Sephora Interview - NEED ADVICE!

Mar 15, 2016

Summer A.

Hey beauty lovers!

I'm excited to say that I have an interview soon for a job at Sephora and I'm dying with joy and nerves. This isn't the first time I've ever had an interview, as I've had other jobs and internships before as a fashion & beauty writer for publications. BUT, this will be my first interview with a company like Sephora. (I do also have years of customer service experience in a food service based job, although I've never worked in true retail).

I just wanted to ask to anyone who works at Sephora, has in the past, or even if you haven't but have some insight and tips to add, what should I expect?!

I am having a group interview first, which I know is standard for Sephora. What kinds of questions should I expect and what should I wear? How can I make myself look like a great candidate amongst the others (I've never had a group interview before).

I don't know if I should dress like the fashionista I am or keep it chic and all black to mirror Sephora's style of dress. I am very skilled with using makeup and knowledgeable of products, but don't know if I should go all out for this interview or show my skills but keep it conservative.

Basically...HELP guys! :)
I appreciate all the pointers and suggestions I can get!

Mar 15, 2016

Jah-Jah R.

Wear all black and white, like cute black dress and a statement necklace. Something to stand out in the room full of all black. And of course make sure you have a full face on. For my interview with Ulta is was pretty standard questions that you would expect them to ask. (What interest you in makeup? If a customer came in for something specific that we didn't have how you'll you handle the situation?how many boxes do you think you can stock in an hour? Definitely Google interview questions for Sephora specifically so you can be prepared. But don't think too much about it, your passion for makeup will really show through by the way you answer your questions. I have been to 2 group interviews and I from what I have experienced you can already tell who's getting hired and who isn't by the time you leave so just be confident and relax. Don't down yourself during the interview about not having any retail experience when they ask. Food service jobs are way harder than retail anyway lol. And don't forget to smile! People want to hire happy people so good luck honey!

Mar 15, 2016

Summer A.

Thanks for that advice! I was literally just looking through my jewelry like let me find a good standout statement necklace so I'm right with you on that one! I had an interview once where I was told they loved that I was always smiling and they liked my look so Ill be sure I smile a lot and let me personality shine as you said. Thanks so much! :)

Mar 15, 2016

Summer A.

BTW, was your ULTA interview, more customer service based questions or makeup, or both?

Mar 15, 2016

Jah-Jah R.

Lol Walmart has some of the BEST statement necklaces for like $5 each. My Ulta interview was a mix of both, mostly customer service based though.

Mar 15, 2016

Summer A.

I'll definitely check them out! I was looking for something red and most of my statement pieces are black or gold. And Thanks! I was thinking it would be which I have no problems with answering questions about that. What would you suggest for makeup, go all out, keep it fairly simple, etc.? (sorry for so many Qs but I appreciate the advice)

Mar 15, 2016

Jah-Jah R.

Lol for makeup I did a full glam face( bronzer, light contour, highlight, blush) and I did a smokey eye with natural falsies and a natural ombré lip (a pinkish nude lipstick with a burgundy lip liner)

Mar 15, 2016

Summer A.

Thanksss! Those are all things that are apart of my everyday routine so basically I'll just do what I do I guess. lol.

Mar 15, 2016

Jah-Jah R.

And I had on a black, white and silver statement necklace with a white tank and black blazer, a black pencil skirt and some pointy black flats. And my hair was rodded the night before so I had big loose waves.

Mar 15, 2016

Jah-Jah R.

Lol see! Don't sweat it.

Mar 15, 2016

Summer A.

That's what I was thinking, rodding my hair because it's honestly just perfect when you let those things down lol. And I know I'll probably psych myself out of I don't just keep calm and be myself like I usually am with interviews haha. This chat has made me feel more reassured though :)

Mar 15, 2016

Jah-Jah R.

😊 I'm glad I could help! One more thing, your probably know this already but make sure you actually know what brands Sephora sells and what they don't. One girl at my interview didn't and it was just embarrassing. Good luck though!

Mar 15, 2016

Summer A.

Oh no! That's terrible. 😩Thanks, I definitely do. A couple of workers knew my name at Sephora at a location I would go to a lot, which is shame because that meant I was shopping in there waaaay too much. 😊

Mar 15, 2016

Summer A.

I'm just hoping my other experience will make up for my lack of retail experience but I won't let that shortcoming show. I honestly have no issues with selling and definitely not customer service. and plus your advice helped!

Mar 15, 2016

Jah-Jah R.

Lol you should be fine then!

Mar 15, 2016

Summer A.

Thanks. You're the best :)

Mar 15, 2016

Jamie D.

Congratulations! I've never interviewed at Sephora, but I have participated in group interviews, as well as eventually helped host a group hiring event, and I would say the biggest way to stand out is to speak up!
If the interviewer asks questions like "how are all of you guys tonight" or for help passing out papers or whatever, volunteer to answer and help! The quickest way to get knocked out of the running in a group interview is to not be memorable.
Be friendly, let them see you chat with the other girls before the interview officially starts, and make sure to thank the interviewer (s) for their time at the end of the night. Obviously there are ways that you can get noticed in a bad way, but if you keep the positive energy up and make an effort to actively participate, I'm sure they'll notice!
Also, as a lot of group interviews ask everyone the same questions, try to be a little unique! You don't have to invent stories; I'm sure if you think about the questions in depth, you'll find it's unlikely that your answer will be the same as anyone else's. This will help you stand out, but more so it shows you have ideas of your own and aren't just saying what the person next to you said.
I hope this helps a little, and I wish you good luck!

Mar 15, 2016

Summer A.

Thank you Jamie! I like your tips for standing out, especially even interacting with the others who will be there because I probably wouldn't have but now will have it on my mind. Do you think it will be a go around the room and everyone answer kind of thing or just speak up when a question is asked.

Mar 15, 2016

Jamie D.

I'm not sure! There's tons of ways to run group interviews. At mine, we did a little bit of both. Also, don't be afraid of your interviewer! Definitely judge their vibe and do what you think is appropriate, but at my interview, we had to do this thing where we went around to everyone in our group and found out one lovely thing about as many people as we could. It was both team building and allowed the interviewers to see how we might potentially interact with customers. I decided to also ask the interviewers a lovely thing about each of them, which I think made me stand out. I don't know if you'll do any activities like that, or even if it will be appropriate to ask your interviewer such a question, but if you get an opportunity I say go for it :) I know Sephora sort of intends to present a "party" atmosphere, and I believe they call their employees cast members like in a show instead of sales associates. Not sure if that's true, but if that's the vibe, definitely don't be afraid to be funky!

Mar 15, 2016

Summer A.

Thanks Jamie for all of your help. I'm hoping it is pretty relaxed since I agree Sephora does tend to have a great atmosphere.

Mar 31, 2016

Summer A.

Just wanted to say thanks so much for everyone's advice! I ended up accepting a job at ULTA for now (just in case I don't make it through all of Sephora's rounds and get hired), but I did get a call back today from Sephora for a one-on-one interview Saturday. So looks like this talk helped! Thanks again! :)