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Esthetician/Skincare Specialist Interview Questions
Hi! My name is Jenny and I am a current high school student. I'm conducting an interview with any professional in the dermatology field, specifically an esthetician/skincare specialist, for a Foundations in Health Science Class project about careers! I have created a total of 13 questions. Comment on this post, answering all 13 questions to be apart of my assignment.
1. What profession did you choose? Why?
2. How many years of college did you need to go through?
3. What jobs did you work before you landed your present professional job?
4. How can I decide if I should earn a Ph.D. in this field?
5. Were you in a college program?
6. Did you have to pivot and go back to school at a later date?
7. Did you shadow another. professional in the field?
8. Did you join any school clubs related to your current profession?
9. Was there a particular subject you struggled with during your school years?
10. What skill sets did you learn or gain while pursuing your career?
11. What would you advise others pursuing this career?
12. How would you describe your work environment compared to those in your field?
13. What is was your biggest challenge you had to overcome when becoming an esthetician?
Thank you so much! Have a great day.
4 answers
Updated
Wendi’s Answer
Hello Jenny
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to answer some of your questions.
#1 My chosen profession was Esthetics. At the time I was interested in being a makeup artist and the only training available was to go to a school of cosmetology and enroll in an esthetic course.
2. There was no college required. The Esthetics course was 600 hours.
3. The only jobs I had prior to school were fast food or retail sales. I started school when I was 23. At that time I was newly divorced with a two year old child I was raising alone.
4. No Ph.D is required to become an Esthetician. That would apply if you wanted to become a doctor or cosmetic surgeon.
5. I was not in a college program.
6. Luckily I did not have to go back to school for anything else, although in the early days of my career facials were not mainstream like they are now. It was a struggle at times to find work. I had to bounce back and forth between being a spa Esthetician and a makeup artist for quite a few years.
7. I was very fortunate to have a mentor take me under her wing as soon as I graduated. My time spent with her was invaluable. She taught me so much. School taught me the basics but she taught me how to work professionally in the real world. I learned how to work with integrity and take care of clients.
8. There were no school clubs to join
9. I think the subject that was difficult for me was anatomy and histology of the skin. There is alot to learn and remember and it is vital when working with someone's skin.
10. I've gained and learned many skills over the years. Communication is an important skill along with people skills. You will be dealing with all types of people so you will be faced with many different situations. I have learned discipline and time management. Esthetics is a fast paced environment so good time management is essential to good relationships with your clients and co-workers. The industry has changed dramatically over the years so it is important to expand your skills and keep up with the latest technology along with skin care ingredients so you know what to recommend for your client's needs.
11. What I would say to anyone entering this career is to always work with integrity and have strong ethics. You are working on someone's face so the utmost care needs to be taken at all times. You are the expert so if something doesn't feel right follow your feelings. Study hard and continue learning along the way. It is wonderful and rewarding helping someone feel good about their skin. Take care of your clients and do your best to always provide a wonderful experience. If you do these things and you will develop a long and prosperous career.
12. My work environment is very relaxing. I'm now at the point of being self employed so I create the type of environment I want for myself and my clients.
13. My biggest challenge when becoming an Esti was something I touched on earlier. At the time I decided to attend school the only place facials were offered were in high end resorts and hotels. It was considered a luxury and not readily available. Skincare ingredients like glycolic acid were not discovered yet and the only facial machine's were galvanic and high frequency which are pretty outdated today. There are new and more effective devices on the market. Despite the struggles I hung in there because I was passionate about it and I loved what I was doing. I'm happy to report I've had 37 wonderful years in this industry and I've never had any regrets. I've had the privilege of working in some beautiful world class resorts and spas and met really great people. Needless to say... this industry has exploded in the last 15 years and there are many career avenues open to explore.
I hope this helped with your project!
Good luck and best wishes along your journey.
Blessings
Wendi
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to answer some of your questions.
#1 My chosen profession was Esthetics. At the time I was interested in being a makeup artist and the only training available was to go to a school of cosmetology and enroll in an esthetic course.
2. There was no college required. The Esthetics course was 600 hours.
3. The only jobs I had prior to school were fast food or retail sales. I started school when I was 23. At that time I was newly divorced with a two year old child I was raising alone.
4. No Ph.D is required to become an Esthetician. That would apply if you wanted to become a doctor or cosmetic surgeon.
5. I was not in a college program.
6. Luckily I did not have to go back to school for anything else, although in the early days of my career facials were not mainstream like they are now. It was a struggle at times to find work. I had to bounce back and forth between being a spa Esthetician and a makeup artist for quite a few years.
