Seeking a role as a Beauty Advisor at Macy’s? This glamorous retail position allows you to share your passion for cosmetics while helping customers find products that make them look and feel their best.
However, landing the job requires more than just an enthusiasm for makeup. Macy’s interviewers will want to confirm you have the right blend of beauty expertise, marketing savvy, and client service skills.
To help you dazzle in your upcoming interview, here are the top questions to expect, along with examples of strong responses:
1. Why Do You Want to Work as a Beauty Advisor Specifically for Macy’s?
This opening question aims to uncover your motivation for pursuing this opportunity. To impress emphasize your passion for beauty and desire to join an esteemed company like Macy’s. Focus on how you can use your skills to enhance the customer experience.
Sample Response “I’m drawn to the Beauty Advisor role because I love interacting with clients one-on-one to help them select cosmetics that boost their confidence And there’s no better place to do so than at Macy’s, with its stellar reputation for service and extensive selection of top beauty brands. I know my expertise in makeup application and skincare would allow me to build great relationships with customers and ensure they have a memorable shopping experience”
2. How Do You Stay Up-To-Date on Beauty and Cosmetics Trends?
The beauty industry rapidly evolves, so interviewers want to know you’re dedicated to keeping your knowledge current. Discuss how you educate yourself through online research, magazines, social media, and trying new products yourself.
Sample Response: “Staying on top of the latest beauty and cosmetics developments is a must in this role. I follow many makeup artists and cosmetics brands on Instagram, read publications like Vogue and Allure cover-to-cover, and browse beauty blogs to learn about new products and techniques. I also love trying out new makeup looks myself and frequently visit stores like Sephora and Ulta to swatch products and get inspiration from display setups.”
3. How Would You Handle an Unhappy Customer?
It’s inevitable you’ll encounter unsatisfied clients, so interviewers want to know you can maintain composure and resolve issues. Share how you’d listen empathetically, identify solutions, and do what it takes to ensure the customer leaves pleased.
Sample Response: “If a customer was unhappy, my first step would be to listen carefully to their concerns without getting defensive. I’d apologize for their dissatisfaction and see if there’s anything I can do immediately to help, whether that’s exchanging the product or offering recommendations. My goal would be to turn the situation around, even if that means getting a manager’s assistance. Maintaining a positive attitude and ensuring the customer feels heard is most important.”
4. A Client Can’t Remember the Name of a Product She Likes. How Would You Help?
As an advisor, you’ll need to tap into your detective skills at times. Walk through how you’d ask thoughtful questions and make product suggestions to jog the client’s memory without making her feel unintelligent.
Sample Response: “In that scenario, I’d reassure the customer that it’s common to forget specifics. Then I’d ask some gentle questions, like when she purchased the product, what color or type of packaging it had, what skin concerns it addressed, and which section of the store she found it in. If we still couldn’t pinpoint it, I’d show her a variety of options that might be what she’s looking for. My goal would be helping her rediscover the perfect product through patience and understanding.”
5. How Do You Recommend Add-On Products Without Coming Across Pushy?
Boosting sales through strategic add-ons is key, but interviewers want to confirm you can do so without being aggressive. Share tips like only recommending products that complement the original item and explaining the additional benefits customers will enjoy.
Sample Response: “I always want customers to feel I’m suggesting add-ons to enhance their experience, not strong-arm them into buying more. When appropriate, I’ll point out how a certain primer or brush could help a product apply better or last longer. But I provide the extra recommendation delicately, focusing on the value it adds versus making it seem required. My goal is helping each client create their ideal personalized makeup kit.”
6. A Customer Is Deciding Between Two Foundations. How Do You Help Them Choose?
Knowing how to guide customers to the best choice is critical. Explain how you’d have the client test each foundation, ask about her preferences, and highlight the pros and cons of each option to help her determine the ideal match.
Sample Response: “In that scenario, I’d have the customer try a swatch of each foundation on her jawline in natural lighting to see the color match and finish. I’d ask whether she prefers sheer or full coverage, a matte or radiant look, and how long she needs it to wear. Then I’d summarize the key benefits of each formula, like which provides longer wear versus a more luminous effect. I’d give my recommendation but emphasize she should choose what makes her feel most confident.”
7. A Customer Is Looking for a Product We Don’t Carry. What Do You Do?
Sometimes clients request hard-to-find or discontinued items. Share how you’d respond politely, check inventory availability, and suggest similar options. Demonstrate how you’d turn disappointment into an opportunity to provide amazing service.
