Beauty Therapist CV Guide
Everything you need to know about getting the perfect Beauty Therapist CV
Beauty therapists provide various treatments to enhance a client’s appearance, relaxation, and well-being. They have many responsibilities and require specific qualifications, experience, technical skills and a personal touch. Therefore, when businesses look to recruit new beauty therapists to work in their team, they will list the essential and desired credentials they want candidates to possess, which those applying will typically detail on a CV.
If you are looking for your first beauty therapist role or are considering changing jobs, having a well-crafted and engaging CV is crucial to making a strong first impression. It is where you briefly introduce yourself, outline your professional credentials and tell prospective employers why you are the best person for the job.
To write a beauty therapist CV, focus on showcasing your qualifications, skills, experience and passion for the field. Highlight your expertise in treatments like skincare, makeup or massage, your ability to build client relationships and your commitment to staying updated with beauty trends. Keep it concise, professional and tailored to the job you are applying for.
In this article, we will provide guidance on how to write a beauty therapist CV, what to include, some tips and an example to help you get started. It will hopefully increase your chances of securing an interview and, ultimately, the job.
In this 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: “[email protected], 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.
Tips for writing a Beauty Therapist CV
Creating an impressive CV for a beauty therapist role requires balancing professionalism with showcasing your unique skills and personality. We have covered some of the main sections to include, but there are also some general tips to consider when crafting your CV, which are:
- Tailor your CV – carefully read the job description and customise your CV for the specific beauty therapist role and employer by aligning the content (while staying truthful). Research the salon or spa, and mention key qualities they value. Use relevant keywords from the job description to show you are the perfect fit.
- Highlight your unique selling points – consider what distinguishes you from other candidates. Maybe it is your attention to detail, how you make clients feel comfortable or expertise in specific treatments. Treat your CV like a marketing tool.
- Keep it clear and concise – your CV should be between one and two pages. Only include details relevant to the specific job you are applying for and if it adds value to your application.
- Be honest – always be truthful on your CV, and never exaggerate or lie about your credentials, as it can have serious consequences. Only include experience, qualifications and skills you possess, even if you do not fully match the job
- requirements.
- Use action verbs – begin each bullet point with strong action verbs like “demonstrated”, “advised”, “delivered”, “promoted”, or “achieved” to make your strengths and accomplishments stand out. Avoid overused clichés, such as “hardworking” or “team player”, as they lack specificity.
- Maintain a positive tone – present your experience and skills confidently, but be humble. Avoid phrases like “limited experience” and focus on what you have learned or achieved.
- Use professional and consistent formatting – you can help your CV stand out by:
- Using a clean, professional layout with clear sections, headings and bullet points. Avoid long paragraphs.
- Using professional, simple and clear language, avoiding slang or overly casual expressions.
- Using the same tense throughout your CV. Typically, past tense is used for previous jobs, and present tense is used for your current role.
- Avoiding excessive use of fancy designs, colours and fonts.
- Sticking to a simple font like Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman and consistent size, e.g. 10-12 points.
- Ensuring your CV has adequate spacing to make it more visually appealing.
- Avoiding using photos, as it can distract and lead to bias.
- Using a digital format where possible. Save and send your CV as a PDF to ensure the formatting stays intact when viewed on different devices.
- Proofread thoroughly – spelling or grammar mistakes can hurt your credibility. Take the time to double-check your work or ask someone you trust to review it for you, such as a family member or friend. There are also online checkers you can use to help.

Focus on achievements
Including achievements on a CV involves adding specific accomplishments or successes that demonstrate your skills, expertise and the value you bring to an employer. They highlight what you have done beyond your standard job responsibilities by focusing on measurable results and showing how you made a positive impact in your previous roles.
We cover achievements in this separate section, as they are a crucial addition to your CV. They help employers understand how you stand out from other candidates, especially if you have similar credentials and what makes you a strong asset to their team.
Your achievements can be included within your work experience section and responsibilities, combined with your skills or included in a standalone section if you have many notable ones you want to showcase. Wherever you decide to add them, ensure you tailor them to the job and what the employer is looking for.
So, how do you focus on your achievements? Here are some pointers to help:
- Do not just list duties – instead of just listing your responsibilities (e.g. “Performed facials and massages”), consider the results you achieved through your work (e.g. “Increased repeat bookings by delivering personalised facials to clients”). Reflect on how you went above and beyond to enhance the client experience or contribute to the success of the salon/spa.
- Emphasise the best – place the most impressive and relevant achievements at the top of each section to ensure employers see them first and make a strong initial impression. Highlight those that positively affected clients, as beauty therapy revolves around enhancing client well-being.
- Showcase professional recognition – add any awards, certifications and recognitions, as they can add credibility. For example, “Awarded Employee of the Month for maintaining high client satisfaction”.
- Quantify your achievements – use numbers, percentages and other metrics where possible. For example, “Improved repeat bookings by 30% through excellent service and personalised care”. If struggling to use numbers, focus on qualitative results like client satisfaction or personal recognition.
- Apply the STAR method – use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure descriptions of your achievements clearly and effectively:
- Situation – briefly explain the context or challenge (e.g. “The salon aimed to increase client retention”).
- Task – describe your role or responsibility (e.g. “I was responsible for providing personalised treatments and recommendations to boost loyalty”).
- Action – detail the steps you took to address the task (e.g. “Developed tailored skincare plans and followed up with clients to ensure satisfaction”).
- Result – highlight the outcome, preferably with measurable results (e.g. “Achieved a 30% increase in repeat bookings within six months”).
