Getting a job as an Ulta Beauty Advisor can be a very rewarding experience. You get to share your passion for cosmetics while helping customers look and feel their best. However snagging one of these coveted roles takes preparation and practice. In this article we’ll explore the top 20 most common interview questions asked of Ulta Beauty Advisor candidates. We’ll also provide tips on how to craft winning responses.
Overview of the Ulta Beauty Advisor Role
As an Ulta Beauty Advisor your main responsibilities will be
- Providing excellent customer service and creating memorable shopping experiences
- Understanding customers’ needs and making personalized product recommendations
- Demonstrating extensive knowledge of Ulta’s product offerings
- Driving sales through promotions, product knowledge, and irresistible charm
- Maintaining brand standards through visual presentations, cleanliness, and organization
- Building relationships with customers to foster loyalty and repeat visits
It’s a fun, fast-paced job for beauty lovers who enjoy interacting with people. During the interview process, candidates must show how good they are at sales, customer service, managing their time, and knowing about the products.
Now, let’s get into those critical interview questions!
Top 20 Ulta Beauty Advisor Interview Questions and Answers
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Why do you want to work at Ulta Beauty?
This question allows you to express your enthusiasm for the company and the role. Focus on your passion for the beauty industry, interest in Ulta’s values/mission, and desire to help people look their best. Mention any positive experiences you’ve had as a customer.
Example response: “I’m extremely passionate about beauty and cosmetics, and I love that Ulta offers prestige and mass brands across makeup, skincare, haircare, and more. I’ve had amazing experiences shopping there and would thrive in a role where I can share my product knowledge with customers to help them look and feel beautiful.”
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What makes you a strong candidate for this role?
Use this opportunity to highlight your most relevant qualifications and skills. These may include past experience in retail/customer service, product knowledge, sales abilities, relationship-building skills, and passion for beauty. Provide specific examples of times you demonstrated these qualities.
Example response: “I have 3 years of experience providing excellent customer service in retail roles. For example, in my last job at Sephora, I increased sales in my department by 10% over 6 months by engaging customers and offering personalized recommendations. I’m very knowledgeable about beauty brands and trends, which helps me match products perfectly to each customer’s needs.”
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How would you handle an unhappy customer?
With this question, interviewers want to see that you can deal with challenges in a calm, helpful manner. Explain how you would listen to understand their concerns, express empathy, apologize, and take ownership of finding a solution. Highlight any training or experience you have with conflict resolution.
Example response: “I would listen closely to the customer, apologize sincerely, and make it clear I’m here to help resolve the situation. I’d ask questions to understand why they are unsatisfied so I can find the best solution. If needed, I would involve a manager. My goal would be turning them into a happy, loyal customer.”
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Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses.
When discussing your strengths, focus on those most relevant to the Beauty Advisor role like customer service, sales abilities, and product knowledge. For weaknesses, choose skills that aren’t core to the job and highlight how you’re working to improve them.
Example response: “I’m extremely outgoing, passionate about cosmetics, and love helping customers find products they’ll love. One area I’m working on improving is staying organized when multitasking. I’m using tools like checklists and calendars to help prioritize and stay on top of tasks.”
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Why do you want to work at Ulta over other beauty retailers?
This question allows you to demonstrate your specific interest in Ulta. Focus on competitive differentiators like their extensive product selection, affordable price points, high-end prestige offerings, salon services, and loyalty program. Convey a genuine preference for the Ulta brand.
Example response: “Ulta stands out by offering an unmatched array of products from drugstore to high-end, quality salon services, and an amazing loyalty program. The welcoming environment and focus on making beauty fun and accessible really resonates with me. I love the unique Ulta experience and would be thrilled to be part of the team.”
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How do you stay up-to-date on beauty trends and products?
Interviewers want to see that you take initiative to keep your beauty knowledge current. Talk about reading beauty blogs/magazines, following brands/influencers on social media, watching Youtube tutorials, sampling new releases, attending industry events, taking classes, and more.
Example response: “I’m constantly reading about beauty on sites like Fashionista and Beautylish to learn about trends and new product launches. I also enjoy watching Youtube tutorials from influencers like Jeffrey Star and Tati to see products in action. Additionally, I frequently visit the local Sephora and Ulta to test out new items.”
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Tell me about a time you had to go above and beyond for a customer. What was the situation and how did you handle it?
