Let me explain what I mean when I say, “stop assuming I’m not a ‘Real Business'” Please imagine that you have a desire to become, let’s say a fashion merchandiser, a marketing expert, or frankly, any job anywhere, would you ever plan on calling and leaving voicemail for the owner of the biggest company in your area, and saying something like, “I’m retiring and I’ve always had a passion for what you do. I would really like you to hire me, teach me everything you do, and then, when I think I’m ready, I’m going to start my own business, in your area, and compete against you.” My husband used to work for Corporate America. I imagine what would have happened if he used this approach.

What it takes to get hired in the home staging industry

There are few home staging companies that hire non-1099 staff, particularly stagers.  These are coveted positions, inside only the sturdiest of companies. Paid stager employees, whether hourly or salary, have to interview for the position, like anyone else would, for any other job that exists.

Can you imagine walking into an interview saying, “I have no experience, but this seems like fun. You should hire me, pay me, and then when I think I’ve learned everything I can from you, I’m going to start my own company to compete against you.”

Why on EARTH would I ever call you back?

In order to get hired by a company like Rave Home Staging, or any other staging company around the country, you must show how you are an asset to our company, not how we can assist you in your life.

If you don’t have experience, then offer to do intern work – for free – but don’t start off the conversation with the idea that you plan on taking everything we teach you and using it to compete against us. As an intern, you also should understand that it is very unlikely the staging company will provide you any information on building or managing a company. We are likely to have you do activities like steam beds, clean glass, and other basic “grunt” work.

When calling to discuss a career in home staging, ask if we are, in fact, hiring. (Most of us aren’t and even if we are, see the above commentary. If you are telling us you are unskilled and uneducated in our profession, why would we hire you?)

Please stop assuming that we are the next latest and greatest party plan trend. 

One of the key reasons that Professional Home Staging isn’t given the respect it is due is because so many people, including new pop-up home staging companies, or want-to-be stagers, treat our industry like we are the next Mary Kay. Just pay your $180 for your kit and boom, you are in business.

I’m sorry. We are working with the biggest asset for the vast majority of families. We need to be well trained professionals, not party plan minded. If you aren’t prepared to treat other company owners like respected corporations, then again, why do you even want to be in this business? Go become a decorator or redesigner. Be someone who deals with making homes pretty, not someone expected to manage someone’s top assets.