How to get a job at Sephora?

Sep 22, 2013

Aaliyah N.

So I'm trying to get a job at Sephora.
I've been ready many threads about getting a job at sephora, but no one really says anything about how to apply. My question is how do you apply for sephora?

I'm 19 years old and I haven't had a "real" job before (I know I'm horrible), but I've had plenty of experience where I've had to deal with people. Is there anyone here that works at Sephora or has worked there in the past that can give me some advice and tell me about the application process??
I've created an immaculate Cover Letter along with a Resume, with pink and black heading (so it can make a statement and get noticed) Is that too much? I included many of my customer service skills, working for my moms company and volunteer work at my local church as a cafe Barista, as well as part time freelance makeup artistry. My next Idea was to attach a few photos of my work to the application and resume? Again, is that too much? I figured this would also help me stand out and get me noticed. But I wasn't sure if that would be considered "TOO MUCH".

I read continuously through forums where many said, makeup skills isn't a number one attribute they look for, its usually customer service. Is that true? More questions I have:Does dropping off a resume to the manager still apply if it's a department store? If so, who do I give it to, someone who works at the counter or the actual manager of that entire cosmetics department while expressing interest in Sephora specifically? What are the interviews like? What should I know ahead of time?

Thanks!

Sep 22, 2013

Carolyn H.

The last time I tried applying to sephora they told me to apply online- which I hate because it's so impersonal.

The first time that I applied, in person, I made it to the second interview.
I didn't get hired by them but I did get hired by Mac so I think my interview experience is still valid.

Sephora wants you to be able to sell the product, even if you're applying for beauty advisor position you can't actually apply makeup on anyone until you've been certified by the company SO yes, they care more about your customer service and sales then skill.

I wouldn't add pictures to the areésumé, if they aren't professionally shot. Once printed the work might look fuzzy or just less polish and it can work against you.

Speaking on makeup jobs in general, I've actually never had a cosmetics retail job before either, so just push your passion for makeup ARTISTRY. No simple answers like "I've always wanted to work here" it's always good to compliment the company but also express how you can benefit them
Ex. "I would love to work for sephora so I can share my love of so many brands with the customers that come in"
If they do allow you to give your areésumé in to the actual store- ALWAYS hand it directly to the manager, they like putting a face to the name. Look the part, dress in all black or whatever sephora wears, do your hair and makeup and ooze confidence.

Sep 22, 2013

Carolyn H.

Résumé*

Sep 22, 2013

Nadzhe G.

I actually work for the company now, what position are you trying to apply for??

Sep 22, 2013

Aaliyah N.

Nadzhe, Really any position! I was told around this time they usually hire for seasonal positions, but I would really enjoy becoming a beauty adviser, even if I have to work as cashier first and work my way up.

Sep 22, 2013

Nadzhe G.

Usually cashier is your first position but you have plenty plentu of oppertunity to work your way up! For holiday season they usaually only hire for cashier which is totally great too! If you show your integrity and passion for the job the will most likely keep you on as core staff! In any job of course sales matter but at Sephora its not only sales that drive the company its the innovation and passion that we bring and provide for out clients! I know it sound corny ha but its true! So I know carolyn said its more about sales but its NOT! Its about finding the right product for the client and making sure she leaving feeling like the most beautiful girl../or guy lol in the world! Its the client experience that drives out company! So as long as you keep that passion behind you youll do great! But back to the physical process lol so they just recently started useing the online process to make things easier, its an exstensive interview process but its only because they want to hire the right people! I got a call back like a few days after I applied so just go online fill it out for all the stores closest to you and just wait.

Sep 22, 2013

Nadzhe G.

And from the looks of it your skills are on point lol I think you will do great with this company.

Sep 22, 2013

Aaliyah N.

Thanks so much Nadzhe! I filled out an application for my nearest Sephoras about a week or 2 ago, but still no reply. /: I was going to bring my resume to the manager on Monday, but wasn't sure if these pictures were too much. Do you think I should?

Sep 22, 2013

Nadzhe G.

I think you should it wouldnt hurt(:. I'm 19 as well by the way. I applied right out of high school and they were like uhh you need some retail experience and I was crushed lol but I went out got my retail experience under my belt for about 8 months came back to apply and BOOM they were like welcome lol so I think another reason your not getting a call back is because you have no retail experience. And we are very very busy on even normal days so just imagine what the holidays would be like! And they wanna make sure people can handle it.

Sep 22, 2013

Carolyn H.

I personally don't think you should include printed pictures, if they're on a website maybe include your professional link on the areésumé. But if you're going in to speak to a manager I would recommend having your portfolio on a iPad or something and just showing it from there.

Also I've spoken to the regional HR manager in my area, she knows I'm a certified MUA and has still told me that they care mostly about sales and customer service.
Any cosmetic brand will tell you that technique and application can be taught, they all train, but personality can't.
Either you have it or don't. But In the end it is a business and yes, they care about sales.

Sep 24, 2013

Aaliyah N.

