20 Sally Beauty Interview Questions and Answers

Sally Beauty is a leading retailer and distributor of beauty supplies. With over 2,700 stores across the United States, Sally Beauty is the place to go for all your beauty needs.

If you’re looking for a job at Sally Beauty, you can expect to be asked some company specific interview questions. In this article, we’ll give you some examples of questions you may be asked, as well as some tips on how to answer them.

So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, read on for some helpful advice on how to ace your Sally Beauty interview.

Sally Beauty Interview Process

The interview process at Sally Beauty is relatively quick and easy. Most candidates report that they are able to complete the entire process within a few weeks.

The first step of the process is usually an initial phone screen with a member of the HR team. This call is mostly to ensure that you meet the basic qualifications for the position and to ask a few general questions about your experience.

If you pass the phone screen, you will be invited to come in for an in-person interview. This interview will be conducted by a panel of managers and will last about 45 minutes. During this time, you will be asked questions about your experience and skills.

Overall, candidates report that the interview process at Sally Beauty is fairly straightforward and easy to navigate. However, some candidates do note that the in-person interview can be somewhat challenging.

1. How would you handle a customer who was unhappy with their purchase?

This question can help the interviewer assess your customer service skills. It’s important to be empathetic and respectful when handling a dissatisfied customer, as it can help you resolve their issue quickly. In your answer, try to highlight how you would use your interpersonal skills to make the customer feel heard and valued.

Example: “I once had a customer who was unhappy with her purchase because she thought she got too little product for the price. I listened carefully to what she said and tried to understand why she felt that way. Then, I explained our return policy to her and offered to exchange the item or give her a refund. She decided to keep the product after learning more about our policies.”

2. Do you have any experience in retail management?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have any experience in a management role. If you do, they may ask you to describe your previous responsibilities and how they relate to this position. If you don’t have retail management experience, you can talk about other leadership roles you’ve held or discuss what skills you developed that helped you succeed in those positions.

Example: “I worked as a manager at my local grocery store for three years. During that time, I learned how to delegate tasks effectively and motivate employees to work hard. I also gained valuable customer service skills that I use every day when helping customers find products and answer their questions.”

3. How do you keep track of your inventory?

Keeping track of inventory is an important part of working in a beauty supply store. The interviewer wants to know how you would keep your inventory organized and up-to-date. Use examples from previous jobs where you used technology or other methods to manage your inventory.

Example: “I use a database program on my computer to keep track of the inventory I have on hand, as well as what’s available for reorder. In my last job, I also used a mobile app that synced with the database so I could check inventory while I was out in the store. This helped me make sure we had enough stock of certain items.”

4. What is your favorite Sally Beauty product and why?

This question is a great way to see if you are passionate about the products you sell. It also shows your interviewer that you have experience with Sally Beauty’s products and can recommend them to customers. When answering this question, choose a product that you genuinely enjoy using yourself.

Example: “My favorite Sally Beauty product is the Color Me Radiance Face Palette. I love how it makes my skin look so radiant and healthy without being too glittery or overdone. The colors are very flattering on all skin tones, and I’ve used it for many different occasions. My clients always ask me what makeup I use, and I tell them about this palette because it’s one of the best in the Sally Beauty line.”

5. Which area of beauty products are you most passionate about?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the beauty industry and how you can apply it to your work. When answering this question, try to focus on an area that relates to the position you are applying for.

Example: “I am passionate about hair care products because I have been using them since I was a teenager. My favorite brand is Sally Beauty’s own line of hair care products because they are affordable and effective. I also love working with customers who need help finding the right product for their hair type.”

6. If hired, what kind of goals would you set for yourself?

Employers ask this question to see if you have any career goals. They want to know that you are motivated and eager to learn new things. When answering this question, think about what your ideal job would be in five years. Explain how working at Sally Beauty could help you achieve those goals.

Example: “I am hoping to work my way up the ladder in a cosmetics company. I love working with customers and helping them find products that suit their needs. In five years, I hope to be managing a team of beauty consultants. I also plan on taking some online courses to get certified as a makeup artist.”

7. Tell us about a time when you had to work under pressure.

When answering this question, it can be beneficial to highlight your ability to work under pressure and still achieve positive results. This can show the interviewer that you are capable of handling challenging situations in a productive way.

Example: “When I was working as an assistant manager at my previous job, we were having issues with our inventory system. The company’s CEO asked me to fix the problem by the end of the week, which meant I had to work late into the night for several days. However, I managed to complete the task on time and even found ways to improve the inventory system so it would be more efficient.”

8. Why do you want to work at Sally Beauty Supply?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in working at Sally Beauty Supply. They want to know that you are passionate about the company and its values. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of the company that appeal to you.

Example: “I have always been interested in beauty products, so I am excited to work at Sally Beauty Supply because of all the different brands they carry. I also love how Sally Beauty Supply has such an open-door policy when it comes to customer service. The company encourages employees to go above and beyond for customers, which is something I really value.”

9. How would you approach a customer that needs help finding something but doesn’t know exactly what they need?

This question can help the interviewer assess your customer service skills and how you approach challenges. Use examples from previous experiences to highlight your problem-solving abilities, communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.

