17 Barber Instructor Interview Questions and Answers

A barber instructor is responsible for teaching students the skills and techniques needed to become a licensed barber. Barber instructors typically work in barber schools, but may also work in cosmetology schools or as independent contractors.

If you’re interested in becoming a barber instructor, you’ll need to have a strong understanding of the barbering trade, as well as the ability to teach and communicate effectively. During a job interview, you’ll be asked a variety of questions about your experience, teaching style, and knowledge of the barbering industry.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample barber instructor interview questions and answers.

Are you familiar with the licensing requirements for barbers in this state?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are familiar with the licensing requirements for barbers in their state. If you are interviewing for a position in a new state, it’s important to do your research on the specific requirements before your interview so that you can confidently answer this question.

Example: “Yes, I am very familiar with the licensing requirements for barbers in this state. In my last role as an instructor, I helped train several students who were preparing to take their licensing exam. The students who passed their exams all told me how much they appreciated having someone like me to help them prepare for the test.”

What are some of the most important skills a barber needs to know?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have a strong understanding of what barbers need to know. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention skills that are specific to being a barber instructor.

Example: “The most important skill for a barber is customer service. A barber needs to be able to communicate with their clients and make them feel comfortable in the chair. Another important skill is technical ability. Barbers should be able to use all of the tools they need to cut hair effectively. Finally, I think communication is an important skill because it allows barbers to work well as part of a team.”

How would you teach a student how to shave a face?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your teaching style and how you would instruct students on shaving techniques. Your answer should include specific steps that you would use when teaching this skill.

Example: “I would start by demonstrating the proper technique of shaving a face, including where to apply lather and how to hold the razor. Then I would have each student practice shaving my face with their own razors so they can see what it looks like when done correctly. After practicing on me, I would allow them to shave one another’s faces so they could get more practice.”

What is your favorite type of haircut to teach and why?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your teaching style and how you interact with students. Your answer should show that you enjoy working with young people, have patience and are passionate about hair care.

Example: “I love teaching kids to cut their own bangs because it’s such an exciting moment for them when they finally do it themselves. I also like cutting curly hair because there are so many different ways to style it and teach others how to do it. It’s always fun to see my students’ faces light up when they learn something new.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to discipline a student who was not following the rules.

Discipline is an important part of teaching, and employers want to know that you can handle situations like this one. In your answer, explain the situation in detail and how you handled it.

Example: “I once had a student who was constantly late for class. I spoke with him about his tardiness and explained that if he continued to be late, he would have to leave the program. He assured me that he understood and would arrive on time from then on. However, after two more instances of being late, I informed him that he would no longer be able to attend my classes. He apologized and said he would find another barber school.”

If a student is struggling with a particular skill, what strategies do you use to help them improve?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you help students overcome challenges. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific skill or concept that was challenging for you in the past and how you overcame it.

Example: “When I first started cutting hair, I struggled with blending colors together when creating fades. My instructor noticed my struggle and gave me some tips on how to improve. After practicing these techniques at home, I eventually mastered them. Now, if a student is struggling with something similar, I offer them advice and practice exercises to help them master the skill.”

What would you do if a student came to you with a question about a client they are currently working on?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you would handle a challenging situation. It can also show them your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet. In your answer, try to demonstrate that you are willing to help students with any issues they may have while working on clients.

Example: “If a student came to me with a question about a client they were currently working on, I would first make sure that they had already asked their instructor for advice. If not, I would ask the student what kind of advice they were looking for. Then, I would do my best to give them an answer that helped them complete their work.”

How well do you handle stress and pressure? Can you give me an example of a time when you had to quickly adapt to a changing situation?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to handle stress and pressure. They want to know that you can perform well under challenging circumstances, so it’s important to highlight a time when you did just that.

Example: “I have experience working in a high-pressure environment before, where I had to adapt quickly to changing situations. At my previous job, I was responsible for training new barbers on the company’s policies and procedures. One day, one of our employees called out sick, leaving me with only two hours to train their replacement. I knew I could do it, though, and I managed to successfully train them within the short amount of time.”

Do you have any experience marketing yourself and your services? If so, what methods did you use?

