5 Steps to Beauty Career Interview Success

Whether you are hoping to become a hair stylist, barber, skin care specialist, make-up artist, nail technician, or anything else in the world of beauty, a successful interview can be the key to a beautiful future.

Here are tips to ace your interview to pursue your dream of working in the beauty industry.

Step 1: Research the Employer

Learn as much as possible about the salon, spa, resort, or company where you are going to interview.

• Check out their website, social media pages, and reviews to become familiar with the services they offer, what they are known for or specialize in, and anything else you can find out – like the names of the owners or hiring managers.
• Look online for other sources of information from employees, such as reviews on Glassdoor.
• See if you have any connections there that could give you a competitive edge. Talk to your school administrator or instructors, as well as family, friends or past work associates, and see if they know anyone there and could put in a good word for you.

Step 2: Prepare Answers to Expected Questions

Write down your own interview questions you think you may be asked. Some common questions you should be prepared to answer include:

• Why do you want a career in the beauty industry?
• What makes you a good candidate for this job?
• What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
• Why do you want to work for us?

Take the time to think about how you would answer each question and practice your answers, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend in a role-play.

In crafting your answers, remember a few key things: First, answer the interview questions in a way that shows how hiring you would benefit the employer. Second, be specific and use examples (from school or other work experience) to really drive your point home and show credibility. Third, keep it positive. Resist the urge to rant about former bosses or say anything negative about yourself or anyone you worked with.

Finally, prepare some questions to ask about the employer. Avoid questions that you could easily have found out with your research. Don’t focus on questions about how you will benefit, such as, “How much will I make?” or “How much time off will I get?” A better choice would be to ask, for example, about opportunities for advancement, which shows you are ambitious but are interested in growing with the employer.

Step 3: Prep a Great Resume and Portfolio

Create a one-page resume that showcases your training, skills, and includes any work experience (even if it’s not in the beauty industry). Highlight your education as well as any licensing you have earned.

Prospective employers may seek out your portfolio prior to your interview to get a feel for your work. While you are in beauty school, you probably documented your best work and posted the pictures to your Instagram account or your own portfolio site. Make sure your photos are high quality, well-lit, and highlight your talents.

Step 4: Present Yourself Well

You’re interviewing for a job in the beauty industry, so it’s important that you show your future employer that you know how to look your best. Make sure your hair is freshly trimmed and styled. Keep makeup minimal, and dress professionally. If you’re interviewing with an edgy city salon, you may be able to go with a less conservative style, but otherwise, play it safe. Above all, wear something you feel confident and comfortable in.

Try to relax and make a connection with the person you’re talking to. Managers want to hire people who are fun to work with and who customers love, so let your personality shine.

It’s natural to be nervous in an interview, but don’t let nerves get the best of you. Take a deep breath, do a power pose before you walk in (this is basically standing like your favorite superhero), and tell yourself: you got this! Be sure to smile, make eye contact, and be your friendly, charming self.

Step 5: Follow Up Promptly

Finally, find ways to make yourself memorable and stand out from other candidates. Maybe you send your interviewer a handwritten thank you note immediately afterwards. See if you can come up with a nice touch that will make people think of you fondly. They’ll appreciate you making an extra effort.

You’ve mastered the skills and have the talent and creativity to succeed in the beauty industry – with these tips, you can conquer the interview process as well to land your target job.