Do you want to work at Sephora? Chances are, if you’re reading this, the answer is yes! Sephora is a great company with amazing benefits and many growth opportunities. To land your dream job at Sephora, you’ll need to be prepared for the interview process. We’ve gathered the most common Sephora interview questions and provided tips on answering them. Read on to learn what it takes to become a Sephora employee!
Table of Contents
What made you want to apply to Sephora?
This question is designed to see if you understand what Sephora is about. Be sure to research before the interview and have a few reasons ready to explain why you want to work for Sephora specifically. Perhaps you’re passionate about beauty and cosmetics or love the company’s commitment to customer service. Whatever the case, be sure your answer is genuine and enthusiastic.
Sample Answer:
I’ve been interested in cosmetics and beauty since I was a little girl. When I learned about Sephora’s commitment to customer service and offering the latest and greatest products, I knew I had to apply. I would love to help customers find the perfect products and participate in a fun industry!
What do you know about Sephora’s history?
This question is designed to test your knowledge of the company and see if you did your homework before the interview. Please give a brief overview of Sephora’s history, including its founding and major milestones.
Sample Answer:
Sephora was founded in France in 1970 and is currently a subsidiary of LVMH. In 1993, Sephora opened its first US store in New York City. Since then, Sephora has become a leading retailer of beauty products with over 2,000 stores worldwide.
What inspired you to pursue a career in makeup?
This question is designed to get an idea of your motivations for working in the beauty industry. Do you have a personal passion for makeup? Do you enjoy helping others feel good about themselves? Are you interested in the latest trends? Whatever your reasons, emphasize your excitement for working in the field.
Sample Answer:
I’ve always loved playing with makeup and experimenting with new looks. When I learned that I could turn my passion into a career, I knew it was the perfect fit. I love helping others feel good about themselves and sharing my knowledge of the latest trends. Pursuing a career in makeup is the perfect way to combine my interests and talents!
Tell me about a time when you provided great customer service.
This question is designed to test your ability to provide excellent customer service, one of Sephora’s core values. Be sure to give a specific example of when you went to help a customer. Perhaps you helped them find the perfect shade of foundation or recommended a new skincare routine based on their skin type. Whatever the example, emphasize how going above and beyond led to a satisfied customer.
Sample Answer:
I once had a customer looking for a new foundation but was having trouble finding the right shade. I helped her by narrowing down her options and then doing a test on her jawline to find the perfect match. She was so grateful and ended up buying several other products as well!
What do you think sets Sephora apart from other beauty retailers?
This question is another way of asking what you like about Sephora. In your answer, focus on one or two things that stand out to you. You may appreciate Sephora’s broad selection of products or the company’s dedication to educating employees and customers about cosmetics. Whatever it is, be specific and share why you think it’s important.
Sample Answer:
There are a few things that make Sephora unique. One is their large selection of products from both high-end and affordable brands. They also offer services like makeup consultations and skincare classes. Their loyalty program and sales-based structure set them apart from other retailers.
I appreciate that the company takes the time to educate employees so we can provide the best possible service to customers.
What do you think it takes to be successful in retail?
Sephora looks for a few key things in a successful retail employee. The ability to multi-task and stay calm under pressure is essential, as is being able to adapt to changes quickly. Good retail employees also need to have a strong customer service orientation and be able to build relationships with customers. Finally, it’s important to be able to work as part of a team and take direction from managers.
Sample Answer:
Being successful in retail requires staying calm under pressure and being adaptable. It’s also important to have strong customer service skills to build customer relationships. A team player is also essential, as working together is often necessary to accomplish the job.
What is the most important quality for a successful salesperson?
This question is designed to see if you have the qualities Sephora is looking for in an employee. Be sure to mention qualities such as friendliness, helpfulness, and product knowledge.
Sample Answer 1:
The most important quality for a successful salesperson is product knowledge. It’s important to help customers find the right products for their needs and answer any questions they have. It’s also important to be friendly and helpful so that customers have a positive experience and want to return.
Sample Answer 2:
The most important quality for a successful salesperson is the ability to build customer relationships. This involves listening to their needs and concerns and providing solutions that meet their requirements. Good salespeople can also adapt to changes quickly and remain calm under pressure. Finally, it’s important to be able to work as part of a team to support your colleagues.
What would you do if customers were unhappy with a product they purchased from Sephora?
The first step is to stay calm and listen to the customer’s concerns. Once you understand the problem, you can take steps to resolve it. This might involve refunding the purchase, exchanging the product, or providing a store credit. Whatever the solution, the goal is always to leave the customer satisfied.