Employers may ask this question to learn more about your marketing skills and how you’ve used them in the past. If you have experience with marketing, share what methods you used and how they helped you achieve success.

Example: “I started my own business as a barber instructor after I graduated from beauty school. At first, I relied on word-of-mouth advertising to get clients, but I eventually created an online presence for my business by creating a website and social media accounts. This allowed me to reach more people who were interested in learning how to become a barber.”

When working with a group of students, how do you divide up responsibilities so everyone is able to learn and contribute?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you can help students succeed in a classroom setting. When answering, it can be helpful to mention that you are willing to take on any role or responsibility necessary to ensure the success of your students.

Example: “I believe everyone has something unique to contribute to a group project, so I try to make sure each student is able to share their talents and abilities with the rest of the class. For example, if one student excels at cutting hair while another is better at styling techniques, I will encourage them both to share what they know during our lessons together. This helps us all learn from each other and build upon our existing knowledge.”

We want all of our students to feel comfortable asking questions. How would you respond if a student was too shy to ask you a question directly?

Interviewers want to know that you can help students overcome any challenges they have communicating with their instructors. Show them how you would encourage shy students and make sure they understand the importance of asking questions.

Example: “I would first try to get the student’s attention by making eye contact or waving my hand in front of their face. If this didn’t work, I would ask a fellow instructor for help so we could both speak to the student at the same time. This way, we could answer their question without making them feel embarrassed. We would also let them know that it is okay to ask us questions at any time.”

Describe your teaching philosophy.

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you would approach the role of barber instructor. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific lesson or experience that helped you develop your philosophy.

Example: “My teaching philosophy is centered on creating an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and expressing themselves. I believe that when students feel safe in class, they are able to learn at their own pace and gain confidence as they master new skills. In my last position, one student was very quiet and hesitant to speak up in class. After several weeks, she finally shared her feelings about being nervous. She said that by sharing her feelings with us, she felt more confident and ready to try new things. That moment really showed me the importance of encouraging students to share their thoughts and feelings.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and why you are the best person for the job. Before your interview, make a list of all your skills and experiences that relate to this position. Think about what makes you unique compared to other candidates.

Example: “I am passionate about teaching others how to cut hair because I know how much it can change someone’s life. When I was in school, my instructor inspired me to pursue barbering as a career. Now, I want to do the same thing for others by inspiring them to follow their dreams. I also have experience working with students who may be struggling in class. I think these skills will help me mentor new barbers.”

Which haircutting techniques do you use to give clients a classic look?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you can teach students how to give clients a specific look. In your answer, explain which haircutting techniques you use and why they’re effective for giving clients the classic look they want.

Example: “I start by using clippers to cut my client’s hair to the length they request. Then I use scissors to shape their sideburns and trim around their ears. Finally, I use a razor to clean up any remaining edges or stray hairs. This technique allows me to give my clients a classic look that suits their face shape and hair texture.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a barber to learn?

This question can help the interviewer determine what you think is most important for barbers to learn and how you plan to teach it. When answering this question, consider which skills are essential for a barber’s job and choose one that you feel is the most important.

Example: “I believe the most important skill for a barber to learn is customer service. A barber needs to be able to communicate with their clients in order to understand what they want and ensure they’re happy with their haircut. I would make sure my students practice communicating with customers during each of our lessons so they can develop these skills.”

How often do you update your knowledge and skills as a barber?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you stay up to date with the latest trends in barbering. It’s important for barbers to keep their skills sharp, and it’s also a great way to show your commitment to professional development. When answering this question, consider mentioning some of the ways you’ve improved your skills as a barber.

Example: “I am always looking for new ways to improve my skills as a barber. I have taken several online courses that helped me learn more about different techniques and styles. I also attend industry conferences where I can meet other professionals and hear from experts on the latest developments in the field.”

There is a new trend in barbering that goes against everything you’ve learned. How do you handle it?

This question is a great way to see how you will handle new trends in the barbering industry. It also shows your ability to adapt and change with the times. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you are open-minded and willing to learn about new techniques.

Example: “I would first do my research on the trend to understand why people were doing it. Then I would try it out myself before teaching it to my students. If I found that it was something that could be beneficial for my clients, then I would teach it to my students as long as they understood there may be other methods that work better for some people.”