Beautician

► Describe a time you were faced with stresses which tested your skills.

► Do you have the qualities and skills necessary to succeed in your career?

► Would you rather write a report or give it verbally?

► Tell me about a time when you successfully handled a situation?

► What do you believe are your key strengths?

The interviewer is looking for an answer that indicates you've thought about where you want to work. This is the time you make advantage of the list of questions you have prepared earlier.

If you can come up with an example that relates to the position you're applying for that would be even better.

► Do you set goals for yourself?

► Do you think grades should be considered by first employers?

► Whom may we contact for references?

► What is your strongest qualification for this job?

► Have you written any articles for a professional journal, magazine, or newspaper?

► How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job?

► Would you choose the same curriculum again?

► How did you handle meeting a tight deadline?

► How do you evaluate your ability to handle conflict?

► What was the most difficult period in your life, and how did you deal with it?

► Describe a situation in which you had to collect information.

► What would you say are your strong points?

► How have you successfully worked with this difficult type of person?

► What do (did) you like about that job and company?

► Can you work under pressure? Give an example.

► Are you willing to go where the company sends you?

► If you could change or improve anything about your college, what would it be?

► If you come across an unethical behavior what would you do?

► What do you plan to earn five and ten years from now?

► How have you changed in the last five years?

► Tell me about your proudest achievement.

► What parts of your education do you see as relevant to this position?

► Which subjects did you enjoy during your qualifying degree?

► What is the difference between a good position and an excellent one?

► Give an example of a time you successfully worked on a team.

► Tell me about how you worked effectively under pressure.

► Have you ever had to deal with conflicting deadlines?

► How long would you stay with our company?

► Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?

Don't stress yourself with the idea of winning or losing. Think of at least two reasons this job is a good match for your skills, strengths, experience and background.

Ask a friend or relative of yours to help you practice answering Beautician interview questions.

Always have business cards. When meeting someone new, give them a card. Give those cards to friends and ask them to hand them out too. Another thing: cosmetologists should look beautiful all the time. I was told by my teacher in school that clients should never come in looking better than their stylist. Cosmetologists are providing a service, and the clients want to see the stylist as an example.

The interviewer would want to know how much work you can get done within a specific period of time. Avoid the temptation of lying in order to impress the interviewer. Give a realistic image, which you are confident you can deliver.

When asking this question, the interviewer would want to know your motivation for applying for the job. Don't make the mistake of mentioning your desire for higher pay. You could begin by demonstrating your understanding of the company's vision, and then show how your passion and skills would be a good fit.

When it comes to strengths, only mention those traits that would be useful in the beauty industry. For instance, you could say that you have a strong work ethic, superior customer care skills, excellent time management skills, the ability to work with a team and a willingness to learn.

The work of a beautician is very demanding and usually requires long hours. Unlike other jobs which have fixed hours, you might find yourself having to work on some weekends or even nights. Therefore, you need to assure the interviewer that you are ready to be flexible depending on the demands of the job.

A beautician is an individual providing treatments for a range of beauty needs, such as skin care, eyebrow and eyelash treatments, make-up, waxing, massages and nail care. A beauty therapist will be able to advise on exercise and dietary control, as well as offer electrical treatments.

Beauticians usually work from a salon, but some may also be willing to come to a location of your choice to provide the treatment. A qualified beautician/beauty therapist will be trained to know if a client should be referred to another professional e.g. a dermatologist for skin problems.

Salon owners should have NVQ/SVQ Level 3 or 4, hair technicians or freelance hairdressers should have NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or 3 and general stylists/hair-dressers should have NVQ/SVQ Level 2.

Nail care includes manicures, pedicures and nail extensions including silk/fibre wraps, gel, acrylic & sculptured, nail art & airbrushing techniques. Those offering nail care should have NVQ Level 2 or 3, VTCT or ITEC qualifications.

As for weaknesses, don't say anything that would disqualify you. For example, you could say that you are prone to taking too much responsibility or being too trusting. However, don't forget to add '…but I'm working on it' at the end of your weakness or you could just mention a weakness that you managed to overcome in the recent past. This will show that you are constantly taking steps to improve yourself.

This question is inevitable in almost every interview. Be sure to ask at least three sensible questions related to the job you are being interviewed for. This will show that you are actually interested in their business and that you have done your homework.

There's a saying we had at my previous salon: "Leave it at the door." In other words, if a stylist is having a bad day, theyr are tired or having problems with the kids at home, they can't bring their problems to work with you. I live by that. Clients don't want to hear about my problems -- they want to be taken care of.

Professional make-up artists should have NVQ Level 3, VTCT Diploma or ITEC Diploma. They may also do film and television freelance training to enable them to apply their skills.