- Use action-oriented language – start each bullet point with strong action verbs that convey impact and initiative, such as achieved, delivered, improved, enhanced, generated, collaborated, implemented, trained, streamlined, increased, etc.
- Use testimonials and feedback – if you have received glowing feedback from clients, employers, or colleagues, consider incorporating this into the achievements within your CV. For example, “Praised by clients for creating a relaxing and welcoming environment during treatments”.
By focusing on achievements this way and not just listing your previous responsibilities, you are telling employers what you have done and showing them the tangible value you can bring.
Describe your experience
Experience on a CV refers to the sections where you list and describe your previous jobs, roles or practical engagements relevant to the position you are applying for. It provides insight into your employment history, responsibilities and achievements, showcasing how your background aligns with the employer’s needs.
When you effectively describe your experience on your CV, it builds credibility and reassures prospective employers that you are dependable and capable of performing similar duties successfully. It reflects your professional growth and can set you apart from other candidates applying for the same beauty therapist job.
You will typically describe your experience in two sections – your professional summary and work experience/employment history. Here is a recap:
- Professional summary – here, you should include a short, attention-grabbing section at the top of your CV highlighting your expertise and career goals. You should showcase your strengths and achievements and keep your descriptions brief but engaging.
- Work experience – here, you will describe your previous roles, responsibilities and achievements. You should:
- Start your descriptions with strong action verbs, focusing on specific outcomes, quantifying results and highlighting the impact of your work.
- Describe your experience concisely and ensure it is relevant to the job you are applying for.
- Use more space describing your most recent and relevant roles. For older or less relevant positions, keep descriptions briefer.
If you are in a situation where you have limited direct experience as a beauty therapist, i.e. you have just qualified, you may be wondering how you can describe your experience in this instance. Do not worry; you can still craft a compelling CV by focusing on transferable skills, relevant qualities and any informal or related experience. Here are some areas to consider:
- Educational background – if you have studied anything related to beauty, wellness or customer service, include it. You can describe any relevant modules, practical elements, coursework and projects. You can also mention any work placements or internships completed during your studies.
- Transferable skills – highlight skills you have developed from other jobs, volunteering, training or extracurricular activities, e.g. communication, customer service, attention to detail, teamwork, organisation and time management.
- Related experience – you can describe informal experience, such as volunteering at local events and offering services for charity fundraisers or helping friends and family with beauty treatments. You can also highlight any training you have undertaken, such as online courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, etc.
- Relevant qualities – showcase qualities that align with the role, such as creativity, a passion for beauty and wellness or a willingness to learn.
- Self-initiated projects – highlight personal initiatives, like practising beauty techniques at home or creating content for social media focused on beauty tips and trends.
- Tailored professional summary – use your professional summary or cover letter to express your passion for beauty. An example would be “Aspiring beauty therapist with a passion for skincare, makeup and wellness. Skilled in communication and creating welcoming environments for clients. Dedicated to learning beauty therapy techniques and staying updated on trends. Motivated to deliver exceptional service and build client trust. Committed to personal growth and professional development”.
Everyone has to start somewhere, so as long as you include experiences relevant to the beauty therapist position, even if it is not direct, you can still create a strong CV.

Tailor your CV to the Beauty Therapist position
We have mentioned tailoring your CV many times because it is crucial. It demonstrates to employers that you have carefully considered your application and genuinely want the position. It creates a strong impression, can differentiate you from other candidates and helps your CV go into the interview pile.
Tailoring a CV means customising it to match the specific requirements and expectations of the beauty therapist job you are applying for. Instead of using a generic CV for every application, you adjust its content to emphasise the qualifications, skills, experiences and qualities that align closely with the role and the company’s needs. Here are some tips on how to achieve this:
- Analyse the job description – take the time to carefully read the job posting and identify the essential and desired criteria the employer is seeking. Are they looking for specific knowledge of skincare treatments? Do they want someone with excellent customer service skills? Is attention to detail important to them? Align your relevant qualifications, skills and experience with their requirements.
- Research the company – look at their website and social media pages and see if they mention their ethos, values, goals, and mission statement. Also, see if clients have left any positive reviews and testimonials. You can then incorporate some of this information to demonstrate that you have done your homework, your goals are aligned and you are the best fit.
- Review and adjust the sections in your CV – there are several ways to achieve this, for example:
- Revise your professional summary to align with the role, emphasising your passion for beauty therapy, customer care and willingness to learn. Mention the job title and the company name to show you have tailored your CV for this specific role.
- Customise the bullet points in your work experience section and align your experiences with the job requirements. Use the same language as the job description when possible.
- Match your skills and achievements section to the keywords in the job description and focus on those most relevant to the position, e.g. if it highlights customer service and communication skills and performing specific beauty treatments, emphasise your experience in these areas and quantify them where possible.
- Include specific certifications, training, or professional memberships in your CV if mentioned in the job description.
- Add, remove or reorder main sections where necessary and do not be afraid to adjust your CV structure to align with the role.
- Incorporate keywords – identify and use key terms from the job listing, such as “facials”, “massage”, “client-focused” or “waxing” to demonstrate that you are a strong match. It will also help your CV pass those ATS filters.
- Tailor your cover letter – pair your tailored CV with a cover letter that shows your excitement about the role and your passion for helping clients feel and look their best. Address it to the individual in the posting and reference the company and beauty therapist role. Highlight relevant skills, achievements and experiences that match the job description. Use examples from your CV to support your claims and detail what makes you the best fit.
While tailoring a CV does not guarantee an interview, it certainly makes your application stand out in a competitive job market and increases your chances of success.
Good luck!