Frequently Asked Spa and Salon Interview Questions

Going to a job interview for a cosmetology position can be nerve wracking. Aside from preparing for challenging questions, choosing the right hairstyle, makeup, and overall appearance to impress the interviewer is a concern.

One of the best ways to get over these interview fears is to arrive prepared. Knowing ahead of time what types of questions a salon owner or hiring manager is likely to ask is the best way to calm your nerves and ultimately give a better interview performance.

Here are some common interview questions—along with advice on how to answer them—to help you prepare.

What are your strengths?

Answering this question should be easy for anyone with a genuine interest in cosmetology. Depending on the position you are applying for—hair styling, coloring, makeup, etc.—you should already have an idea of the techniques you are best at performing. This is also a good time to mention any accolades or awards you have gotten as well, such as if you were noted as a top colorist in your beauty school class or if you previously worked as a makeup artist for a major client.

Describe your personality.

Tread lightly with this question. You may be the life of the party with a rebellious streak, but most salon owners would not want to hire a candidate who describes himself or herself like that. Instead, focus on the aspects of your personality that a salon owner would most like to hear about, such as your work ethic, friendly persona, or attention to detail. With that said, it should be noted that this is in no way an invitation to lie. Rather, it is the chance to put the best aspects of your personality forward and let any negative attributes fade into the background.

Why did you leave your last job?

While it is important to be honest, it is just as important not to badmouth any former bosses or colleagues when answering this question. Instead, use this question as an opportunity to put a positive spin on why you left your last job, whether it was to explore other opportunities, change specialties, or work for a larger salon. Speaking ill of a former employer is never a good idea, and may be something you will come to regret later on.

Can you show us anything from your portfolio?

Job applicants looking for a position as a hair stylist or makeup artist should always bring a portfolio of their past work to the interview, even if the hiring manager does not specify whether one is necessary. Even if you only recently put it together, it is a good idea to review the portfolio before going into the interview, and to choose a few specific looks you are most proud of. It may also be a good idea to prepare something to say about each of the looks, such as what techniques were used to achieve them or how they represent your overall style.

Do you have any questions about the salon?

As a general rule, every job applicant should always say yes to this question. It is important to ask a question that demonstrates that you have researched the salon—usually online or by asking friends with knowledge—and that you have a strong desire to work there. Commonly, hair stylists may ask the interviewer about the salon's overall style, where it is going in the future, what the salon culture is like, or what its typical clients are like. It is never a good idea to use this opportunity to ask about salary. Doing so is both presumptuous and sends the message that you only care about the job due to its salary, as opposed to wanting the job because you have a genuine interest in the work.

Sources

SalonJobSeeker.com
Careers in Cosmetology
Bureau of Labor Statistics