Sample Response: “If we didn’t carry a product a customer wanted, I’d first apologize that we don’t have it in stock. I’d offer to check our website and other store locations to see if it’s available for order. If not, I’d take down their request to share with my manager in case we decide to carry it in the future. In the meantime, I’d show them comparable products we do have, calling attention to the key features that make them great alternatives. My goal would be sending the customer away happy, even if I couldn’t fulfill their original request.”
8. How Do You Prioritize Tasks When It’s Busy on the Sales Floor?
The beauty department can become hectic at times, so interviewers want to confirm you can multitask gracefully under pressure. Share how you’d quickly discern primary tasks versus those that can wait when faced with a rush.
Sample Response: “When it gets busy, I prioritize serving customers who need assistance first, since our top goal is providing amazing experiences. If there are multiple clients waiting, I’d attend first to the ones who seem most in need of guidance. For other tasks like restocking shelves or tidying displays, I’d assess which are most critical for the team and tackle those next during any lulls. My approach is balancing quick service for customers with keeping operations running smoothly.”
9. Tell Us About a Time You Calmed an Angry Customer. What Was the Situation and How Did You Handle It?
Expect to be asked for an example of how you positively managed an irate client. Choose a scenario that highlights patience, compassion, creative problem-solving skills, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Sample Response: “A customer once became upset when a foundation she wanted was out of stock in her shade. She began raising her voice about the poor inventory management. I apologized sincerely and explained that high demand for the product meant it was selling out quicker than expected. I offered to order it on our website with rush delivery at no extra charge. I also suggested similar shades and formulas we did have available. My patience and quick solution turned her mood around. She thanked me for the great service and even purchased an additional lipstick.”
10. How Do You Build Trust With Clients Who Seem Hesitant About Purchases?
Some clients require extra reassurance before making purchases. Discuss tactics like patiently addressing concerns, suggesting budget-friendly options, applying testers, and sharing your own product experiences so they feel comfortable buying.
Sample Response: “I’ve learned some customers just need a little extra confidence boost before making beauty purchases. If someone seems unsure, I take time to gently find out what they’re hesitant about. I’ll offer samples so they can see results firsthand. I’ll also share my own experiences using products to provide reassurance. If budget is a concern, I guide them towards our best value items. My goal is building a relationship where they trust I’ll suggest the ideal items for their needs, so they feel at ease purchasing.”
11. A Client Loves a Product You’ve Never Tried. How Do You Advise Her?
You can’t be familiar with every product, so explain how you’d leverage available resources and tester samples to provide guidance about an unfamiliar item. Highlight your commitment to continuous education.
Sample Response: *”When a customer asks about a product I’m not personally familiar with, I rely on the training and resources Macy’s provides, like product brochures and application tip sheets. I’ll sample the product myself so I can give firsthand guidance. I’ll also consult my team members who may have more expertise with that specific item. If needed, I’ll admit I’m still learning myself but am happy to partner with the client to
HOW TO GET HIRED AT MACY’S!!!! Interview tips + more
FAQ
What does a Macy’s beauty advisor do?
Why do you want to work as a beauty advisor?
What should I wear to a beauty advisor interview?
How to answer Macy’s interview questions?
Here you will find how to successfully answer Macy’s Interview Questions. Please note these are practice interview questions and we are not affiliated with the company mentioned in this post. 1. Tell us about yourself? It’s okay to discuss your hobbies and interests; however, keep it brief. Try to focus on relevant work experience.
How do I prepare for a Macy’s job interview?
Dig into their mission statement and overall history so you can be prepared for questions related to your knowledge about Macy’s. 5) If you end up getting called in for an interview, get ready for the big day by practicing their specific job interview questions. For example:
What happens during a Macy’s interview?
During the interview the hiring manager will talk to you and see if you’re a good fit for the position, which will most likely be a sales associate role. 2) Interviewers at Macy’s are looking for individuals who are passionate about taking part in their vision to “see opportunity on the horizon and have a clear path for capitalizing on it.”
What questions should a beauty advisor ask a customer?
Beauty advisors need to be able to build relationships with customers and understand their needs. By asking this question, the interviewer wants to understand how you would go about building relationships with customers and how you would promote loyalty among them. They also want to know what strategies you would use to increase sales.
