Help! Former/Current Employees of Sephora, Ulta or Other Cosmetic Stores

Aug 29, 2011

Niki D.

After ten years of working jobs I couldn't care less about/hate, I finally decided earlier this year to pursue my dream career of freelance makeup artistry. So far, so good. I started my website as a kind of virtual portfolio, I'm taking pics of everything I do and I'm practicing different techniques all the time. However in addition to taking clients, I really want a day job working in a cosmetics store. My problem is that my resume reads nothing but boring office jobs or random retail jobs. I have a TON of customer service experience and I genuinely love helping people. And even though I have loads of cosmetic knowledge and experience, my job history does not show it at all!
I don't know how to get across to these companies how passionate I am about this or show them that I really do belong at their store. Do I put my website on my resume? Or is that ineffective? Should I write a very brief statement in my resume about my strong desire to be in this industry? I have so much customer service experience and it's in my work history and so much cosmetics related experience but that is not reflected in my work history. I have a feeling that I'm passed over because I technically have no experience specifically working in a Sephora/Ulta/etc.
I am desperately seeking advice from current and former employees of retail cosmetic stores. If you'd rather send me a private message since it's related to your job, please email me at NDunn1030@yahoo.com
Thank you for your time!!! <3 <3 <3

Aug 29, 2011

Courtney A.

I'm a current sephora employee, been there a year now. I was hired originally as seasonal and I had no retail experience at all! Don't get me wrong, they definitely prefer people who have retail experience. But I made my passion for working for them clear and I told them I realized that on paper I don't look like the best candidate but that given the opportunity I would prove myself.
So, long story short, they hired me as seasonal where i was strictly register. Then they kept me on and now I'm one of the color consultants =]
Holiday season is a great time to get your foot in the door and show them what you're all about, and if they like you, they'll keep you

Aug 29, 2011

Rai C.

Unless you're hired specifically as a makeup artist at Sephora or Ulta it's just a normal retail job. You're not required to have makeup skills and honestly at the one I worked at only I and another girl really had makeup skills.

I applied online, had two interviews, and I was hired. Like Courtney said this is the time to apply now because they are going to want people for seasonal work. 

Aug 29, 2011

Tara K.

Niki you should get a portfolio together, the pictures that you take attach that to your resume, show them your talent.... also right in your resume your passion for the makeup industry. and apply at mac I think there more interested in your makeup skills, and if they see your work in pics they might be more interested in giving you that foot in the door. :) good luck hun 

Aug 30, 2011

Niki D.

Thank you so much for the advice ladies, it means a lot! <3

Aug 30, 2011

Steff J.

I'm a current Sephora employee as well. They look for mainly retail experience and though artistry isn't necessarily a requirement, it is helpful. I would say apply anyway. What's the worst that can happen?

Aug 31, 2011

Nadia B.

I have worked at both Ulta and Nordstrom. When I applied to Ulta I had zero experience. What will set you apart is your appearance when you submit your resume. I asked to speak to the Store Manager and personally handed it to her. She immediately took me to the back and interviewed me. I was hired on the spot. Your amazing personality will shine through better than anything you can put on your resume. So just go in there, show them your beautiful smile and be enthusiastic. You are your best sales tool. Don't go in there telling them how you do not have cosmetic sales experience. Go in there telling them you are a freelance artist. Your office experience could actually work to your advantage because there is paperwork that needs to be filled out if you are a Counter Manager. Make your skills work for you. 

Sep 1, 2011

Niki D.

Thank you for the pep talk, Nadia! That really perked me up, I plan on putting on a big smile and leading with my good foot. like my Dadio always says, "Don't forget to honk your horn, let 'em know you're coming!"

Sep 2, 2011

Dani P.

This is actually a helpful thread for myself as well. I'm in the same kind of position as Niki. I do freelance work here and there and am finally starting to put a portfolio together, but it is hard to get your foot in the door sometimes. I'll be taking all of this advice as well with my future ventures in the beauty industry. Thanks everyone!