Esthetician Resume Example (W/ Free Templates!)

Esthetician Resume Example

The resume example above is a great guide for what your esthetician resume should look like.

Here are all the elements that make it work:

• Clean resume design. The esthetician resume example above keeps things simple and professional yet visually appealing. You don’t want clashing colors or over-the-top elements to take away from the contents of your resume.
• Reverse-chronological format. The candidate lists their most recent work experience and achievements first, which gives hiring managers the most important information they want to know.
• Clear contact information. The contact information section contains all the essentials, such as the candidate’s full name, professional email address, phone number, where they’re located, and their relevant social media.
• Strong summary. A quick glance at this esthetician resume grabs hiring managers' attention from the get-go by listing their top skills, achievements, and relevant qualifications.
• Achievements over responsibilities. This esthetician resume focuses more on what the candidate has achieved than what their day-to-day responsibilities were, which shows how much value they can bring to any potential employer.
• Licenses and certifications. The candidate knows that their licenses and certifications are must-haves in the skincare world, so they’ve made sure to include them in a separate section.
• Optional sections. To make sure there’s no space left unused, the esthetician resume example above adds optional sections such as workshops the candidate has attended and organizations they’re a part of to help stand out from the competition.

9 Steps for a Gorgeous Esthetician Resume

You know what a beautiful esthetician resume looks like.

So follow these steps to polish your resume until it glows:

#1. Choose the Right Format (and Layout!)

Your esthetician resume format determines its structure and the way you show off your expertise to hiring managers.

You have three main resume formats to choose from:

• Reverse-chronological. This format lists your most recent job first and works its way back from there.
• Functional. Also called skill-based, since it focuses on your skills.
• Combination. A stylish blend of the previous two resume formats.

In 99% of cases, we recommend your esthetician resume stick to the reverse-chronological resume format.

It’s the most popular format by far, so hiring managers expect candidates to use it - and we can understand why. It puts your most recent jobs and accomplishments on top, so it’s quick and easy for potential employers to see whether you've got what it takes for the job.

Here’s what the reverse-chronological resume format looks like in action:

Once you pick out a format, it’s time to focus on your resume layout.

And just like a great facial can leave a lasting impression, the look of your resume can really grab a hiring manager's attention.

So, let's make your esthetician resume pop with these tips:

• Mind the margins. Set your esthetician resume’s margins at one inch on all sides. Anything smaller and it will look crammed; anything bigger, on the other hand, will make your resume look empty.
• Pick a professional font. Your esthetician resume’s font should be professional but not overused. Choose Roboto, Ubuntu, or other easy-to-read fonts that aren’t as cliche as Times New Roman.
• Use bullet points. Entire paragraphs can make your resume look cluttered, while bullet points keep it neat and easy to skim through.
• Stick to one page. Hiring managers are swarmed with applications, so unless you've got a lifetime of experience, keep your resume short and sweet.
• Save it in the right format. Your esthetician resume should be saved as a PDF file so it looks good across any device or OS the hiring manager uses. But if they ask for a different format, like a Word document, stick to that.

Or Use a Professional Resume Template to Save Time

Creating your esthetician resume from scratch can take ages.

You have to get the margins right, pick a great font, make sure the spacing is uniform, and cram it all onto a single page.

Want to spare yourself the hassle? Then you’ll be glad to know there’s a shortcut.

Take a look at our free, one-page resume templates!

We've teamed up with experienced hiring managers and designers from around the world to make sure these templates meet all industry standards and look amazing.

Just look at how our templates compare to a regular text editor resume:

#2. Add Your Contact Information

Now that your esthetician resume looks good, it's time to get into the substance—the content.

Begin with your contact information section, which is the easiest to fill out.

Here's what it should include:

• Full Name. E.g.: Gillian Banks
• Job Title. Make sure this matches the job you're applying for (E.g., Licensed Esthetician).
• Phone Number. If you’re applying for a job in another country, add the dialing code.
• Email Address. Keep it professional to show you’re a serious candidate. (E.g., an email like skincarerocks22@hotmail.com is not good, but going for something like banks.gillian@gmail.com is fine.)
• Social Media. As an esthetician, you might have before-and-after photos of your work or client testimonials. Make these easily accessible by linking to your professional website or a relevant social media account like Instagram or LinkedIn.
• Location. Generally, your city and state/country are enough. But if you're open to a relocation, make sure to specify that somewhere in your resume.

So far, so good, but remember, this section needs to contain zero mistakes.

A single typo could make the difference between getting an interview and missing out on that email.

Now let's look at an example of how this section can look on your resume:

#3. Write a Stellar Resume Summary (or Objective)

The competition in the esthetics field can be as rough as dry skin in the winter. Employers usually spend as little as seven seconds looking at your resume before moving on.

With stacks of resumes to go through, you need to catch hiring managers’ attention from the get-go.

This is where a resume summary or objective at the top of your esthetician resume comes in.