Thanks ladies! I actually went down to the sephora in Cerritos California on Sunday and personally handed in my resume and portfolio pictures to one of the supervisors at the time. I believe I came at a bad time because there was a rush of people and she didn't really bother to take the time and look at it. It was quick because she had much better things to do. So I believe I didn't really make much of an impression as I wanted to. ):

But before I got discouraged I made it priority that I try a different location. I was determined! I called and asked if they were hiring on Monday and the supervisor I spoke to on the phone said they were in dire need of new employes and especially for seasonal. (great news for me) So I applied and personally turned in my resume and portfolio pictures that same day. The second time I got a much better reaction. The supervisor loved me, Although she wasn't the manager, she was pretty close to it. She told me she would hand in my resume to the store manager when she gets back from maternity leave and put in a good word for me. And She gave me so much advice on how to act during the interview. She also told me that my resume is exactly what they are looking for. They want someone who really wants the job. And that's me alright!! Hahaha. I'm really excited and confident after the reaction I received at the second location.

I don't have an interview yet, but I expect one. (;

Pray for me! This has been something I've wanted for so long.

Oct 13, 2013

Aaliyah N.

Hello ladies! Here’s an update for yah.
So, I had my first interview Monday 10/7/2013 and it was a group interview, as expected. I did so much research prior to the interview because I wanted to be "well prepared". I was soooo excited! There had been a total of 6 of us during the interview while both the General Manager and the Assistant Manager interviewed us together. Because I did my research, I knew just about every question they asked, along with the perfect answer... but me being hard on myself, I felt like I sounded a bit rehearsed, although I said everything they wanted to hear. I was nervous AND IT SHOWED! That next day, I had received a call from the assistant manager to schedule a second interview (the demo) for Thursday. I was so excited! Which included, me demonstrating a Smokey eye on an employee as if they were a customer, and sale them the products I used on their face. Me being a freelance makeup artist, I felt as though I had that in the bag because I do that on a regular basis.
I thought I did pretty well on that part, but then the manager told me 2 things I did right, and 2 things I did wrong. She explained that I was very welcoming by introducing myself and being personable, also, towards the end, I ended up making the customer buy more than what they came in for, by explaining what each product did and why it was important to have it. Then when she told me the 2 things I did wrong my confidence dropped. I was told that I never handed the customer a mirror to review my work although there was a rather large mirror in front of her…. And also, she told me I was a bit silent at times, there can never be silence! Instead I should have asked if the smoky eye was for a special occasion, or just a new look to fill in the silence. Next she asked what I would do if I was working with a customer and one came up asking where something was, and another wanting assistance. This question I HAD NOT PREPAIRED FOR! So I didn’t know the answer… I literally just pulled something out of my butt. I said I would explain that I was working with a customer, and if they could wait a minute I could direct them to where they needed to go, OR ask an employee if they can help them instead. I thought that answer was wrong, and was uneasy about the outcome… but I GOT THE JOB, so apparently it wasn’t!! I was officially hired Thursday, October 10, 2013! And go in to finish the rest of my employment papers on Tuesday.

Oct 13, 2013

Aaliyah N.

Hello ladies! Here’s an update for yah.
So, I had my first interview Monday 10/7/2013 and it was a group interview, as expected. I did so much research prior to the interview because I wanted to be "well prepared". I was soooo excited! There had been a total of 6 of us during the interview while both the General Manager and the Assistant Manager interviewed us together. Because I did my research, I knew just about every question they asked, along with the perfect answer... but me being hard on myself, I felt like I sounded a bit rehearsed, although I said everything they wanted to hear. I was nervous AND IT SHOWED! That next day, I had received a call from the assistant manager to schedule a second interview (the demo) for Thursday. I was so excited! Which included, me demonstrating a Smokey eye on an employee as if they were a customer, and sale them the products I used on their face. Me being a freelance makeup artist, I felt as though I had that in the bag because I do that on a regular basis.
I thought I did pretty well on that part, but then the manager told me 2 things I did right, and 2 things I did wrong. She explained that I was very welcoming by introducing myself and being personable, also, towards the end, I ended up making the customer buy more than what they came in for, by explaining what each product did and why it was important to have it. Then when she told me the 2 things I did wrong my confidence dropped. I was told that I never handed the customer a mirror to review my work although there was a rather large mirror in front of her…. And also, she told me I was a bit silent at times, there can never be silence! Instead I should have asked if the smoky eye was for a special occasion, or just a new look to fill in the silence. Next she asked what I would do if I was working with a customer and one came up asking where something was, and another wanting assistance. This question I HAD NOT PREPAIRED FOR! So I didn’t know the answer… I literally just pulled something out of my butt. I said I would explain that I was working with a customer, and if they could wait a minute I could direct them to where they needed to go, OR ask an employee if they can help them instead. I thought that answer was wrong, and was uneasy about the outcome… but I GOT THE JOB, so apparently it wasn’t!! I was officially hired Thursday, October 10, 2013! And go in to finish the rest of my employment papers on Tuesday.