Why this matters:
Cosmetologists must have a strong understanding of different treatments for hair, skin, and nails. When interacting with clients and addressing their requests, the ideal candidate will be able to break down relevant information in a clear and digestible manner. By doing so, the cosmetologist can establish rapport during consultations and build credibility.
What to listen for:
- Clear verbal communication skills
- Strong knowledge of cosmetology techniques and best practices
- Familiarity with different hair and skin types
Why this matters:
To build a thriving business, cosmetologists must develop and maintain positive, long-lasting relationships with clients. They should be comfortable conversing with new people and remembering details about their customers’ personalities, habits, and beauty preferences. The more satisfied clients are with their results, the more likely they will become repeat customers.
What to listen for:
- Interpersonal skills that lead to positive client interactions
- Ability to foster professional relationships with multiple clients
- Practiced customer service skills
Why this matters:
Cosmetologists are responsible for presenting and selling a variety of treatment options and beauty products to their clients. They must be able to properly assess the client’s hair or skin condition, identify their need, and communicate how the suggested treatment or product can act as an effective solution.
What to listen for:
- Strong sales and communication skills
- Knowledge of different types of beauty products and treatments
- Ability to ask constructive questions to better understand client needs
Why this matters:
As cosmetologists continue to hone their skills, they may make honest mistakes when providing advanced or technical treatments. To avoid negatively affecting a client relationship, the candidate should know to address these errors immediately. There are several ways for cosmetologists to make amends and ensure that clients’ needs are still met.
What to listen for:
- Willingness to acknowledge mistakes in the moment
- Commitment to preserving positive client relationships
- Ability to problem-solve and act decisively under stress
Why this matters:
Cosmetologists and other beauty professionals may have different approaches to bringing a client’s vision to life. This can lead to miscommunication, which not only affects the client experience but also the work environment. Cosmetologists must know how to effectively resolve conflicts and come to lasting agreements with colleagues.
What to listen for:
- Ability to resolve conflicts in a calm, productive manner
- Willingness to demonstrate honesty and vulnerability
- Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills
Why this matters:
Regardless of their ability or creativity, cosmetologists are not always able to fully meet a client’s expectations. If a client expresses dissatisfaction, cosmetologists must prioritize maintaining a positive relationship and offer to co-create a solution that can remediate the situation.
What to listen for:
- Quick problem-solving skills
- Patience when interacting with dissatisfied customers
- Openness to client feedback
Why this matters:
As time passes, trends come and go. Clients will naturally want to change their preferred hairstyles, makeup looks, or nail art according to the latest fashions. To stay ahead of the competition, cosmetologists must keep up with beauty trends and proactively learn new techniques to fulfill their clients’ wishes.
What to listen for:
- Resources for staying current, like beauty news outlets, social media accounts, or magazines
- Keen interest in current beauty trends
- Willingness to learn new styling techniques
Why this matters:
Whether cosmetologists run their own business or work for someone else, they can benefit from a robust professional network. Through these connections, they can access a larger list of clientele, learn from peers in the beauty and care industry, and find unique growth opportunities for your business.
What to listen for:
- Strategies for meeting new people, like attending trade events or joining networking groups
- Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills
- Ability to engage with a diverse range of professionals
Why this matters:
To keep clients healthy and safe, cosmetologists must maintain a hygienic workspace. This includes cleaning and sanitizing scissors, blades, and other reusable equipment. Cosmetologists must also be familiar with safety procedures, and ensure that they do not violate any regulations.
What to listen for:
- Steps for preparing a workspace, like sweeping and sanitizing surfaces
- Knowledge of sterilization techniques for brushes and styling equipment
- Proven experience in maintaining a hygienic work environment
Contact a sales consultant.