Glassdoor is your free inside look at Sephora interview questions and advice. All 97 interview reviews posted anonymously by Sephora employees and interview candidates.
No Offer – Interviewed in Pleasanton, CA Oct 2011 – Reviewed Nov 10, 2011
Interview Details –
This was actually one of most pleasant interviews I've experienced, despite the lack of a job offer.
I asked for an application in person, and submitted it in person the following week. I got a callback for an interview that same day.
I arrived with my resume and a list of references. One of the employees told me the interviewer would be a few minutes, so I looked around at the items, making sure to stay near the back in case she called soon. She called me in after a few minutes, and we started to interview immediately. She was very friendly and very charming, so it really helped make the interview a lot more comfortable. It didn't even really feel like an interview, it just felt like us two girls having a chat.
Afterward, she said that the assistant manager would be having a second round of interviews and would be calling within the week. It's been 2 weeks since the interview and I haven't received any notice, but I still believe this interview was a great experience.
Interview Questions
No Offer – Interviewed in Frisco, TX Aug 2011 – Reviewed Oct 11, 2011
Interview Details –
I walked into Sephora and asked for an application, filled it out and turned it in about an hour later. A nice SA told me that the manager was on break for lunch, but that she would turn it in to her when she gets back. I told the SA my name and that the manager can call me at any time, and went home. The next day I got a call from the manager and she told me she'd like to interview me, and that I'd be interviewing with an assistant manager. We scheduled the interview three days after she called me.
The day of the interview:
I decided to wear all black. Hair pulled back, fitted black pants with a fitted black shirt and ballet flats. I walked in to Sephora about 10 minutes before the interview and I was greeted by a very nice MUA. I told him that I had an interview, and he shook my hand, asked my name, and gave me his. He told me that the assistant manager would be out shortly. I browsed around the store for maybe 20 - 25 minutes before the assistant manager greeted me, shook my hand, and took me to the back.
It was a one-on-one interview, and it went smoothly, but it was very routine - it seemed that maybe there were a lot of other applicants and that I was "just another applicant" that she wanted to get through, which I understand. I wish the interviewer would have been more personable; then I would have been more comfortable. The questions were very typical interview questions: they don't care if you like make-up, they are only concerned about your customer service skills and if you are passionate about helping people. Once the interview was done, she shook my hand and told me that I may receive a phone call within two weeks. I was practically glued to my phone for two weeks, hoping I'd get a call, but I never did. After the two weeks, I called my Sephora store and left a message, asking them if the position has been filled or for an update. Never got a call back. I'm kind of bummed that they never called back, not even to say "no, we've filled the position".
Overall, this Sephora store is filled with great people. I hardly ever find a store with such nice customer service whenever I go in there for my makeup, hair, or skincare needs. They seem to all work together nicely, always smiling, always looking nice, and always helpful. I wanted to be a part of that! Ah well.
Interview Questions
Accepted Offer – Interviewed in Culver City, CA Aug 2011 – Reviewed Aug 28, 2011
Interview Details – I created a profile on the JCPenney career website and then called several Sephora in JCPenney stores to see which ones were hiring. I interviewed at one Sephora inside JCPenney but did not receive an offer. Several months, later on a monday, a different Sephora called and asked if i was still interested in a position there. I did not even apply to that specific one nor contact them! But I said of course I'm interested and we scheduled an interview for wednesday. She was very personable and easy-going. She asked basic questions about how do you deal with difficult customers or stressful situaions. She offered me a second interview with the store manager of JCPenney for that friday. The questions were kind of the same, just worded more complex lol. About an hour later I received a call from them but I missed it and she didnt leave a message! But she called back the next morning and let me know that they absolutely loved me and wanted to offer me a position! It takes about 4 or 5 days to clear the background check and then they will me in to begin training :)
Interview Questions
Accepted Offer – Interviewed in Louisville, KY Nov 2009 – Reviewed Jun 20, 2011
Interview Details – I had a phone interview with one of the managers followed by a phone interview with the store manager.
Interview Question – Tell me about a time when you feel like you succesfully increased the sales momentum in your working environment. View Answer
Negotiation Details – I was able to increase the amount of money offered to me based on my experience in the field.
Accepted Offer – Interviewed in Lombard, IL Apr 2009 – Reviewed May 4, 2011
Interview Details – I found the job on craigslist.I sent my resume via email and was contacted for an interview the same day.The interview was very easy going.There were lots of typical questions and if you show a desire for make-up you're hired.They hired more than other places due to the high turnover.I was hired on the spot with a reasonable rate.Zero negotiation considering the limit of the position.Other fellow assosciates were offered promotions right off the bat depending on personality.
Interview Question – What is your favorite cosmetic line/product? Answer Question
Negotiation Details – There was zero room for negotiation.It was made quite clear that it was a take it or leave it offer.If you plan to negotiate i wouldn't expect to much.There are many people looking for this position and they will go through them easily.
Accepted Offer – Interviewed in Dallas, TX Oct 2009 – Reviewed Feb 14, 2011
Interview Details – I worked at a counter close by and had become familar with the associates here , yet it still took them two weeks to get my interview even though they told me they wanted me from the get go. After things started rolling It all went fairly fast and I was hired!
Interview Question – Give me one example of a time when you gave exceptional service? Answer Question
Accepted Offer – Interviewed in San Francisco, CA Dec 2010 – Reviewed Jan 26, 2011
Interview Details – There was an one on one interview. The lady was very nice, the overall feel of the interview was casual and relaxed.
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details – No negotiations
No Offer – Interviewed in Springfield, MO Nov 2010 – Reviewed Nov 21, 2010
Interview Details – I applied in person with a cover letter and comprehensive resume'. I was contacted by phone two weeks. I was not told this was a formal interview. The store manager identified herself then launched into a series of questions about my experiences.
Interview Question – Have you ever used a cash register? Answer Question
No Offer – Interviewed in New York, NY Aug 2010 – Reviewed Nov 5, 2010
Interview Details –
after you give in your application they call you in the next few weeks to set up an interview.
the interview can be one on one or in a group interview.
Interview Question – why do you want to work here Answer Question
No Offer – Interviewed in New York, NY Nov 2009 – Reviewed Nov 3, 2010
Interview Details – The interview process with Sephora was not a difficult one but it was sure misleading. I first had an interview with a lady who was in charge of hiring. I had no experience in make-up but I did have experience in selling. She saw my resume and said she could see me working in the perfume section. So I had two more interview with two different people. The last one was with the general manager. She told me that people that don't really have the experience in a cosmetics store generally start off as a cashier. I find it very misleading how the fist lady who interviewed me told me one thing and a different pay amount only to have the general manager tell me something else. I think they need to better communicate on these things and not waste peoples time.
Interview Question – Why don't you go back to your old job? View Answer
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