourly, and the perks? Benefits? I would appreciate the input and feedback, thankyou!
MAC Stores are different from MAC Counters in the unspoken requirements... Usually MAC Stores staff people who have had a makeup/art background, from what I understand more pressure is put on stores to "perform" and set the standard.
Counters are a little more lenient and since they are usually quieter they can hire those with not so much experience and be able to help them and train them a little more. MAC does not train you in how to apply makeup or do it well, you are expected to know this and be able to demonstrate it on a model for the manager as part of your interview.
Depending on your skill level and what availabilities are open for job hrs you can get hired for 2 positions: Freelance or Part-time.
Freelance is a special position in that you don't work for MAC entirely, you are not a salaried employee and don't get the employee benefit (of course you can apply for a PPID card though). You are an on-call artist for MAC and can travel around to different counters and stores in your area, wherever needs help. You can basically set your own hours bc we have a pool of freelancers that we call on for work.
You don't HAVE to start at Freelance though, you can be offered any hourly amount of Part Time as well. I applied at my MAC Store in Tampa and was hired for a 24 hr a week part time position which is fairly high in hrs. They have basically 20, and 24-25 hr part time positions now. They used to offer smaller 10-15 hrs but at least in my area they are getting away from that. As a Part time employee you are offered our employee discount, and other perks, but no benefits, that is reserved for full time employees.
Full time employees are usually promoted from current MAC artists. Very rarely do they hire someone into the company and offer them a full time position immediately. And yes, full time positions are most often harder to come by bc most people don't want to leave MAC. There isn't the same turnover that there is in other retail companies, we don't LEAVE MAC but we may move around IN the company. I was offered a full time position after 2 mos of hire which is very unusual for the company. It is a company rule that new employees must be with the company for 6 mos before being eligible for promotion. Oh and full time is 30 hours a week and up, not 40.
As far as pay rate, every city, counter, and store is different.