Example: “When I encounter this situation at my current job, I first ask the customer what they’re looking for. Then, I try to determine if there’s something similar that might be easier to find. If not, I’ll take them to where the product is located in the store and explain its features or benefits. This helps me ensure the customer finds exactly what they need.”

10. Describe your sales style.

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer your approach to selling and how you can benefit their company. Your sales style should align with Sally Beauty’s values, so make sure you research the company before your interview.

Example: “I believe in being honest about my products while also making customers feel comfortable. I try to find out what a customer wants from our products and then recommend something that fits their needs. For example, if they want long-lasting color, I would recommend one of our more expensive hair dyes. If they are looking for something less permanent, I would suggest a box dye or temporary dye. This helps me connect with customers on a personal level and makes them feel like I am truly invested in helping them.”

11. Have you ever worked on the cash register before?

This question is an opportunity to show your skills and knowledge of the cash register. You can answer this question by describing a time you worked on the cash register, or if you have never done so, you can describe how you would use it.

Example: “I have worked on the cash register before at my previous job. I was responsible for scanning items, entering in discounts and coupons and accepting payment from customers. It’s important to be friendly while working on the cash register because you are the first person that customers see when they enter the store. I always made sure to greet customers with a smile and make eye contact.”

12. Are there any areas of beauty products that you’re not comfortable working with?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have a wide range of experience in the beauty industry. It also helps them understand what areas you’re willing to learn more about and develop your skills. Your answer should include an example of a product or service that you’ve never worked with but would be interested in learning more about.

Example: “I’m not as familiar with hair care products, so I’d love to learn more about those. In my last role, I had a customer who was looking for a specific type of shampoo and conditioner. I didn’t know which brands carried it, so I asked another employee who knew more about hair care products. She helped me find the right brand and style for the customer.”

13. Provide an example of a time when you provided excellent customer service.

Customer service is an important part of working in a beauty supply store. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience providing excellent customer service and can do so for their customers as well. When answering, think of a time when you helped a customer find what they needed or assisted them with finding the right product for their needs.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, I had a regular customer who would come into the salon every week looking for new nail polish colors. She was very indecisive about which ones she wanted, but I always made sure to help her find something that suited her style. After a few weeks, she started coming in less often because she found more colors she liked. However, she told me that it was all thanks to me helping her find the perfect color each time.”

14. What would you do if you noticed that another team member wasn’t properly stocking shelves?

Teamwork is an important part of working in retail. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of teamwork and how it can benefit your company. In your answer, show that you value teamwork by explaining what you would do to help your coworker improve their stocking skills.

Example: “If I noticed a coworker wasn’t properly stocking shelves, I would first approach them privately to see if there was anything I could do to help them. If they needed more training or guidance, I would offer to work with them one-on-one until they felt comfortable performing the task on their own. If they didn’t want any additional help, I would continue to monitor their performance and provide feedback when necessary.”

15. If a customer asked you where a specific product was and you didn’t know, how would you assist them?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle a challenging situation. Your answer should show that you are willing to learn and develop your skills as an employee.

Example: “If I didn’t know where a product was, I would ask my manager or another coworker who might be able to assist me. If they weren’t available, I would use our inventory system to locate the item. If I couldn’t find it in the system, I would call the manufacturer to see if we had any additional information about the location of the product.”

16. Can you tell me about a time when you used social media as a marketing tool?

Social media is a popular marketing tool for many businesses, including Sally Beauty. This question allows you to show your knowledge of the company’s social media presence and how you can use it to benefit the business.

Example: “I recently used social media as a marketing tool when I worked at my previous job. We had just launched a new product line that was selling out quickly. I posted about the products on our Instagram account and encouraged followers to purchase the items online before they sold out in stores. The post received over 1,000 likes and increased sales by 20% within 24 hours.”

17. What is your availability?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are available for the job. They want someone who is willing to work hard and be there when they need them. When answering, list your availability in terms of days, times and shifts. If you have a flexible schedule, mention that as well.

Example: “I am available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. I can also work weekends if needed. My availability is flexible, so I would be happy to work any shift.”

18. Describe your experience managing people.

This question can help the interviewer determine your leadership skills. Use examples from previous jobs to describe how you motivated and inspired your team members.

Example: “In my last position, I managed a team of five employees who worked in the customer service department. My role was to ensure that all customers received excellent service by answering their questions and resolving any issues they had with their orders. To motivate my team, I set clear expectations for each employee’s responsibilities and provided regular feedback on their performance. I also encouraged collaboration among my team members so we could solve problems together.”

19. What would you say is your greatest strength?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. They want to know what makes you unique, so be sure to highlight a skill or trait that is special but also something you can use at work.

Example: “My greatest strength is my ability to multitask. I am able to manage many projects at once while still meeting deadlines and maintaining quality results. In my last role, I was responsible for managing social media accounts, creating content and responding to customer service inquiries all at the same time. This helped me grow my skills as a communicator and problem solver.”

20. What type of environment do you feel like you will be most successful in?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your personality and how you feel in different work environments. It’s important to be honest with your answer, but also consider what type of environment would help you succeed at this job.

Example: “I think I will do best in an environment where there are clear expectations and goals. I thrive when I know exactly what my responsibilities are and can complete them without having to ask too many questions. I am also someone who prefers working independently, so I would prefer a position that doesn’t require me to collaborate with others.”