Cosmetologists are professionals in the beauty industry who help enhance their customers’ looks as per their desire. As experts in makeup, skincare, and beauty products, cosmetologists can face an array of questions ranging from their training and background to their professional experience and skill. Knowing what kind of questions you may face can help you prepare suitable answers and feel more confident in your ability to impress the hiring manager. In this article, Pritish Kumar Halder discusses cosmetologist interview questions containing general questions, experience-related questions, and in-depth questions, along with some sample answers for your reference.
Cosmetologist Interview Questions With Sample Answers
Knowing why interviews ask certain questions, what they expect from an answer and what is the proper way to respond are key to a successful job interview. Here are some example questions along with sample strategic answers you can provide in your next cosmetologist interview:
1. How would you handle a demanding work schedule?
As a trained cosmetologist, you may find jobs in beauty parlours, high-end salons and luxurious hotels or resorts, where the working hours can be hectic depending on the time of the year and the popularity of the establishment. The interviewer wants to make sure that you have the requisite time management skills for effectively performing the job responsibilities. Provide a strategic and positive answer that reflects your ability to manage time and meet the demands of the job.
Example: ‘As a cosmetologist, I understand I may frequently work longer than expected depending on customer requirements and season. I am mentally prepared for that and always have a few extra hours scheduled in my routine to accommodate such instances. As long as I receive remuneration for my extra efforts, I can manage flexible working hours.’
2. How do you manage a displeased customer?
In a customer-centric job, even the most careful and brilliant cosmetologist can come across a disgruntled customer. The interviewer wants to make sure that you can use your customer service skills to handle such a situation with professionalism. In your answer, include examples of how you reacted to dissatisfied customers in your previous job. If you are a newcomer, explain what you are likely to do in such a situation.
Example: ‘In my previous job, I came across a client who was unsure about their make-up look for an upcoming party. I suggested an idea that they initially liked, but after I did the make-up, they did not like it anymore. As we had time constraints, instead of redoing the whole look, I just lightened up her eyeshadow and changed the lip colour. She immediately liked the look and became one of our regulars. I think the best way to address a displeased customer is to listen to their complaints patiently and try to fix them to the best of my ability.’
3. How would you recommend or sell beauty or healthcare products to customers?
Selling beauty products can be an essential job duty of a cosmetologist depending on where they work. Salons and parlours often offer related products for customers to buy and you may require to recommend them to your clients per their requirements. Share your strategy for selling products to show that you can contribute to business growth and success. You can use a story from your previous experience here.
Example: ‘I understand the impact product sales can have on a business. Whenever I find a suitable opportunity, I pitch an appropriate product to customers. At my previous job, I met a customer with severe dry skin and it was the perfect opportunity to suggest they use our new hydrating serum. They became a regular buyer of our product and even brought in three new customers who were interested in purchasing the same product. I think suggesting the right product to the right customer is the best way to ensure product sales and grow a reputation.’
4. Describe your experience of working at events
Employers often send cosmetologists to work on big events like parties, festive occasions or marriage ceremonies. The working situations for events differ significantly from working with individual customers in a salon. You may be required to handle multiple customers at once and work under time pressure. If you have previous experience working in events, highlight some of the crucial aspects of such a role. Always maintain a positive tone to ensure the interviewer that you are ready for similar work if required.
Example: ‘I have worked multiple times at weddings, concerts, birthday parties and television awards. I can quickly apply makeup and design hairstyles for various clients, from models to kids and brides. Because of my time management and multitasking skills, my previous employer used to send me to work for such events once every few months, after which they always received positive reviews subsequently. I also enjoy the challenging work environment of big events and see it as a lucrative opportunity to gain professional versatility beyond the salon and spa.’
5. What do you think is the most important aspect of this job?
This question can portray your understanding of the job of a cosmetologist. The interviewer wants to make sure you have set your priorities right and you know your job responsibilities well. Highlight the importance of customer service soft skills in this answer.
Example: ”As cosmetologists, we strive to understand and deliver what the client wants to make them look and feel as beautiful as possible. So, I think customer service is the most important aspect of this job. As long as I have done my job well and satisfied the customer, I consider that a successful day as a professional cosmetologist.”
Reference: https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/cosmetologist-interview-questions
