Beauty Therapist CV Guide

What to include in a Beauty Therapist CV

Your CV is the first thing prospective employers will see and read about you, so you want to make it eye-catching and include details most relevant to the specific beauty therapist job you are applying for. Remember, it is an overview of how your credentials align with the role, so think of it as a film trailer rather than the whole movie. It should be clear, concise and easy for the reader to navigate.

Everyone’s CVs will be different, with various designs, structures and information, but what they tend to have in common is the sections, such as contact information, professional summary, education, work experience, key skills, achievements and references. Dividing your CV into these sections and focusing on them one at a time can make the task more manageable and less daunting. Let us look at these sections and examples of what you can include.

Contact information

The first and probably easiest section is your contact information, so it is a good one to start with to help get the ball rolling. Here, you will introduce yourself to the reader and make it easy for them to contact you. Place it at the very top and make it clear, concise, accurate, up-to-date, and include the following:

• Full name – include your first and last name. Do not worry about your title or middle name(s).
• Job title – not mandatory, but you can add your last or current job title, e.g. “Beauty Therapist”.
• Location – add your town, city or county. Do not worry about including your full home address – it can be a privacy issue.
• Email address – include an email address, but ensure it looks professional and avoid using one with nicknames.
• Phone number – provide a current and reliable number where employers can reach you. If you have a voicemail, ensure it sounds professional.
• LinkedIn profile (optional) – if relevant, include a link to your profile to showcase your professional journey.
• Portfolio (optional) – include the link if you have an online portfolio or social media page showcasing your work.

Avoid adding a photo or your personal social media accounts unless relevant. Also, you do not need to include your date of birth, gender, marital status, religion and national insurance number. This information is irrelevant and can lead to security risks, bias and discrimination.

Professional summary

A professional summary has many other names, such as a personal statement, executive summary, professional statement or career profile, which goes at the top of your CV underneath your contact information. It is a brief 3-5 line paragraph highlighting your key qualifications, skills, experiences, career goals and passion for the beauty therapist role.

It is a crucial section, as it is one of the first things an employer will see and serves as a powerful first impression. It aims to grab their attention and give them a snapshot of why you are the best fit for the role you are applying for.

Here are some examples of elements you can include in your summary:

• Title, years of experience and expertise – begin your summary with a strong action verb, your previous or current job title and your years of experience in the beauty therapy field, e.g. “Dedicated beauty therapist with [number] years of experience”.
• Specialist areas – specify your areas of expertise, such as skincare, waxing, massage, manicures/pedicures or makeup application.
• Key skills – mention essential skills, such as customer service, product knowledge, health, safety and hygiene, and proficiency in beauty treatments.
• Qualifications – include relevant certifications or training courses you have completed (e.g. NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Beauty Therapy).
• Personal attributes – emphasise qualities like attention to detail, creativity and the ability to make clients feel comfortable and confident.
• Achievements – if applicable, note any awards, recognitions, or milestones, such as building a loyal client base or increasing sales of beauty products.
• Passion – express your dedication to the beauty industry and helping clients look and feel their best. Example: “Passionate about enhancing clients’ confidence and well-being through high-quality beauty treatments”.

Here is an example of a professional summary for a beauty therapist:

“Passionate and skilled beauty therapist with over 5 years of experience specialising in skincare and massage treatments. Dedicated to delivering exceptional client care and creating personalised treatment plans to enhance beauty and confidence. Certified in NVQ Level 3 Beauty Therapy and experienced in fostering long-term client relationships.”

Capture prospective employers’ attention by making your professional summary concise, engaging and tailored to each beauty therapist job you apply for.

Education

After your professional summary, you can add your education or work experience. The former may be better first if you have just qualified and have limited direct experience in a paid beauty therapist role. 

The education section of a CV is where you outline your academic qualifications and any relevant certifications or training. It provides proof of your qualifications and formal training and verifies your skills and knowledge in the field, demonstrating your ability to meet the role’s requirements and industry standards. It can distinguish you from other candidates, particularly if you have studied niche topics or techniques.

Employers want to see that you have the necessary training and knowledge to perform beauty treatments safely and effectively. It shows that you are willing to learn and keep up to date with new techniques, which is very important in the beauty industry.

When you complete the education section of your beauty therapist CV, highlight the qualifications that show you have the right skills for the job. Here is a breakdown of what to include, keeping it clear and easy to understand:

• Formal education – if you have any formal qualifications, such as diplomas or certifications in beauty therapy. For example, NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Levels 2 and 3 in Beauty Therapy or CIDESCO. For each qualification, include:
  • The qualification name, i.e. the exact name of the diploma or certificate.
  • The institution name, e.g. the name of the university, college or training provider.
  • The institution location, i.e. city or county, if it adds clarity.
  • Date of completion, start/end dates or dates attended.
  • Any academic awards or notable accomplishments (e.g. graduating with honours or completing a prestigious course).
• Specialised training – mention any specific training courses you have taken, such as:
  • Makeup application courses.
  • Skincare treatment certifications.
  • Massage therapy training.
  • Eyelash extension certifications.
  • Waxing certifications.
  • Any training from specific product lines.
• Placements, apprenticeships or internships – mention any other academic experiences you completed during your education, including the organisation, role and outcomes.
• Relevant school education – if you are starting out, you can include your secondary school education, e.g. GCSE’s, especially if you took any related courses.

Ensure you add your qualifications, training and certifications in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

Work experience/employment history

Another section to include in your CV is your work experience, where you showcase your employment history and professional roles relevant to the beauty therapist position you are applying for. It gives employers insight into your skills, accomplishments and the practical application of your expertise.

