Sephora is a French multinational retailer that deals with personal care and beauty products. With over 3000 brands and a private label, it is a pretty big employer. This article will look at several questions that you should expect when interviewing for a job in Sephora. Take a look at the following:
1. Why Do You Want to Work for Us?
We have mentioned before that this is a common opening question in interviews. Interviewers will always want to know why you chose their company out of all the available options. We advise that you demonstrate any positive associations with the company’s brand or with their store’s working model. You can also mention a positive experience you had in any of their stores that convinced you to try your luck.
Sample Answer
I love your customer service approach and the fact that you pioneered the assisted self-service sales model. You encourage people to test your products in retail stores before purchase, which shows how great a company you are. I would therefore love to join this institution and be part of such a great initiative.
2. Tell Us About Your Former Retail Experience
This is a chance to mention any relative retail experiences that you have had in your career. You can talk about your former jobs or duties. Make sure that you sound passionate. Also, remember to stress on customer service.
Sample Answer
I have worked in several retail stores all over the country. The most important thing I have done in these jobs is to please the customers. I have therefore learned how to meet and exceed customer expectations, deal with angry clients and be of assistance in the workplace which I am willing to do here if given a chance.
3. We Mostly Deal with Beauty Products. What Role Do They Play in Your Life?
The questions will gradually start getting complex, and therefore, be well prepared. Be sure to mention that beauty products play a huge role in your life. It is particularly important in your job since consumers will be more convinced to buy some products once they know that you use them to complement how you look. If possible, put on some of Sephora’s beauty products for the interviewer to see the moment they step into the room.
Sample Answer
Beauty products play a huge role in my life. I believe that they complete my dressing and make me look more beautiful. I cannot leave the house without my favorite eyeliner and lip gloss. (Go ahead and mention some of your favorite brands from Sephora to show the interviewer that you value whatever they sell)
4. How Important Is Teamwork to You?
Most multinational companies value teamwork, given all the benefits that it brings. Therefore, you should convince the interviewer that you are a team worker by mentioning some of the benefits you achieve from collaborative work. Remember that you will be working with other employees in all your shift. Show that it will be a fruitful experience.
Sample Answer
Teamwork plays an indispensable role in my work since it allows me to be at my best. Working together with others helps me avoid mistakes and motivates me to work harder. I love the fact that I can also learn a lot from another person and share ideas for the company’s benefit. I am a pretty good team worker, having been part of several teams in my career, and wouldn’t mind being part of one here.
5. Describe When You Had to Deal with an Unhappy Customer in Any of Your Previous Retail Jobs
The interviewer wants to know if you can deal with different types of customers, particularly angry ones. Can you keep your eyes open at work to spot an unhappy customer and help them out? Convince the interviewer that you are always interested in making the customers happy and would do everything in your power.
Sample Answer
A customer once came to me and complained about the service she had received at the store. I actively listened to him instead of arguing, understood their point of view, and remedied the situation. I also thought about the situation afterward and came up with several things that I would do differently to prevent a similar occurrence.
6. This is Quite a Repetitive Job with Super Long Shifts. How Will You Ensure that You are Constantly Motivated?
You need to show a proactive approach to work. There are lots of things that can demotivate you, especially when dealing directly with customers. You will probably come across mean people among other obstacles. As for the shifts, they will only be long if you do not have anything to do most of the time. Time will move pretty fast when you are proactive compared to you sitting around lazying.
Sample Answer
I love skincare and beauty products so much that I cannot see myself bored working for your organization. I will enjoy helping people find the perfect combinations for their skins, exploring the store, and learning more about new products that I will not have time to gestalt bored and sulky.
7. What Will You Do as a Sales Associate if a Customer Breaks an Expensive Fragrance Seconds after Buying It?
You should know that even though Sephora values customer service above everything else, there are limits that you should not exceed. Therefore, it means that refunding the customer or replacing the fragrance is out of the table. Remember, Sephora wants to remain profitable just like any business, which will not be possible if you insist on offering refunds. However, that does not mean that you should let it go.
Sample Answer
I will talk to the customer and show some compassion. I know that I cannot replace the fragrance or refund them, but a small gift card would do. I may also offer them the maximum possible discount I am allowed to give if they decide to get another bottle.
8. Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?
Sephora rarely hires people without any previous retail experience. They, therefore, assume that you are either working for another store or just left your job. Make sure that your reason is good. Also, avoid badmouthing your former employer since nobody wants an employee who will talk badly about them if things go south.
Sample Answer
I last worked for a large retail store dealing with household items. Even though I loved the job and did it exceedingly well, I wasn’t enthusiastic about the products. My passion is in beauty and cosmetics. I have a large dressing room full of some of your products. I, therefore, believe that a job here matches my personality better.
9. What Do You Know About Us?
You cannot expect to get a job at Sephora if you do not have enough information about the company. Make sure that you conduct extensive research about the company before appearing for the interview and get as much information as you can. You can mention their products, year of formation, target customers, among other things you can remember.
Sample Answer
You are a multinational retailer that deals with lots of personal care and beauty products. You stock close to 3000 brands and have your own personal label, namely Sephora Collection. Some of your beauty products are skincare, nail color, beauty tools, body lotions, haircare, cosmetics, and nail color. ( You can also mention their over 2700 stores, 35 countries of operation, and an expanding base of over 500 stores across America)
10. What is Our Purpose?
Visiting Sephora’s website and its ‘About Us page will help you answer most of these questions. You should know as much information as possible about this company to help you give correct answers. Also, show some level of confidence when answering this question and ensure that you get it right.
