A job interview is a two-way street. While the salon evaluates you, you should be evaluating them. Asking thoughtful questions shows professionalism and helps you avoid accepting a position that's wrong for you.

Questions About Compensation

Never leave an interview without clarity on pay:

"Can you walk me through the compensation structure?"

  • Is it hourly, commission, or salary?
  • What percentage is the commission based on?
  • Are there performance bonuses?

"What's the tipping policy?"

  • Do groomers keep 100% of tips?
  • Is there a tip pool?
  • How are credit card tips handled?

"Are there opportunities for pay increases?"

  • How often are reviews conducted?
  • What's the path to higher commission rates?

Questions About Daily Operations

"What does a typical day look like here?"

  • How many dogs per groomer per day?
  • Is there a bather to assist, or do groomers do everything?
  • How are appointments scheduled?

"What equipment and products do you provide?"

  • Are shears and clippers provided, or do I bring my own?
  • What shampoo and product lines do you use?
  • Is there a dryer for each station?

"How do you handle difficult dogs or aggressive behavior?"

  • What's the policy on refusing service?
  • Is there support for handling challenging pets?

Questions About Culture and Growth

"What do groomers like most about working here?"

  • This reveals the positive aspects of the workplace
  • If they struggle to answer, that's a red flag

"How do you support professional development?"

  • Do they pay for continuing education?
  • Is there mentorship for less experienced groomers?

"What's the team dynamic like?"

  • How many groomers work here?
  • Is there collaboration or is everyone independent?

Questions About Logistics

"What are the working hours and schedule?"

  • Are weekends required?
  • How flexible is scheduling?
  • What's the PTO policy?

"What benefits are offered?"

  • Health insurance?
  • Retirement contributions?
  • Employee discounts?

Red Flags to Watch For

Be wary if:

  • They avoid answering compensation questions directly
  • High turnover is mentioned or evident
  • The workspace is dirty or disorganized
  • Current staff seem stressed or unhappy
  • They pressure you to accept immediately

Final Thoughts

The right job is out there. Don't settle for a position that doesn't meet your needs just because you're eager to start working. A good salon will appreciate your thoroughness—it shows you're serious about your career.