7. I was very fortunate to have a mentor take me under her wing as soon as I graduated. My time spent with her was invaluable. She taught me so much. School taught me the basics but she taught me how to work professionally in the real world. I learned how to work with integrity and take care of clients.
8. There were no school clubs to join
9. I think the subject that was difficult for me was anatomy and histology of the skin. There is alot to learn and remember and it is vital when working with someone's skin.
10. I've gained and learned many skills over the years. Communication is an important skill along with people skills. You will be dealing with all types of people so you will be faced with many different situations. I have learned discipline and time management. Esthetics is a fast paced environment so good time management is essential to good relationships with your clients and co-workers. The industry has changed dramatically over the years so it is important to expand your skills and keep up with the latest technology along with skin care ingredients so you know what to recommend for your client's needs.
11. What I would say to anyone entering this career is to always work with integrity and have strong ethics. You are working on someone's face so the utmost care needs to be taken at all times. You are the expert so if something doesn't feel right follow your feelings. Study hard and continue learning along the way. It is wonderful and rewarding helping someone feel good about their skin. Take care of your clients and do your best to always provide a wonderful experience. If you do these things and you will develop a long and prosperous career.
12. My work environment is very relaxing. I'm now at the point of being self employed so I create the type of environment I want for myself and my clients.
13. My biggest challenge when becoming an Esti was something I touched on earlier. At the time I decided to attend school the only place facials were offered were in high end resorts and hotels. It was considered a luxury and not readily available. Skincare ingredients like glycolic acid were not discovered yet and the only facial machine's were galvanic and high frequency which are pretty outdated today. There are new and more effective devices on the market. Despite the struggles I hung in there because I was passionate about it and I loved what I was doing. I'm happy to report I've had 37 wonderful years in this industry and I've never had any regrets. I've had the privilege of working in some beautiful world class resorts and spas and met really great people. Needless to say... this industry has exploded in the last 15 years and there are many career avenues open to explore.
I hope this helped with your project!
Good luck and best wishes along your journey.
Blessings
Wendi
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hi Jenny,
I’m Katie, a licensed cosmetologist in Florida…
1) I chose esthetics because of my passion for skin care and technology. I grew up with a lot of acne and hyperpigmentation due to scarring and I wanted to learn more about the skin so that I could not only treat myself but also others.
2) Depends on your state! In the state of Florida, we don’t have an esthetician license, it’s a skin therapist, full specialist, or cosmetologist license. For a skin therapist, it’s 260 hours which can be approximately 3-4 months. For a full specialist, it’s 400 hours, which is about 4-6 months. For a cosmetology license, it’s 1200 hours which is 10 months to a year. I chose cosmetology because not only did I learn about skin, but I learned about hair treatments that I could do during a facial service!
3) During cosmetology school, I worked at Charlotte Russe and Ulta Beauty. These jobs taught me communication skills and customer service skills, VERY important for the beauty industry. It also showed me how to relate to customer’s needs and recommend the most appropriate products based off of their situation. After I got my license, I worked as an apprentice esthetician technician and assistant manager for 18 months. Not only did this give me hands on experience, but it gave me business experience on how to start up a business of my own. Currently, I’m still in the process of starting up my esthetics business, so right now I work as a laser technician (not in the beauty industry, in the defense industry due to my education in engineering and photonics).
4) Look at your options! If you want to be a Ph.D. in Florida, you’ll have to go the dermatologist route which is about 8-12 years of schooling plus residency. Estheticians work alongside dermatologists to provide treatments, so these are called medical estheticians and that’s something you can’t go to school for, that’s a job you find through a dermatologist office or wellness spa. These estheticians do more chemical peels, VI peels, and laser / IPL treatments because they need a medical professional to approve some of these treatments. I know that for the IPL, if you buy a commercial grade device, you do not need a medical director to approve it. So my best advice would be to do research!
5) Yes I was! I went to Daytona State College and I was doing a double major; Cosmetology and Industrial Management Technology which is a hybrid of business and engineering A.S. degree. Cosmetology was my technical portion. Because of my degree path, I was eligible for a free entrepreneurship program that was about 2 months long and towards the end of my cosmetology schooling. That course taught me so much and I’m very happy I got a business degree because it teaches you how to become your own business and how to market yourself.