The work experience section is crucial because it shows employers you can deliver exceptional services and meet client needs effectively. Employers in the beauty industry often prioritise hands-on experience since it reflects your technical proficiency and ability to interact with clients professionally and adapt to their needs.

When considering what work experience to include, tailor the roles and responsibilities to the beauty therapist job and add your previous positions in reverse chronological order. Here are some examples of what you can add to make this section stand out:

• Heading: Include a heading, “Work Experience” or “Employment History”.
• Job title: Clearly specify your job title for each of your previous roles, e.g. “Beauty Therapist”.
• Organisation name and type: Include the organisation you worked for.
• Location: Add where you worked, i.e. town, city or county.
• Dates of employment: Mention the month and year you started and ended each role. If you are still currently employed, add “present” instead.
• Key duties
  • Highlight your key responsibilities in bullet point form.
  • Start each bullet point with a strong action verb, like “assisted”, “organised”, or “provided”.
  • Keep it brief and aim for three to five bullet points.
  • Highlight measurable accomplishments, such as boosting client satisfaction or increasing treatment sales.
  • Mention specific skills utilised, like performing skincare treatments, massages or makeup applications.

Here is an example of how you can add your work experience:

Work experience

Beauty Therapist. Radiant Beauty Lounge. Birmingham. May 2018 – June 2021.

• Provided high-quality beauty services such as threading, makeup application and nail treatments, increasing client retention by 30%.
• Worked with professional brands to offer tailored solutions for diverse skin and nail concerns.
• Enhanced client experience by promoting add-on services, achieving a monthly sales increase of £2,000.
• Received recognition for exceptional customer service in 2019, earning the “Therapist of the Year” award.

Key skills and achievements

Another important section to have in your CV is your key skills. Adding relevant key skills is essential because it showcases your qualifications and expertise, helping employers quickly identify your suitability for the role and highlighting how you can meet their specific needs. Key skills are specific abilities and attributes essential for performing tasks effectively in a particular role or profession. There are two types of skills:

• Hard skills – are technical or job-specific skills, usually gained through education, training or on-the-job experience. Some examples for a beauty therapist include:
  • Proficiency in performing beauty treatments.
  • Advanced knowledge of skincare techniques.
  • Expertise in makeup artistry.
  • Familiarity with beauty tools and equipment.
  • Product and brand knowledge.
  • Understanding of hygiene, health, and safety regulations in beauty environments.
  • Ability to sell and recommend beauty products effectively.
• Soft skills – are interpersonal and behavioural traits that define how you interact with others and navigate the workplace. They are trickier to measure but equally vital. Some examples for a beauty therapist include:
  • Communication – building strong relationships with clients.
  • Empathy – understanding and addressing client needs and concerns.
  • Time management – ensuring appointments run smoothly and on time.
  • Customer service – creating a welcoming and positive experience to foster client loyalty.
  • Adaptability – responding to diverse client preferences and staying updated with industry trends.
  • Attention to detail – ensuring every treatment is performed precisely and professionally.
  • Problem-solving – addressing client concerns or handling unexpected challenges calmly.
  • Teamwork – collaborating effectively with colleagues in spa or salon settings.

Add a combination of hard and soft skills, and do not forget to tailor them to align with a job’s requirements. Organisations may use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan CVs for keywords and allow those that match to pass through. Using similar language and keywords from the job description can significantly improve your chances of standing out.

You can also add your achievements to the key skills section by highlighting specific accomplishments and demonstrating your impact and success in previous roles. Combining them with key skills shows how you applied those abilities to achieve results. We will look at how to focus on your achievements later.

Other information

We have looked at some of the main sections to include in your CV, but there may be others you may want to add to make specific information stand out to potential employers. Here are some examples you may want to consider:

• Certifications – you may wish to keep your certifications separate and list any advanced techniques like microblading or aromatherapy.
• Professional development – you could highlight workshops, courses,  seminars, conferences, or networking events you have attended to stay updated on beauty knowledge and trends.
• Languages – if you speak additional languages, this could be an asset for working with diverse clients.
• Volunteer work – you may want to showcase any unpaid experience, such as offering beauty services at community events or charities to show your dedication to the industry and helping people.
• Hobbies and interests – perhaps include interests that reflect your passion for beauty, creativity or working with people, e.g. beauty blogging, DIY skincare or art.
• Professional memberships – highlight any memberships with relevant organisations, e.g. the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) or the British Beauty Council.

If you add other sections and information to your CV, ensure they are relevant and avoid having too many sections, as it can make the document look cluttered.

References

The reference section is typically the last in a CV, where you provide the contact details of individuals (referees), such as former employers, supervisors or mentors, who can vouch for your skills, experience, work ethic and character. Potential employers may contact these referees to verify your qualifications and suitability.

Including strong references in your CV is essential, as it validates your listed credentials, provides credibility, gives employers confidence in hiring you and differentiates you from other candidates. You should choose 2-3 references and ask their permission before adding their details to your CV.

Before writing your reference section, see if they ask for specific reference details in the job posting. If not, you can add a simple statement, “References available upon request”. It can be useful if you have limited space on your CV.

If you do need to add your references, here are some pointers on what to include for each referee:

• Name – include their full name. Example: “Sam Davis “.
• Organisation – mention where they work. Example: “XYZ Salon”.
• Contact details – provide an email address and phone number. Example: “sam.davis@xyzsalon.co.uk, 01234 567890”.
• Relationship – briefly state their relationship to you. Example: “Manager”.

Provide your referees with details of the beauty therapist job you are applying for so they can prepare and tailor their references accordingly. Ensure you keep your referee’s contact information up-to-date and accurate.