This behavioral question allows you to prove your dedication to providing exceptional service. Share a story highlighting how you took extra initiative to resolve a customer’s problem, met a special request, or delivered an unexpected, memorable experience.
Example response: “A customer’s daughter was getting married in a week and desperate to find the perfect makeup kit. I searched through ourstock room and called other locations to track down a discontinued kit she wanted. I could hear the relief in the customer’s voice when I told her I had located the item. She was so thankful that I had gone the extra mile.”
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How would you respond if a customer insisted a product you recommended was wrong?
With this scenario-based question, interviewers want to see how you handle conflict and dissatisfied customers. Emphasize listening, expressing empathy, apologizing, maintaining composure, finding a solution and focusing on the customer walking away happy.
Example response: “First, I would apologize that my recommendation wasn’t what they wanted and remain understanding. I would ask questions to find out what their preferences are and see if there’s another product that may work better. My focus would be mending the situation so they have a positive experience and regain trust in my advice.”
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How would you demonstrate our products to customers?
This question tests your ability to get customers excited about trying products. Share creative ideas like offering samples, doing live demonstrations, swatching items on their skin, guiding them through tutorials using testers, and more. Focus on interactive experiences.
Example response: “I think live demonstrations allow customers to best experience products’ payoff. For example, I may guide a customer through applying foundation using our testers and beauty sponges so they can see the coverage and finish firsthand. I’d also offer samples of products like moisturizers so they can wear them around the store before purchasing.”
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You have a long line of customers. How do you handle this situation?
With this scenario question, the interviewer wants to see how you manage stress and prioritize tasks. Convey that you’d remain calm. Discuss steps like calling for back-up, letting customers know their wait time, starting extra checkout lanes, and bringing out testers/samples to keep customers engaged.
Example response: “I would start by letting customers know I appreciate their patience and will be with them as soon as possible. I’d call the salon, stock room or management to bring in extra associates to open more registers. While customers waited, I’d engage them by demonstrating products and offering samples to improve their experience.”
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You’re out of a customer’s desired product. What do you do?
For this question, the interviewer wants to ensure you can keep customers happy even when facing challenges. Share that you’d first check inventory levels of nearby stores and offer to order or locate the product. Then propose alternative solutions tailored to their needs.
Example response: “I’d begin by checking our inventory system to see if other nearby locations have the product in stock or if we have more on order. If not, I’d apologize and ask thoughtful questions to determine why they want that specific item, then suggest the most similar options we have available. My goal would be finding another product they’re excited to purchase.”
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How do you build relationships with customers?
Building loyalty is key for Beauty Advisors. Discuss strategies like getting to know regulars by name, remembering their preferences, giving samples/gifts, keeping them updated on new arrivals, and more. Share a specific example if possible.
Example response: “I try to build relationships by interacting with customers beyond just the sales transaction. I’ll remember details like their favorite brands, skin type, or occasion they’re shopping for and reference that to create a personalized experience. I also try to give frequent shoppers gifts like samples when possible. Getting to know customers helps me provide better service.”
Ulta Job Interview Questions and Answers – How to Get Hired at Ulta Beauty
FAQ
What is the role of a beauty advisor at Ulta?
Why do you want to work for Ulta Beauty?
Why do you want to be a beauty advisor?
What questions are asked at the beauty base interview?
What does an Ulta Beauty Advisor do?
Ulta believes in its employees creating success for the company and likes to: The Ulta beauty advisor is responsible for providing the best customer experience in the store by consistently delivering great service, ensuring that customers are aware of new products and services, and building a loyal customer base.
What was the interview process like at Ulta Beauty?
I interviewed at Ulta Beauty (Bolingbrook, IL) Interview process went pretty smoothly. Met a group of interviewers and interviews were handled professionally. Interview questions covered many aspects including objectives, past experiences and skills. They asked very specific questions about communication skills and past working experiences.
What is it like to work at Ulta Beauty?
Fun. To experience human resources at Ulta Beauty is to step out of the mundane and into an environment alive with optimistic energy. After all, success breeds opportunity, and the opportunities to help drive an organization at the top of its game to even greater heights are as uncommon as they are satisfying.
How do I become a beauty advisor at Ulta?
To work as a Beauty Advisor at Ulta, you must be at least 18 years old. You are also required to have a high school diploma or GED and one year of relative work experience.