6) Yes! Currently, I’m in college for photonics and electrical engineering and I do esthetics as a hobby until my course load lightens up, which will give me time to start up my business. I decided to go back to school because I learned about photonics while doing light therapy as an esthetician. Since going back to school, I know so much more about different types of light therapy and photonics based services that I can offer.
7) Yes! While I was in school, I shadowed more of the hair side at a salon near my college, but realized that I wanted to blend hair and skin and do more technological based treatments and that salon didn’t suit that due to the clientele. So, I went to a salon and spa closer to my home and that’s when I became an apprentice and assistant manager for 18 months. I decided to go on my own for two reasons: to go back to school and to specialize in what I wanted to do.
8) It wasn’t a club, but my instructor offered extra training after class for skin care and I attended that.
9) Nails and hair extensions! I’m absolutely horrible at it 😂. In terms of skin, I think lash extensions because of how meticulous it is, but the more you practice, the better!
10) Communication, customer service, time management, budgeting, basic software skills, financial, marketing/business proposals, protocol management, inventory, microdermabrasion, micro-needling, micro current, hydrodermabrasion, IPL (commercial), high frequency, radio frequency (RF), ultrasonic skin treatments, keratin treatments (hair and skin), lash lifting and tinting, lash extensions, brow tinting and lamination, brow and face waxing, extractions, light therapy, pH balance, ingredient knowledge, and skin analysis.
11) Do your research on schools, take business courses, and don’t be afraid to step into other fields to help you stand out in the beauty industry since there’s so much competition.
12) My work environment was a bit more laid back; casual wear and no uniforms. I worked for a medical esthetician, and there was only the two of us, so very small working environment. The clientele was also laid back and ranged from young adults to the elderly
13)Performance anxiety and learning to branch off on your own. Even though I’m 22, I knew it was time for me to start my own business
I’m Katie, a licensed cosmetologist in Florida…
1) I chose esthetics because of my passion for skin care and technology. I grew up with a lot of acne and hyperpigmentation due to scarring and I wanted to learn more about the skin so that I could not only treat myself but also others.
2) Depends on your state! In the state of Florida, we don’t have an esthetician license, it’s a skin therapist, full specialist, or cosmetologist license. For a skin therapist, it’s 260 hours which can be approximately 3-4 months. For a full specialist, it’s 400 hours, which is about 4-6 months. For a cosmetology license, it’s 1200 hours which is 10 months to a year. I chose cosmetology because not only did I learn about skin, but I learned about hair treatments that I could do during a facial service!
3) During cosmetology school, I worked at Charlotte Russe and Ulta Beauty. These jobs taught me communication skills and customer service skills, VERY important for the beauty industry. It also showed me how to relate to customer’s needs and recommend the most appropriate products based off of their situation. After I got my license, I worked as an apprentice esthetician technician and assistant manager for 18 months. Not only did this give me hands on experience, but it gave me business experience on how to start up a business of my own. Currently, I’m still in the process of starting up my esthetics business, so right now I work as a laser technician (not in the beauty industry, in the defense industry due to my education in engineering and photonics).
4) Look at your options! If you want to be a Ph.D. in Florida, you’ll have to go the dermatologist route which is about 8-12 years of schooling plus residency. Estheticians work alongside dermatologists to provide treatments, so these are called medical estheticians and that’s something you can’t go to school for, that’s a job you find through a dermatologist office or wellness spa. These estheticians do more chemical peels, VI peels, and laser / IPL treatments because they need a medical professional to approve some of these treatments. I know that for the IPL, if you buy a commercial grade device, you do not need a medical director to approve it. So my best advice would be to do research!
5) Yes I was! I went to Daytona State College and I was doing a double major; Cosmetology and Industrial Management Technology which is a hybrid of business and engineering A.S. degree. Cosmetology was my technical portion. Because of my degree path, I was eligible for a free entrepreneurship program that was about 2 months long and towards the end of my cosmetology schooling. That course taught me so much and I’m very happy I got a business degree because it teaches you how to become your own business and how to market yourself.
6) Yes! Currently, I’m in college for photonics and electrical engineering and I do esthetics as a hobby until my course load lightens up, which will give me time to start up my business. I decided to go back to school because I learned about photonics while doing light therapy as an esthetician. Since going back to school, I know so much more about different types of light therapy and photonics based services that I can offer.
7) Yes! While I was in school, I shadowed more of the hair side at a salon near my college, but realized that I wanted to blend hair and skin and do more technological based treatments and that salon didn’t suit that due to the clientele. So, I went to a salon and spa closer to my home and that’s when I became an apprentice and assistant manager for 18 months. I decided to go on my own for two reasons: to go back to school and to specialize in what I wanted to do.
