Forums > Hair, Makeup & Styling > How to get a job at Sephora?

Makeup Artist

Liyah the Makeup Artist

Posts: 25

Los Angeles, California, US

So I'm trying to get a job at Sephora.
Ive been ready many threads about getting a job at sephora,  but no one really says anything about how to apply. My question is how do you apply for sephora?

I'm 19 years old and I haven't had a "real" job before (I know I'm horrible), but I've had plenty of  experience where I've had to deal with people. Is there anyone here that works at Sephora or has worked there in the past that can give me some advice and tell me about the application process??
I've created an immaculate Cover Letter along with a Resume, with pink and black heading (so it can make a statement and get noticed) Is that too much? I included many of my customer service skills, working for my moms company and volunteer work at my local church as a cafe Barista, as well as part time freelance makeup artistry. My next Idea was to attach a few photos of my work to the application and resume? Again, is that too much? I figured this would also help me stand out and get me noticed. But I wasn't sure if that would be considered "TOO MUCH".

I read continuously through forums where many said, makeup skills isn't a number one attribute they look for, its usually customer service. Is that true? More questions I have:Does dropping off a resume to the manager still apply if it's a department store? If so, who do I give it to, someone who works at the counter or the actual manager of that entire cosmetics department while expressing interest in Sephora specifically? What are the interviews like? What should I know ahead of time?

Thanks!

Sep 22 13 08:17 am Link

Photographer

Evan Hiltunen

Posts: 4162

Minneapolis, Minnesota, US

It sounds like you've invested a lot of effort, thought, and energy into applying for a position at Sephora. Except for one thing: you haven't applied or let them know that you want a position.

Go and talk to a manager and give them your resume. Search their web site for info on applying.

Contact them, in some manner, and follow through.

Sep 22 13 09:20 am Link

Makeup Artist

Liyah the Makeup Artist

Posts: 25

Los Angeles, California, US

Sep 22 13 09:32 am Link

Makeup Artist

Liyah the Makeup Artist

Posts: 25

Los Angeles, California, US

Sep 22 13 09:33 am Link

Makeup Artist

Liyah the Makeup Artist

Posts: 25

Los Angeles, California, US

Evan Hiltunen wrote:
It sounds like you've invested a lot of effort, thought, and energy into applying for a position at Sephora. Except for one thing: you haven't applied or let them know that you want a position.

Go and talk to a manager and give them your resume. Search their web site for info on applying.

Contact them, in some manner, and follow through.

I have put in a lot of effort, yes! I really want this job, but one question that remains unanswered is if, I should include professional pictures of my work along with my resume? Do you think that's too much? Or may it be a great opportunity for me to stand out?

Sep 22 13 09:35 am Link

Photographer

Jeff Fiore

Posts: 9225

Brooklyn, New York, US

Liyah the Makeup Artist wrote:
I have put in a lot of effort, yes! I really want this job, but one question that remains unanswered is if, I should include professional pictures of my work along with my resume? Do you think that's too much? Or may it be a great opportunity for me to stand out?

Just walk into any Sephora and apply, they will ask you for anything they need.

EDIT: I would put some photos on your smart phone or iPad so you are prepared.

Sep 22 13 09:42 am Link

Photographer

TMA Photo and Training

Posts: 1009

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US

Before I submitted an actual resume and application... I might risk going into a store and actually asking a manager  "So how might I apply for a job at (at another Sephora, not yours...dont want to put pressure on them)"  What do I need to do?  What might be important for you?  What are the success factors that you consider important for people working here at your store...what do you value the most?  What factors make successful associates from your perspective?

This might get you the process, some insider hints and tips... to frame your approach before you actually do it.  If you can approach the application to meet their needs and make them successful...rather than just selfishly wanting to know what to do...then you might learn what they really value the most.

Sep 22 13 10:05 am Link

Makeup Artist

ThirdEyeMakeup

Posts: 316

Los Angeles, California, US

Sephora no longer accepts in store applications- It's all done online now. Go to the Sephora website and check if there are openings at your local Sephora.

