How to write a beauty therapist CV: example and tips

Writing a CV is a vital part of applying for your next role within the beauty industry, whether that be as a beauty therapist, nail tech, or another position in the industry.

We asked beauty industry recruiters and managers about which factors make a resume that stands out from the rest. 

Experience is everything

It should come as no surprise that your experience is important for employers to know about!

Sara Orme, Eden Hall Day Spa’s leisure and spa manager, recommends choosing which elements of your experience to include dependent on the role you’re applying for.

“Pull out the skills from your current role that would be useful in the role you are applying for. Always keep it relevant,” she suggests.

To ensure your application is suited for the role, make sure you do your research.

“Look at the treatments the spa provides and highlight the skills needed,” Orme adds. “Don’t focus on treatments that are not provided.”

 

Talk about training

Don’t forget to add in information about any training you have undertaken.

“This can be in addition to your therapy skills, for example: training courses or qualifications in customer service or dealing with people with learning difficulties or physical disabilities,” shares Tara Moore, head of spa operations at Galgorm.

Like many managers, Moore encourages her team to continue to expand their knowledge.

“I am passionate in encouraging continuous learning and development so this is something that I would be interested to see in an application.”

 

Don’t forget a cover letter

Cover letters are a great way to introduce yourself and your experience to a potential employer.

Your cover letter should include two main topics: why you’re passionate about the role and company you’re applying for, and why you’d be the perfect candidate.

Keep your cover letter short – no more than a side of A4 – and use it to allow your potential employer to get to know you a bit more.

Natalie Wood, owner of The Pink Shed, always looks for a cover letter when screening potential applicants.

“It doesn’t have to be long, but a short, snappy bespoke response to why they have applied to my business and why they would be a great addition.”

 

Personal touches

When applying for a competitive role, remember that it’s the little things that help you to stand out from the crowd.

It’s not just the content of the CV that matters.

“I am old school, I know, but what stands out to me is how they send the CV in too,” shares Wood. “If it’s a local business, pop into the salon and make yourself known to the manager. Immediately you can get a feel for someone, and it’s made clear that they are keen.

“I’ve even had phone calls on the rare occasion with the therapist introducing themselves and saying they have sent their CV over,” she adds. “This shows confidence, and they stand out from others.”

Another way to add a personal element to your CV is by including information about why you’re passionate about the industry – this can be through an ‘about me’ section on your CV or included in your cover letter. 

For Moore, the ‘why’ is important when screening potential new hires.

“Tell [the recruiter or manager] the reason why you want to be a therapist and why you have made the decision to train in this profession,” she advises.

“Not only will this give an employer an understanding of your passion for the industry, but it is also an excellent opportunity to weave in elements of your personality.”

What do you do to make your CV stand out? Let us know in the comments…

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