Hiring the right staff is crucial to the success of any salon. No matter if you’re hiring hairdressers, estheticians, or nail techs, you should look for people who are friendly, dependable, and know what they’re doing. Asking the right questions during interviews is essential to finding the best candidates for the job.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about interviewing salon staff, including important things to think about when hiring someone and a full list of interview questions. We’ll also give you advice on how to find out about a candidate’s skills and experience so that you can make the best hiring choice for your company.
Interviewing at SalonCentric? You’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to ace your SalonCentric interview and land the job.
With over 575 stores across the United States, SalonCentric is one of the leading wholesale distributors in the professional salon industry. Getting hired here means joining an elite team obsessed with empowering salon professionals.
However, with competition fierce for SalonCentric roles, you need to enter each interview ready to showcase your skills. That’s why we’ve put together the 25 most common SalonCentric interview questions along with tips to help you prepare winning answers.
Whether you’re applying for a sales warehouse management or corporate position, our insider advice will give you the confidence to impress hiring managers and outshine other candidates. Let’s get started!
Overview of the SalonCentric Interview Process
The typical SalonCentric interview process consists of
- Initial online application
- Phone screening with a recruiter or hiring manager
- 1-2 in-person interviews at a local SalonCentric branch
The in-person interviews are behavioral-based with questions designed to assess your technical abilities, customer service skills and cultural fit. Some roles may also include a practical skills test or assessment.
Overall, the process aims to be conversational and relaxed. However, competition is stiff so you need to come prepared to showcase your industry passion and relevant experience.
With some roles, the process can stretch out over a few weeks with long waits between scheduling. Be patient but don’t hesitate to follow up if you haven’t heard back. Persistence and enthusiasm for the brand go a long way.
Now, let’s get into the top 25 SalonCentric interview questions and sample answers:
25 Common SalonCentric Interview Questions and Answers
1. Why do you want to work at SalonCentric?
This is one of the most common opening interview questions. With it, employers want to gauge your interest in the company and role.
How to answer:
- Demonstrate your passion for the beauty industry
- Highlight why you’re drawn to SalonCentric’s mission of empowering salon professionals
- Share how your skills and experience align with the role requirements
- Convey enthusiasm for contributing to the company’s success
Example: “I’m excited to work at SalonCentric because I’m passionate about the professional beauty industry and supporting stylists in their artistry. I love that SalonCentric is dedicated to being a trusted partner for salon professionals. With 5 years’ experience as a retail sales supervisor combined with my cosmetology license, I know I have the right mix of industry knowledge and people skills to excel in this Account Executive role.”
2. Why do you want to leave your current job?
With this question, interviewers want to uncover if there are any red flags with your reason for leaving. Be honest but positive about why you’re looking to make a change.
How to answer:
- Avoid negativity or bashing your current employer
- Share professional reasons like seeking new growth opportunities
- Highlight how the SalonCentric role is the perfect next step for you
Example: “I’ve learned a lot in my current position, but I’m looking for a new challenge to continue growing my career. When I saw this SalonCentric role, I was immediately drawn to the opportunity to utilize my sales skills while also getting to engage with professionals who share my passion for the beauty industry.”
3. What do you know about SalonCentric?
Employers want to see that you’ve done your research on the company. Be ready to highlight specifics that impress them.
How to answer:
- Share facts about their history, values, leadership team, client base, etc.
- Discuss their position as a premier wholesale distributor in the salon industry
- Mention recent news like awards, expansions, or new product lines
Example: “I know SalonCentric is the leading wholesale distributor in the professional salon space with over 575 stores nationwide. You supply over 260,000 stylists with premium products from brands like Redken and Matrix. Beyond products, you offer salons business tools, education and personalized support. I also read about the new same-day delivery you recently launched in partnership with DoorDash to provide even faster service. It’s clear SalonCentric is dedicated to the stylist community.”
4. Why do you feel you’re a great fit for our company?
This question is similar to “Why SalonCentric” but here they want you to connect your value directly back to their business needs.