You should know that every Sephora is different in the way and reasons why they hire people. Some Sephoras mostly hire people who speak a second language if they are located in a touristy area. Your best bet is to apply for a seasonal position (so now is the right time) at a winter-busy Sephora (like Santa Monica, Pasadena, Beverly Center). You might be placed at the cash register, but if they like you, you will most likely be asked to stay as a regular cast member and then perhaps you can be placed in Color (the makeup section). It depends on the way the Store Director of that particular Sephora operates.

A CV and cover letter, along with your application is a good idea. There's no need to send them a picture of yourself or your portfolio. You can do so when you go in for an interview.

It's best to show them you have good interpersonal skills, selling skills, a desire to learn, an ability to get along well with others; you are polite, take charge and follow rules.

Good luck!

Sep 22 13 10:22 am Link

Makeup Artist

MUA Janine

Posts: 242

San Francisco, California, US

I would recommend applying BUT to also go into the store that you applied with too and ask to speak with the store's director (that's what they're called) you can even ask to speak with the assistant store director if they're available...as they'll generally have a bit more free time to chat. Try to be cheerful...but relaxed at the same time (if that makes sense). Keep in mind that every store director/leadership team may want something different because it is ultimately up to them who is hired.

They always ramp up during the holidays and usually keep a few people after the season is over. Be really open to any of the available positions, color is always popular...but skincare is a rapidly growing market. Not everyone wears makeup but EVERYONE should have some sort of skincare routine, so it's a quick sale.

Sep 25 13 02:28 pm Link

Model

Melissa DJE

Posts: 61

Los Angeles, California, US

Go into sephora and ask them in person if they're hiring. That way they can see what you look like (at the sephora's i've been too its big on what you look like not what you can do) remember working there is mainly a retail position so its important to have that on your resume. After you apply, call them to follow up. Following up will set you apart from the other applicants and show that you really want it.

Good luck = )

Oct 01 13 02:49 pm Link

Photographer

Photo Bill

Posts: 275

Chaska, Minnesota, US

Liyah the Makeup Artist wrote:
My next Idea was to attach a few photos of my work to the application and resume? Again, is that too much? I figured this would also help me stand out and get me noticed. But I wasn't sure if that would be considered "TOO MUCH".



Thanks!

What position are you applying for exactly?

Oct 01 13 03:56 pm Link

Wardrobe Stylist

Alannah The Stylist

Posts: 1550

Los Angeles, California, US

apply online and then  about two days after you applied call and ask to speak to the hiring manager about your application.This speeds up the hiring process.

Oct 03 13 12:04 am Link

Wardrobe Stylist

Alannah The Stylist

Posts: 1550

Los Angeles, California, US

ThirdEyeMakeup wrote:
Sephora no longer accepts in store applications- It's all done online now. Go to the Sephora website and check if there are openings at your local Sephora.

You should know that every Sephora is different in the way and reasons why they hire people. Some Sephoras mostly hire people who speak a second language if they are located in a touristy area. Your best bet is to apply for a seasonal position (so now is the right time) at a winter-busy Sephora (like Santa Monica, Pasadena, Beverly Center). You might be placed at the cash register, but if they like you, you will most likely be asked to stay as a regular cast member and then perhaps you can be placed in Color (the makeup section). It depends on the way the Store Director of that particular Sephora operates.

A CV and cover letter, along with your application is a good idea. There's no need to send them a picture of yourself or your portfolio. You can do so when you go in for an interview.

It's best to show them you have good interpersonal skills, selling skills, a desire to learn, an ability to get along well with others; you are polite, take charge and follow rules.

Good luck!

all of this too^^^

Oct 03 13 12:05 am Link

Photographer

JONATHAN RICHARD

Posts: 778

New York, New York, US

Providing info about you retail customer service experience will be paramount toward  selection as a potential canadate for an interview.
Make up experience for an establishment such as Sephora will not really help with their consideration of offering you a position as much as  your ability in providing words  explaining your interest  to work  in make up and for there company. As with all interview's  sell you self and your. Knowledge and interest with working with the company.
Have a look at some dated post that will provide some good insight to the interview process and application questions from a by goner of a time ago.

http://www.makeuptalk.com/t/92580/how-t … ice-needed

Oct 03 13 08:29 am Link