How would you recommend makeup to clients?
This question assesses your product knowledge and ability to sell. Be sure to have a few products in mind that you recommend for different skin types, occasions, etc. Explain why you would recommend each product using its features and benefits.
Sample Answer:
For dry skin, I would recommend the Sephora Collection Face Cream. It’s very hydrating and has a nice, light scent. For oily skin, I would recommend the Mattifying Primer from Benefit. It helps control oil and shine without making your skin feel dry or tight. And for a night out, I love the NARS Blush in Orgasm. It gives you a nice flush of color without being too over-the-top.
Do you have any sales experience? If so, describe a time when you closed a big sale.
Sephora is all about sales, so they’re looking for employees with strong sales skills. If you have experience in sales, highlight it in your answer. Give a specific example of a time when you closed a big sale. What products were involved? How did you overcome any objections the customer had? What was the final result?
Sample Answer:
I have sales experience, and I closed a big sale once by emphasizing the product’s value. The customer was interested in buying a high-end skincare product but was hesitant because of the price. I explained how the quality of the product would make it last longer, and they ended up purchasing it.
Tell me when you were supposed to complete a task and if something interfered with the process. How did you handle it?
This question is designed to see how you react under pressure and if you can think on your feet. Be sure to have examples demonstrating how you handled the situation calmly and effectively.
Sample Answer:
I was once working on a project that was due at the end of the day. Halfway through the day, my computer crashed, and I lost all my work. I was really upset at first, but then I realized there was no use crying over spilled milk. I quickly reconstructed what I could from memory and finished the project on time. From that experience, I learned that it’s important to stay calm when things go wrong and to think creatively to solve problems.
What are your favorite Sephora products?
Sephora is always looking for employees who are passionate about their products. This question is designed to gauge your interest in the Sephora brand. Research ahead and be prepared to discuss a few of your favorite products. Why do you like them? What benefits do they provide? How do they compare to similar products on the market?
Sample Answer:
My favorite Sephora product is the Beauty Blender because it provides a flawless finish. I also like the Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain because it’s long-lasting and has a great color selection. Finally, I like the makeup brushes from Sephora because they’re high quality and work well with all types of makeup.
What goals do you have for your career in the beauty industry?
Do you see yourself working in the beauty industry for many years? What positions are you interested in pursuing? What can you contribute to Sephora?
Sample Answer:
My goal is to have a successful career in the beauty industry. I’m interested in pursuing positions that involve product development, marketing, and sales. I can contribute to Sephora by providing insights into what customers are looking for and helping to develop products that meet their needs.
What do you know about Sephora’s loyalty program, Beauty Insiders?
The Beauty Insiders loyalty program is one of the ways Sephora encourages customers to return and shop again. It offers rewards like free samples, birthday gifts, and access to exclusive sales. As an employee, you must understand how the program works and can answer questions about it from customers.
These are just a few questions you might be asked in a Sephora interview. By preparing ahead of time, you can increase your chances of impressing the hiring manager and getting the job.
What do you know about Sephora’s return policy?
Sephora has a very generous return policy, and they’re looking for employees familiar with it. Returns are accepted within 30-60 days of purchase, and customers can receive a refund or store credit. There are some restrictions, such as on open products, but overall it’s a very customer-friendly policy.
Other Common Sephora Interview Questions
Describe a Challenge You Faced and How You Overcame It?
Why do you want to change your job?
Common Job Interview Questions and Answers
Tips for acing the Sephora interview
Sephora is a well-known beauty retailer, and so acing the interview is key to getting your foot in the door with this company. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Do your research ahead of time. Know what Sephora is all about, and be prepared to discuss why you’re interested in working there.
- Be familiar with the products. When you walk into a Sephora, please take notice of the products they sell and the brands they carry. This way, you can speak intelligently about them in the interview.
- Practice, practice, practice. Before your interview, ensure you rehearse answers to common questions such as “tell me about yourself” or “why do you want to work at Sephora?”
- Dress to impress. First impressions matter, so make sure you look your best for the interview. Wear something appropriate for working in a store (i.e., no shorts or tank tops).
- Be positive and enthusiastic throughout the interview process. Show that you’re excited about the opportunity to work at Sephora and eager to learn more about beauty products and trends.
Conclusion
We hope that our Sephora interview questions and answers have given you a better understanding of what to expect during your interview. Whether you are just starting in the beauty industry or are looking to change careers, working at Sephora is a great option. With their competitive pay and benefits, as well as their commitment to customer satisfaction, Sephora is a company that values its employees. So if you’re ready to start your beauty career, check out Sephora for all your needs.