8) It wasn’t a club, but my instructor offered extra training after class for skin care and I attended that.
9) Nails and hair extensions! I’m absolutely horrible at it 😂. In terms of skin, I think lash extensions because of how meticulous it is, but the more you practice, the better!
10) Communication, customer service, time management, budgeting, basic software skills, financial, marketing/business proposals, protocol management, inventory, microdermabrasion, micro-needling, micro current, hydrodermabrasion, IPL (commercial), high frequency, radio frequency (RF), ultrasonic skin treatments, keratin treatments (hair and skin), lash lifting and tinting, lash extensions, brow tinting and lamination, brow and face waxing, extractions, light therapy, pH balance, ingredient knowledge, and skin analysis.
11) Do your research on schools, take business courses, and don’t be afraid to step into other fields to help you stand out in the beauty industry since there’s so much competition.
12) My work environment was a bit more laid back; casual wear and no uniforms. I worked for a medical esthetician, and there was only the two of us, so very small working environment. The clientele was also laid back and ranged from young adults to the elderly
13)Performance anxiety and learning to branch off on your own. Even though I’m 22, I knew it was time for me to start my own business
Updated
william’s Answer
1. Which career did you choose? Why?
I opted to become a skincare specialist/esthetician because I enjoy assisting others in improving their skin health and feeling confident in their look.
2. How many years of college did you need to complete?
Estheticians often finish a state-approved training program that can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
3. What occupations did you work before landing your current professional position?
Individuals who work as estheticians may have previously worked in retail, customer service, or other beauty-related occupations.
4. How do I decide whether I should pursue a Ph.D. in this field?
A Ph.D. in esthetics is uncommon, as most estheticians obtain certification or licensure through a specific training program. Determine whether a Ph.D. is required for your professional objectives, or whether additional certifications or further training might be more useful.
5. Did you attend a college program?
Instead of attending a standard college or university, estheticians often complete a specialized training program at a beauty school or vocational institution.
6. Did you need to change your plans and return to school later?
Some estheticians may seek further qualifications or advanced training later in their careers to specialize in specific areas, but returning to school is not always necessary.
7. Have you shadowed another professional in the field?
Shadowing experienced estheticians or skincare professionals can provide essential hands-on experience and insight into their daily tasks.
8. Have you joined any school clubs linked to your current profession?
Some estheticians may have joined beauty-related groups or organizations throughout their training to network and expand their knowledge.
9. Did you struggle with any particular topic in school?
Esthetics training often includes a wide range of disciplines, thus students may struggle with areas such as anatomy, chemistry, or skincare practices. Seeking additional assistance or resources can help you overcome these obstacles.
10. What skill sets did you develop or acquire while pursuing your career?
Estheticians learn skincare analysis, facial treatments, hair removal procedures, product knowledge, and client communication to deliver excellent skincare services.
11. What advice would you provide to others pursuing this career?
I would advise aspiring estheticians to obtain good training from a recognized college, stay current on industry developments, constantly enhance their abilities, and develop great client connections.
12. How would you define your workplace compared to others in your field?
Estheticians practice in a variety of settings, including salons, spas, medical offices, and as independent practitioners. The work atmosphere can vary depending on the specific services provided and the clients. geometry dash
13. What was the most difficult issue you faced while training to become an esthetician?
One of the most difficult obstacles for estheticians is developing a clientele and establishing a successful business. Effective marketing, networking, and offering outstanding service are critical to meeting this challenge.
I hope this information helps you with your project. Best of luck with your dermatological interview and research!
I opted to become a skincare specialist/esthetician because I enjoy assisting others in improving their skin health and feeling confident in their look.
2. How many years of college did you need to complete?
Estheticians often finish a state-approved training program that can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
3. What occupations did you work before landing your current professional position?
Individuals who work as estheticians may have previously worked in retail, customer service, or other beauty-related occupations.
4. How do I decide whether I should pursue a Ph.D. in this field?
A Ph.D. in esthetics is uncommon, as most estheticians obtain certification or licensure through a specific training program. Determine whether a Ph.D. is required for your professional objectives, or whether additional certifications or further training might be more useful.
5. Did you attend a college program?
Instead of attending a standard college or university, estheticians often complete a specialized training program at a beauty school or vocational institution.
6. Did you need to change your plans and return to school later?
Some estheticians may seek further qualifications or advanced training later in their careers to specialize in specific areas, but returning to school is not always necessary.