Here's how the two differ:

• Resume Summary. If you've got some experience under your belt, then you should write a resume summary. Highlight your years of experience, top skills, and key achievements to win the hiring manager over.
• Resume Objective. If you're just getting into the field of esthetics, write a resume objective instead. Include what excites you about the career, your professional goals, and skills that are relevant to the job.

Let’s see them in action:

This summary does a great job of showing the hiring manager that you've got what it takes to excel in their salon or spa.

Now, let's look at a resume objective example:

This objective shows that even though you're just starting out, you've got the training and enthusiasm to make a valuable contribution.

#4. Highlight Your Work Experience

The most important section of your esthetician resume is your work experience.

This is the section that hiring managers will be most interested in, so it’s crucial that you get it just right.

Here are some tips on how to format it:

• List in reverse-chronological order. Always put your most recent job first and work backward from there. But don't include every job you've ever had—your job as a babysitter from a decade ago won’t really impress the hiring manager.
• Use your actual job title. If your role was "Junior Esthetician," don't say you were a "Skin Care Specialist."
• Give the company's details. If the employer you worked for isn't well-known, you can add a line explaining something about what they do.
• Include your employment dates. Stick to a mm/yyyy format and be consistent throughout your esthetician resume.
• Bullet-point the descriptions. Aim for five to six bullet points to describe the responsibilities and achievements at your most recent job, and use three to four for older positions.

Now you know how to list work experience on your esthetician resume.

But there’s more you can do to make your skincare know-how shine.

Take this section from OK to GREAT by:

• Tailoring it to the job ad. If you're applying for a position that focuses on chemical peels, your experience in that area should be front and center.
• Highlighting achievements. Show off your achievements, not just day-to-day tasks. Achievements show you're result-driven and can, in turn, add weight to your resume.
• Quantifying everything. Instead of simply saying you "performed facials," back up your experience with numbers. Saying you "performed 20+ facials per week with a 95% client satisfaction rate." sounds a lot better.
• Using powerful language. Ditch cliches like "responsible for." Use strong action verbs like "administered," "formulated," or "managed" to show your initiative.

Here's how a standout work experience section might look:

What If I Don’t Have Work Experience?

If you’re new to the world of skincare and don’t have a lot of work experience, creating your esthetician resume might feel overwhelming.

But don’t worry!

Employers looking to hire for entry-level positions don’t expect you to have any experience beyond your education.

So instead of getting stuck on what you haven't done, focus on what you have.

Try leveraging any of these sections:

• Internships
• Volunteering
• School projects or training
• Personal projects
• Extracurricular activities

For example, if you've practiced facials at a beauty school or offered free skin consultations at a community event, that's worth mentioning on your resume.

Here’s some inspiration:

#5. List Your Most Relevant Skills

After your work experience, the skills section is the second most vital part of your esthetician resume.

Your skills tell the hiring manager what you already know and what they’ll have to teach you.

However, that doesn't mean you should list every esthetician skill you've ever learned. This section should be tailored to the specific job you're applying for, which means only the most relevant skills should make it to your esthetician resume.

For example, if you want to specialize in anti-aging treatments at a luxury spa, your expertise in chemical peels is more relevant than your eyebrow threading skills.

Here are some tips to make your skills section really shine:

• Tailor your skills to the job ad. Take a close look at the job description. Find the skills that are mentioned throughout the ad, and make sure to include the ones you have on your esthetician resume.
• Keep up with industry trends. Social media skincare trends have changed the face of the beauty and wellness industries. Make sure you're up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies, and show them off in your skills section.
• List soft and hard skills separately. Keep your soft skills separated from your hard skills so hiring managers can find what they’re looking for faster.

Now you know how to organize the skills section on your esthetician resume.

But you still might be wondering—what specific skills should you include?

To get the ball rolling, we’ve made a comprehensive list of the top 51 must-have soft and hard skills for estheticians!

51 Most In-Demand Esthetician Skills

12 Esthetician Soft Skills

1. Communication skills
2. Active listening
3. Empathy
4. Attention to detail
5. Adaptability
6. Customer service
7. Time management
8. Problem-solving
9. Reliability
10. Teamwork
11. Creativity
12. Organizational skills

39 Esthetician Hard Skills

1. Facials
2. Microdermabrasion
3. Chemical peels
4. Extractions
5. Waxing
6. Threading
7. Lash extensions
8. Makeup application
9. Brow shaping
10. Body wraps
11. LED light therapy
12. Acne treatments
13. Skin analysis
14. Exfoliation techniques
15. Hair removal
16. Lash and brow tinting
17. Hydrating treatments
18. Aromatherapy
19. Scalp treatments
20. Laser hair removal
21. Reflexology
22. Hot stone therapy
23. Electrolysis
24. Ultrasonic skin treatments
25. Radiofrequency skin tightening
26. IPL treatments
27. Microcurrent therapy
28. Oxygen facials
29. Dermaplaning
30. High-frequency treatments
31. Cellulite treatments
32. Glycolic application
33. Sunless tanning
34. Client consultation
35. Anti-Aging treatments
36. Massage techniques
37. Cleanliness and sanitization
38. Inventory management
39. First aid/CPR

#6. Mention Your Education

You've studied skincare and facials and maybe even dabbled in some advanced treatments—awesome!