Sample Answer
Your primary purpose is to give your customers a welcoming beauty shopping experience and inspire fearlessness in your community.
11. How Would You Deal With an Upset Customer?
You should know that Sephora greatly values customer service. In fact, one of its purposes is to offer customers a beautiful shopping experience, which explains some of the discoveries it has pioneered. You can use a past experience to answer this question if you have ever held a customer service job. Convince the interviewer that you can deal with all types of customers.
Sample Answer
I have dealt with upset customers before and therefore understand what it takes to quell them. I will listen and find out what the problem is before apologizing and making things right. If their source of unhappiness is the product, I will either return it or find the perfect solution based on their complaint. ( You can also say that you will be empathetic to Gheorghe plight)
12. Why Should We Hire You?
This is a chance to tell the interviewer why you believe you deserve the job. Think about some of the things that make you stand out from the rest of the candidates. What experience do you have that others don’t? Make sure that you sell yourself and convince the interviewer that you are the perfect choice for this position.
Sample Answer
I have vast retail experience with cosmetics which I believe makes me a good option for this job. I use lots of your products and can therefore convince potential customers of their benefits and help them find the perfect combinations for their skins. I recently worked in one of the largest cosmetic retail stores in the country and learned several lessons on dealing with your target audience.
13. Can You Mention Some of Our Competitors?
We will continue reminding you to research extensively and find out as much information as possible about Sephora before your interview. Knowing their competitors shows that you are interested in working with them and willing to work hard to help the institution stay ahead of the competition. Make sure that you only mention worthy competitors or someone may think that you are downgrading the company.
Sample Answer
You are a giant in cosmetics and beauty products, and therefore, only a few companies have come close. Some of the common ones are Lush, The Body Shop, and Bath and Body Works. ( We have only mentioned a few. Feel free to mention other worthy competitors)
14. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?
It would be best to show the interviewer or hiring manager that you also have long-term career plans. However, they also expect you to stay longer in the organization and, therefore, look at some of the careers related to Sephora’s line of business to convince the interviewer that Sephora will be a stepping stone in your career. You can also look at the career section and find a position you will most likely occupy in five years.
Sample Answer
I have spent the last ten years in retail and would like to give a shot at management in the next five years. However, I am focusing on getting better in this job and gaining as much experience as possible at the moment.
15. Mention Your Greatest Strength
This is a chance to mention some of the strengths that will benefit Sephora. Therefore, please read the job description, identify the required qualities, reflect on them and see whether you have them. Remember, you will rarely get another chance at Sephora, and therefore, you should ace this interview.
Sample Answer
I have several strengths that I believe will come in handy in this job. However, the greatest is good communication skills. I am an active listener who can articulate myself well. This comes in handy in team settings and when working with customers.
16. We Normally Hire Those with a True Passion for the Beauty Industry. How Do You Normally Keep Updated on Such Matters?
It would help if you assured the interviewer that you have a genuine interest in the beauty industry. Which beauty blogger do you follow, or what are some of the beauty magazines you love reading? Your answer should be brief and informative, given that this is a straightforward question.
Sample Answer
I am always interested in the beauty industry. I usually familiarize myself with industry trends through my subscription to Sephora’s newsletter and an insider community that I am part of. I also follow several beauty influencers who keep me updated through their posts.
17. Our Greatest Aim is to Ensure That Our Customers Feel Valued and Welcome. What Would You Do if One of Our Customers Broke a Product Before Purchasing it?
Can you handle awkward and uncomfortable customer experiences? Such accidents happen, and therefore you should be ready for them. Ask yourself whether you will make the customer feel bad or make it feel like it is something normal? Convince the interviewer that you can remain professional during such situations.
Sample Answer
This is usually an embarrassing experience for customers. I will first make sure that the customer is safe and arrange for a clean-up if it happens. I would then assure the customer that it usually happens and it shouldn’t be a big deal before helping them find the right product. I wouldn’t let them bust out of the store embarrassed.
18. Share With Us Your Greatest Achievement
This is a common question asked by interviewers to establish what you hold dear and some of the things you have achieved in your career. How do you perceive success?
Sample Answer
My most outstanding achievement was being crowned the best customer service attendant three years in a row in my former workplace. The interviewer used remarks from customers to rank us, and I managed to emerge on top thrice.
19. Mention the Main Challenge that You Foresee in this Job
Can you point out something that will be problematic once you start working at Sephora? Have you researched and identified areas that may prove challenging in the near future? Desist from mentioning an everyday challenge that will make you look incompetent.
Sample Answer
Sephora is a pretty big institution stocking several brands. Therefore, the main challenge that I foresee is the increased workload. However, I applied for this job looking for new challenges and believe that the increased workload will make a good one.
20. When are You Ready to Start?
How flexible are you? Can you start work immediately, or will you need time to clear from your former workplace? Be honest since this is an important detail that the interviewer must find out. Also, keep in mind that most employers prefer if you can start work immediately.
Sample Answer
I am ready to start ASAP. I have cleared from my former workplace and therefore have nothing holding me back. I am, therefore, okay with whatever time you deem fit.
Conclusion
These are some of the common interview questions in Sephora interviews. Keep in mind that this institution takes great pride in customer care and, therefore, convince the interviewer that you cab uphold high standards.