7. Have you shadowed another professional in the field?
Shadowing experienced estheticians or skincare professionals can provide essential hands-on experience and insight into their daily tasks.
8. Have you joined any school clubs linked to your current profession?
Some estheticians may have joined beauty-related groups or organizations throughout their training to network and expand their knowledge.
9. Did you struggle with any particular topic in school?
Esthetics training often includes a wide range of disciplines, thus students may struggle with areas such as anatomy, chemistry, or skincare practices. Seeking additional assistance or resources can help you overcome these obstacles.
10. What skill sets did you develop or acquire while pursuing your career?
Estheticians learn skincare analysis, facial treatments, hair removal procedures, product knowledge, and client communication to deliver excellent skincare services.
11. What advice would you provide to others pursuing this career?
I would advise aspiring estheticians to obtain good training from a recognized college, stay current on industry developments, constantly enhance their abilities, and develop great client connections.
12. How would you define your workplace compared to others in your field?
Estheticians practice in a variety of settings, including salons, spas, medical offices, and as independent practitioners. The work atmosphere can vary depending on the specific services provided and the clients. geometry dash
13. What was the most difficult issue you faced while training to become an esthetician?
One of the most difficult obstacles for estheticians is developing a clientele and establishing a successful business. Effective marketing, networking, and offering outstanding service are critical to meeting this challenge.
I hope this information helps you with your project. Best of luck with your dermatological interview and research!
Updated
sarahlly’s Answer
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience, learn and answer extremely meaningful questions.
1. Which career did you choose? Why?
I opted to become a skincare specialist/esthetician because I enjoy assisting others in improving their skin health and feeling confident in their look.
2. How many years of college did you need to complete?
Estheticians often finish a state-approved training program that can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
3. What occupations did you work before landing your current professional position?
Individuals who work as estheticians may have previously worked in retail, customer service, or other beauty-related occupations.
4. How do I decide whether I should pursue a Ph.D. in this field?
A Ph.D. in esthetics is uncommon, as most estheticians obtain certification or licensure through a specific training program. Determine whether a Ph.D. is required for your professional objectives, or whether additional certifications or further training might be more useful.
5. Did you attend a college program?
Instead of attending a standard college or university, estheticians often complete a specialized training program at a beauty school or vocational institution.
6. Did you need to change your plans and return to school later?
Some estheticians may seek further qualifications or advanced training later in their careers to specialize in specific areas, but returning to school is not always necessary.
7. Have you shadowed another professional in the field?
Shadowing experienced estheticians or skincare professionals can provide essential hands-on experience and insight into their daily tasks.
8. Have you joined any school clubs linked to your current profession?
Some estheticians may have joined beauty-related groups or organizations throughout their training to network and expand their knowledge.
9. Did you struggle with any particular topic in school?
Surely yes because at that time I did not have access to much advanced technology and there were not many people to help me
10. What skill sets did you develop or acquire while pursuing your career?
Analyze, classify and determine treatment plan accurately.
1. Which career did you choose? Why?
I opted to become a skincare specialist/esthetician because I enjoy assisting others in improving their skin health and feeling confident in their look.
2. How many years of college did you need to complete?
Estheticians often finish a state-approved training program that can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
3. What occupations did you work before landing your current professional position?
Individuals who work as estheticians may have previously worked in retail, customer service, or other beauty-related occupations.
4. How do I decide whether I should pursue a Ph.D. in this field?
A Ph.D. in esthetics is uncommon, as most estheticians obtain certification or licensure through a specific training program. Determine whether a Ph.D. is required for your professional objectives, or whether additional certifications or further training might be more useful.
5. Did you attend a college program?
Instead of attending a standard college or university, estheticians often complete a specialized training program at a beauty school or vocational institution.
6. Did you need to change your plans and return to school later?
Some estheticians may seek further qualifications or advanced training later in their careers to specialize in specific areas, but returning to school is not always necessary.
7. Have you shadowed another professional in the field?
Shadowing experienced estheticians or skincare professionals can provide essential hands-on experience and insight into their daily tasks.
8. Have you joined any school clubs linked to your current profession?
Some estheticians may have joined beauty-related groups or organizations throughout their training to network and expand their knowledge.
9. Did you struggle with any particular topic in school?
Surely yes because at that time I did not have access to much advanced technology and there were not many people to help me
10. What skill sets did you develop or acquire while pursuing your career?
Analyze, classify and determine treatment plan accurately.
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