Manicurist & Pedicurist Interview Questions & Answers

Manicurists and pedicurists (also called nail technicians) clean, shape, and beautify fingernails and toenails.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Customer-service skills
• Business skills
• Dexterity
• Creative skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Manicurist & Pedicurist positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Business skills

Why interviewers are interested in your business skills:

Manicurists and pedicurists who run their own nail salons must understand general business principles. For example, they should be skilled at administrative tasks, such as accounting and personnel management, and be able to manage a salon efficiently and profitably.

Related: What Does a Lash Technician Do?

Creativity

Why interviewers are interested in your creative skills:

The ability to neatly finish small, intricate designs is important, as is the ability to suggest nail designs and match them to individual tastes.

Learn more about creative-thinking interview questions and how to answer them!

Customer-service skills

Why interviewers are interested in your customer-service skills:

Good listening and interpersonal skills are important in working with clients. Also, meeting the needs of clients, including interacting with them while doing a manicure or pedicure, encourages repeat business.

Learn more about customer-service interview questions and how to answer them!

Dexterity

Why interviewers are interested in your dexterity:

A steady hand is essential in achieving a creative and precise nail design. In addition, because manicurists and pedicurists often use sharp tools, they must have good finger dexterity.

Related: What Does a Hair Braider Do?

(source: bls.gov)

Manicurist & Pedicurist Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Manicurist & Pedicurist Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Manicurist & Pedicurist Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. Tell me about a time you turned an unhappy customer into a happy one.
2. Describe a time you made a mistake in your work. What happened? How did you fix it?
3. What did you do last year to improve your knowledge and skills as a manicurist and pedicurist?
4. How do you keep your workplace clean and sanitized? Can you give me an example of your cleaning process after each customer?
5. What do you do to keep up with the latest trends and developments in the beauty industry?
6. Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult customer. How did you handle the situation?
7. How would you rate your time-management skills? Give me an example of how you plan and organize your workdays.
8. What do you find the most difficult part about working as a manicurist and pedicurist? How do you deal with it?
9. Work as a manicurist and pedicurist can be repetitive. How do you ensure you stay focused and motivated?
10. Which skills do you consider essential for a manicurist and pedicurist? Can you tell me how you use these skills in your work?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.