How to answer:
- Share 2-3 of your strongest qualifications or skills
- Tie each one back to a requirement for excellence in the role
- If possible, provide examples of using these skills to drive results
Example: “With my 5 years of retail sales experience combined with completing my cosmetology program, I have the perfect mix of skills to excel as a SalonCentric Account Executive. I’m passionate about hair and makeup which allows me to engage authentically with stylists and understand their needs. I also have a proven track record of surpassing sales goals by building strong client relationships and identifying growth opportunities. With my technical knowledge and personable approach, I know I can be a value-add to the SalonCentric team.”
5. What do you consider your greatest strengths?
This is one of the most common behavioral interview questions. Be ready with 2-3 strengths tailored to the SalonCentric role.
How to answer:
- Share relevant strengths vs. general ones
- Provide specific examples of using each strength successfully
- Tie strengths back to role requirements or company values
Example: “Two of my greatest strengths that would make me a great fit for SalonCentric are my product knowledge and customer service skills. In my current retail job, I become a true expert on our products’ features and benefits. I stay on top of the latest inventory so I can make personalized recommendations to every client. My manager often has me train new hires on product basics. I also have a natural gift for customer service, thanks to my patience and upbeat attitude. One client who had a bad dye experience wrote to the corporate office praising my ability to empathize and resolve their complaint. I would leverage these same strengths daily as a SalonCentric stylist consultant.”
6. How would you describe your work style?
With this behavioral question, interviewers want insight into what it’s like to work with you. Share qualities that would enable you to thrive in the SalonCentric environment.
How to answer:
- Use positive adjectives like detail-oriented, collaborative, adaptable
- Emphasize ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in fast-paced settings
- Describe yourself as a passionate team player willing to take initiative
Example: “I would describe my work style as energetic and team-focused. I thrive in fast-paced retail settings like SalonCentric where every day is different. When things get busy, I stay cool under pressure while making sure tasks get handled. I’m extremely detailed which is crucial when Orders come in. I would also characterize myself as a proactive team collaborator. I enjoy brainstorming with colleagues to drive results, and I’m always willing to pitch in wherever needed.”
7. How do you build rapport with clients?
For any customer-facing role, the ability to establish meaningful connections is essential. Share your approach for developing relationships.
How to answer:
- Discuss making authentic personal connections with clients
- Share active listening and effective communication tactics you utilize
- Provide examples of building loyalty through consistently stellar service
Example: “Building rapport with clients starts with taking a genuine interest in them as individuals, not just customers. I always engage in friendly conversations to learn about who they are and what matters to them. Then I listen closely to understand their unique needs and preferences. I also make a point to remember personal details and always greet repeat clients by name. My ability to offer tailored suggestions based on their needs has helped me turn first-time customers into loyal regulars. My ultimate focus is on delivering such exceptional service that clients come to see me as a trusted partner invested in their success.”
8. How would you handle an unhappy client?
Employers want to know you can diffuse tense situations professionally while keeping the client’s best interest in mind.
How to answer:
- Highlight empathy, active listening, and problem-solving
- Share your process for uncovering the root issue and achieving a win-win resolution
- Provide an example of turning an unhappy client into a satisfied one
Example: “When handling an unhappy client, I would first listen closely to understand why they are dissatisfied without getting defensive. After hearing them out, I would apologize sincerely and offer solutions to make things right. If needed, I would involve my manager to assist in resolving the matter expediently. The goal is not only to address their immediate complaint but also to reshape their perception of our brand as one that cares. For example, one client complained that a product damaged their hair. I realized they had used it incorrectly. I explained proper usage then provided samples of a gentler formula more suited to their hair type. When they were thrilled with the results, I knew I had turne
List of Salon Staff Interview Questions
Here are some of the top questions you should consider when interviewing salon staff:
Questions about their commitment and availability:
- Are you available to work nights, weekends, holidays, etc.?
- How long are you willing to commit to this position?
- Are there any days or times that you can’t work with because of personal obligations (i.e. e. school, family obligations, etc. )? .
- Do you have any other jobs or responsibilities besides this one?
- What hours are you comfortable working each week?
- Are there days or times when it would be hard for you to work?
- Would you be willing to travel for business (if applicable)?
SalonCentric Interview Bloomingdale Store Manager
FAQ
Why should we hire you?
Why should we hire you as a hair stylist?
