Would you like to belong to something beautiful? If you would, Sephora has a place for you! In addition to fostering a sense of belonging among its employees, this beauty retailer strives to create a more inclusive world retail vision.
According to Sephora’s vice president of talent acquisition, Yvette Nichols, Sephora looks for passion, flexibility, a great attitude, and a strong inclination toward customer service. Prior experience is helpful but not necessary.
If working for Sephora has been on your dream list, this post will help to bring your aspirations to fruition.
Tips
- Experience is not mandatory, but it does help if you have had some customer service experience. For example, working in the hospitality industry or any sales associate role would be valuable and give you an added competitive edge over others without it.
- Visit the location you wish to work for. Become acquainted with some of the employees and introduce yourself to the manager if possible. People feel more comfortable hiring someone they are familiar with. Sephora has an employee referral program, and the company will often hire people vetted by cast members. (Sephora’s word for sales associates)
- Generally, the interview process takes 3-4 weeks, so be patient. As part of Sephora’s hiring process, they want to take care of hiring the right person.
- Being a team player is crucial in Sephora’s world, from entry-level positions to the highest executive. If this is not your cup of tea – move on.
- Customer service is paramount in retail. You may need to demonstrate how well you work with clients during the interview. For instance, you may be asked to find the perfect lip gloss for a customer. Why would this be part of the interview? Sephora monitors your rapport with clients, sales abilities, and sanitary awareness of the products used.
- Knowing the products sold at Sephora is vital during your interview. Be sure to discuss some of your favorites and why. Additionally, stay on top of any beauty trends because Sephora expects this. After all, this is their business.
- Speak Sephora lingo. What do I mean by this? Sephora has some reward programs they offer customers, like the beauty insider card. Become familiar with them and show you are knowledgeable about their programs during the interview—this signals less training is required by Sephora.
- Don’t be afraid to tute your own horn during the interview. Some may feel this is bragging, but it is quite the opposite. If you know it, show it and be proud and confident.
- Always send a follow-up thank you email. This will reiterate your sincere interest in the position and show respect and class.
This YouTube video by a lady who has worked for Sephora emphasizes some of these tips and discusses others you may never have thought of:
(30) Top 7 Tips On How To Get HIRED at SEPHORA! – YouTube
How to Apply
There are a couple of ways to apply for a job with Sephora. If you wish to work in a store location, you may apply in person by visiting the store. If you seek a corporate office position, visit Sephora’s careers site.
The Interview
For the top interview questions asked by Sephora hiring authorities, check out my article “Behind the Scenes at Sephora: Unveiling the Secrets to a Successful Job Interview.” This will provide an in-depth question-and-answer guide to help prepare you for landing a job with the makeup giant.
The proper dress for a job interview with Sephora is business chic. You absolutely NEED to look your best. Hair, nails, tasteful makeup (full face), nice hairstyle, clean and stylish clothes – the whole gamut! Here is a hint – dress in all black because they do. (the employees) This will help them envision you being a part of them. For a more detailed study on interview dressing for women, click on my article, “A Woman’s Guide To Style for Job Interviews.”
Other Options
Internships – Sephora offers spectacular internship programs. These are conducted in the summer and offer the following:
- Work alongside beauty leaders
- Create an internship project to present to the company
- Partake in skill-building workshops
- Access to a career panel of successful leaders of Sephora
- Network with other interns
- Volunteer opportunities (Project Glimmer, for example)
Graduate Programs – Participants receive tuition for cosmetology and esthetics school and an internship with Sephora during this six-month program.
Seasonal Openings – Some Sephora stores hire extra help during the holidays, so this might be the perfect time to apply.
Kohls & JC Penney – Did you know Sephora houses locations at Kohls and JC Penney department stores? Some find getting hired in these locations easier, and it is usually less stressful. Just a thought!
Several Perks
Sephora offers a generous benefits program. I will list them below:
- Healthcare for employees plus family
- Retail workers are offed a flexible working schedule
- Corporate employees enjoy summer Fridays with an abbreviated workday ending at 1:00 p.m.
- Corporate employees receive surprise product gifts
- Employees are invited to attend many diverse events such as national conferences, executive speaker series, product launch parties, executive fireside chats
- Training programs help workers accelerate their career growth
- 401(k) is provided after one year of employment with a company match
- Maternity and paternity leave is available for new parents
- In appreciation for their employees, Sephora brand partners provide training products to inform/train them about the benefits of the products.
In Summary
If your career envisions a passion for glamour, securing a position with Sephora is your pot of gold at the rainbow’s end! Your possibilities are limitless with a dash of determination, a pinch of expertise, and a sprinkle of self-confidence.
Showcase your customer service skills and expertise at this cosmetic wonderland. Take the tips in this article to heart, prepare well for the interview, and you’ll be on your way to a fabulous career at Sephora – where every day feels like a walk down the runway.