Ace Your Next Interview in the Beauty Industry

Jun 22

Everyone has, at some point in their life, interviewed. While some candidates shine, others dread the interview process, telling themselves “They just aren’t good at interviewing.”

The good news is that, like any other skill, interviewing can be mastered—especially when you understand what the hiring manager is looking for.

I’ve interviewed hundreds of candidates over the years working in the beauty industry, and helped build some incredible teams.

Like most hiring managers, I have a go-to set of interview questions I like to ask. But in reality, I'm looking to see if you have certain traits that are existing among the best players on our team.

Today I am reviewing the top traits I look for, my favorite interview questions to ask, and suggestions on how to answer them.

So that you can ace your next interview, and land your next role in the beauty industry.

Common Mistakes Candidates Make:

Making it all about them without explaining how they can add value to the team.
Not researching the brand or the founders' story.
Not familiarizing themselves with all treatments, products, and offerings.
Coming off as just “job searching” instead of showing passion for joining the team.
Expressing a desire to join mainly for free “training.”

While some of these might be true, it’s important to showcase to the hiring manager your familiarity with the brand, its mission, and how you can contribute to the company's growth. Wait until later in the interview to ask about training, benefits, and company perks.

Key qualities I am looking for:

Passion: Are you passionate about our brand and mission?
Professionalism: Are you dressed and presenting yourself professionally?
Well-spoken: Can you communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing?
Eager: Are you eager to join our team or just job searching?
Knowledgeable: Are you knowledgeable about the services & treatments we provide?
Fit: Do I feel you will be a good overall fit for our team?
Grit: When things get tough, can you persevere?
Curiosity: Are you interested in learning and mastering new skills?
Innovation: Will you help implement changes to improve our company?
Problem-solving: If something goes wrong, will you find a solution or become stuck?
Clienteling: Do you know how to build clientele and sales?
Mindset: Do you have a positive mindset?
Commitment: Are you committed to our company long-term, making you worth the time and investment of training?

Understanding these qualities helps me determine if you’re the right fit for our team. It’s important to keep these traits in mind as you prepare for your next interview. Below I've included a list of my favorite interview questions and suggestions on how to answer them.

Remember to customize these to you and the company you are interviewing with.

What made you interested in applying to work at our company?

"I’ve admired SKINNEY Medspa for quite some time due to your reputation for excellence in body contouring & non-invasive treatments and commitment to client care. Your partnerships with leading brands like Biologique Recherche and your innovative approach to beauty align perfectly with my professional values. I’m passionate about helping clients achieve their best selves, and I believe SKINNEY Medspa’s mission and values resonate with my own. The opportunity to work in a supportive, female-founded environment where continuous learning is encouraged excites me. I’m eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to your team and contribute to the success of SKINNEY Medspa."

Tell me a little about yourself

"I’m a licensed esthetician with six years of experience specializing in advanced skincare treatments and client care. I’m passionate about the beauty industry and committed to helping clients achieve their skincare goals through personalized treatments and education. My professional journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of various treatments, including laser hair removal, chemical peels, and advanced facials. I’m known for my strong communication skills, professional demeanor, and ability to build lasting client relationships."

Why do you want to leave your current company?

"While I have enjoyed my time at my current company and learned a lot, I’m looking for new challenges and opportunities for professional growth. SKINNEY Medspa’s reputation for innovation and excellence in the beauty industry is very appealing to me. I am eager to work in an environment that offers continuous learning opportunities and where I can contribute my skill set. My current role has provided a solid foundation, but I believe SKINNEY Medspa is the perfect place for me to further develop my skills and make a meaningful impact."

If there was one thing you could change about your current role or company, what would you change and why?

"One aspect I would change is the limited opportunities for professional development and access to cutting-edge technology. I am passionate about staying at the forefront of the aesthetics industry and continuously improving my skills. Unfortunately, my current role does not offer as many opportunities for advanced treatments and certifications as I would like. At SKINNEY Medspa, I appreciate your commitment to ongoing education and innovation, which aligns with my desire to grow and excel in my career."

How do you build sales and maintain clientele?

"I make sure my clients know about all the different treatments and products we offer and educate them on what's best for their skin or body. I always recommend packages or memberships over single sessions to help them get the best results and boost clinic sales. After appointments, I follow up with a text, email, or phone call to check in and invite them back for their next treatment. I also encourage clients to request me for their future appointments. I make sure they know about current promotions so they can take advantage of special offers. This helps me retain clients and get referrals. Plus, I post on social media to connect with current and potential clients."

What do you bring to a team?

"I bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to excellence. My communication skills and client care help create a welcoming and professional environment for everyone. I love working with my team and supporting each other to hit our goals. I'm always eager to learn and stay updated on industry trends to keep improving my skills. Plus, I’m great at problem-solving, enjoy multitasking and am a strong team player.”

Are you looking for full-time or part-time work, and are you available on weekends?

I am open to both full-time and part-time opportunities and am flexible with my availability. I understand that weekends are often peak times in the aesthetics industry, and I am available to work on weekends to accommodate client needs and support the team’s efforts.

What qualities do you think would be important for this role?

“I believe some of the key qualities for this role would be a genuine passion for the beauty industry and professionalism in how you present yourself and interact with clients. Excellent communication skills are essential to educate clients on the different treatment offerings and to work well with the team. Being knowledgeable about the services and products we offer is super important too, and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and following up with them is super important. Being a team player, supporting and collaborating with everyone on the team to achieve our common goals, is crucial. Lastly, having a proactive and positive mindset will help me thrive in this role.”

What are you looking for in terms of compensation?

“I am looking for a compensation package that reflects my experience and skills, and aligns with industry standards. More importantly, I am looking for a position that offers opportunities for professional growth and development. I am open to discussing specific numbers once I have a better understanding of the role and the expectations.”

What do you like to do for fun?

“In my free time, I enjoy staying active with activities like yoga and hiking. I also love experimenting with new skincare routines and staying updated on the latest beauty trends. Reading and attending industry workshops are also some of my favorite ways to relax and continue learning. Additionally, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, exploring new restaurants, and traveling.”

Final thoughts:

Always showcase your passion for the brand, the founders and company's mission, familiarize yourself with its treatment offerings, rehearse your interview questions beforehand and always focus on the positive qualities you can bring to a team.

If you can master that you can ace your next interview, and land your next job in the beauty industry (or really any industry!)

I’m excited to see you succeed, please let me know any questions and stay tuned for next week's newsletter where we continue to review my favorite tips on how to level up your career in the beauty industry, master new skills or land your next role.

Cheers,

Lindsay

Lindsay Malachowski