But when it comes to your esthetician resume, the focus should be on your practical experience and skills. Unless you're fresh out of school, the hiring managers are going to be more interested in your hands-on experience than which beauty school you graduated from.

Here's the rundown on what to include in your education section:

• Degree name. Whether it's a state-certified esthetician program or specialized training, write it down. (E.g., Certified Esthetician Program)
• Institution name. Mention where you got your training or degree from. (E.g., Bella Beauty Academy)
• Location (optional). If the school isn't well-known, you can include where it is.
• Dates attended. Stick to the mm/yyyy format. If you're still in school, you can write down your expected graduation date.

Over 27% of estheticians have an associate’s degree, but if you don’t have a college education, don’t worry. So long as you’re licensed, your level of education won’t hold you back.

#7. Show Your Licenses and Certifications

As an esthetician, licenses and certifications are your best friends.

Not only do they give you credibility, but they also let spas, salons, and other employers know that they can legally hire you.

You need a license to work as an esthetician in the US, but different countries have their own specific requirements. If you’re looking for a seasonal job abroad, do your homework and get your license ready beforehand.

Employers can dismiss your application if you aren’t licensed to perform some of the specialized procedures they offer. So, your licenses and certifications show hiring managers that you’re competent, approved to work, and up-to-date on the latest techniques.

Here’s how to format this section:

• License name. Add the name of the exact license you have. (E.g., Professional Microblading)
• Issuer. Name the institution that issued your license.
• Dates. Specify the date you received your license or certification and, if applicable, when it has to be renewed.

Here’s what this section can look like in practice:

#8. Consider Adding Optional Sections

If your esthetician resume has some leftover space, you might want to consider leveraging some optional sections.

While your work experience, skills, and licenses are the bulk of your esthetician resume, some of these extra sections can help flesh you out as a candidate and make a lasting impression.

Here are some examples you can choose from:

• Conferences and Workshops. Attending industry-specific events shows your dedication to learning and honing your skills.
• Awards. If you've been recognized for your talent, don't keep it to yourself. List any awards you’ve received, even if it’s something as specific as “Best Skin Care Routine of the Year” or a smaller-scale “Highest Rated Esthetician” award in your local newspaper.
• Memberships. Professional organizations like the National Coalition of Estheticians add to your credibility and show commitment to your field.
• Languages. Speaking another language is useful for a diverse client base and can be essential if you’re aiming to work at a spa.
• Hobbies and Interests. While not directly related to your job, hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job or company culture can paint you in a good light.

#9. Include a Matching Cover Letter

You might be wondering if cover letters are even a thing anymore.

Short answer? Yes, they are. In fact, cover letters are crucial to a successful job application because hiring managers expect them.

Taking the time to write a cover letter shows the employer that you’re truly interested in the job they’re offering, not just looking to get employed anywhere.

So how can you write an esthetician cover letter that doesn’t come off as bragging? Thankfully, we’ve prepared all the cover letter tips you’re going to need to nail your application.

Let’s look at an example of a great esthetician cover letter to get started:

Now here’s how you should structure your cover letter to match our example above:

• Mind your contact information. Your esthetician cover letter’s header should include the same contact details as your resume. Make sure your full name, job title, phone number, and professional email address all match the ones on your resume.
• Greet the hiring manager. Instead of using a generic “Dear Sir/Madam”, do some research. Find out who the hiring manager or owner is, and greet them by name in your letter.
• Start with a strong opening. Your cover letter’s first paragraph should be attention-grabbing and include the most important details about you - why you’re writing, what one of your most important skills is, and a qualification that makes you right for the job.
• Dive into the details. The bulk of your cover letter should detail why you’re the best person for the job. Expand on your professional background and anything you didn’t have space to talk about in your resume. Talk about your passion for the field and how you align with the employer’s vision.
• End your cover letter professionally. When you’re ready to wrap up your cover letter, use a call to action (e.g., ‘I look forward to arranging an interview so we can discuss my application in greater detail’). And don’t forget to sign it, even if a simple ‘Sincerely,’ is all you can think of.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all there is to creating your esthetician resume!

Hopefully, now you’ll feel confident when applying for your next gig.

But before we go, let’s recap some of the things we mentioned:

• Go for the reverse-chronological format to show hiring managers your most recent esthetician experience first.
• Choose a professional resume template so you can focus more on the content of your resume than tweaking the layout.
• Grab the employer’s attention by adding a compelling esthetician resume summary in your header and including your years of experience, key skills, and notable achievements.
• Highlight your accomplishments in the beauty and wellness industry, such as customer satisfaction ratings, to quickly show your value.
• Make sure to tailor your work experience and skills to what the job ad is looking for.
• Use optional sections to make the most of any extra space on your resume and stand out from other applicants with similar work experience.