A well-written cosmetology resume is just like a good hair or makeup job: it draws attention to you and your exquisite features. Therefore, if you’re on the lookout for new cosmetology employment opportunities, the first thing you need to do is polish your resume.
Crafting a strong resume takes time and effort. To save you the trouble and help you write a stellar one without hassle, we’ve created this comprehensive cosmetology resume description. Check it out!
Key Takeaways
A well-organized resume should include mandatory and optional sections.
Write a strong summary or objective to catch a recruiter’s eye right from the beginning.
Don’t just list your duties and responsibilities; support your professional experience with achievements and results to make it more credible.
Include only skills that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Couple your resume with a cover letter. No matter if you’re a seasoned professional or crafting a cosmetology student resume, a cover letter allows you to demonstrate why you’re the right candidate.
The Best Format to Use for a Cosmetology Resume
Depending on your seniority level, you can choose among the three most frequent resume formats: reverse-chronological, functional, and combination.
Common Resume Formats
The reverse-chronological resume format gives an account of your professional background in a reverse-chronological order—from the latest to the oldest. This format is convenient for experienced professionals as it highlights work experience.
The functional format highlights relevant skills and qualifications, so it’s ideal for job seekers who have little or no experience in the industry.
The combination resume format, also referred to as hybrid, focuses on work history and skills. As such, it suits professionals who have both.
Cosmetology professionals who have rich experience may find the reverse-chronological format most suitable. It focuses on their relevant achievements and lets them impress a hiring professional with their work history.
Cosmetology Resume Layout
A resume layout refers to the way in which you organize sections and chunks of information in your resume. A nicely arranged layout allows a recruiter or hiring manager to instantly find the information they are interested in.
To craft a coherent resume, do as follows:
Resume Layout Guidelines
Set one-inch margins on each side of the document.
Select a professional-looking font and set it to 11 or 12 points.
Use 1–1.15 line spacing with a space before each heading.
Cosmetology Resume Sections
A solid cosmetology resume consists of mandatory and optional sections. The latter can be excluded without doing any harm to the resume. The former, however, is obligatory, and omitting any part of it will result in an incomplete resume.
The must-have sections are:
Mandatory Resume Sections
Contact information
Resume summary/objective
Work experience
Education
Hard and soft skills
In the optional part, you can include:
Optional Resume Sections
Awards
Certifications
Volunteering experience
Languages
Hobbies & interests
Freelance work
Associations
Cosmetology Resume Template
In order not to miss an obligatory part, you may want to use a pre-made cosmetology resume template.
All Resume.co templates already have all the sections included; you should only fill them out with relevant information pertaining to your work experience, education, and skills. Optionally, you can use them as a cosmetology resume example to draw ideas and create your own from scratch.
Here’s what they look like:
Cosmetoloy Resume Template
Name and Surname
Phone number: 000-000-0000 | Email: namesurname@gmail.com | Location: City, State
[Adjective] [your job title] with [years of experience, if applicable] in [your area of expertise, if applicable] looking for a [position] job at [company name]. Eager to apply [relevant skills] gained through [work/volunteer/other experience] to help [company name] [mention what you can do for the company].
Work Experience
Most Recent/Current Job Title Company City, State
[Start date] — [End date]
For recent jobs, use 5-6 bullet points to list your top achievements and responsibilities
Use action verbs to make your responsibilities and achievements stand out
Add numbers to quantify your achievements
Previous Job Title Company City, State
[Start date] — [End date]
For recent jobs, use 5-6 bullet points to list your top achievements and responsibilities
Use action verbs to make your responsibilities and achievements stand out
Add numbers to quantify your achievements
Oldest Job Title Company City, State
[Start date] — [End date]
For older jobs, use 2-3 bullet points to list your top achievements and responsibilities
Use action verbs to make your responsibilities and achievements stand out
Add numbers to quantify your achievements
Education
[Degree] in [Major]
[University/college name]
[Start date] - [Graduation date]
Skills
Soft Skills
Skill #1
Skill #2
Skill #3
Skill #4
Skill #5
Hard Skills
Skill #1
Skill #2
Skill #3
Skill #4
Skill #5
Additional Sections
Add any relevant additional sections (languages, licenses, publications, hobbies, etc.)
Add Contact Information to Your Cosmetology Resume the Right Way
The contact information section acts as your introduction to the hiring professional, providing them with a way to get in touch with you.
This section includes:
Mandatory Contact Information
Full name and professional title
Phone number and email address
Location (city and state of residence only)
Note that you should only add your first and last name; nicknames and bizarre job titles do not belong here. Always list a professional email address and social media profiles that are job-related only.
Here’s an example of the contact information section:
Contact Information Section Example
Martha Smith Senior Cosmetologist
619 964 9607 martha.smith@gmail.com San Diego, CA linkedin.com/in/martha.smith
How to Write a Cosmetology Resume Objective/Summary
To urge a recruiter to keep reading your resume to the end, you need to grab their attention at the very beginning. Having a compelling cosmetology resume summary or cosmetology resume objective is a good way to start.
Each of these acts as an elevator pitch; however, to know which one you should use in your resume, you need to know the differences between them.
The resume summary flaunts your professional background and achievements. Hence, if you have a lot of experience in the industry, you should include it in your resume.
On the other hand, if you’re just starting out as a cosmetologist, you should opt for the resume objective since it emphasizes your career goals and ambitions.
Junior Cosmetologist Resume Objective
Here’s what a good cosmetology resume objective should look like:
Good Example
Enthusiastic Junior Cosmetologist seeking to apply passion for beauty and skincare. Recently acquired certification in a dynamic salon or spa. Committed to providing exceptional customer service, staying current with industry trends, and fostering a positive client experience.
And this is how you shouldn’t write a resume objective:
Bad Example
Seeking a Junior Cosmetologist position to gain hands-on experience and further develop my skills in a salon or spa environment.
A resume objective like this isn’t good, as it doesn't reveal any specific information that will persuade a recruiter that you’re the right candidate.
Established Cosmetologist Resume Summary
Now, let’s check out an established cosmetologist’s resume summary:
Good Example
Experienced cosmetologist with a decade of expertise in hair styling, color treatments, and skincare. Proven track record of delivering trend-driven services and exceptional client satisfaction. Seeking a role to apply skills and passion for enhancing clients' beauty and confidence.
Never include a resume summary like this:
Bad Example
Cosmetologist with some experience in the beauty industry. Skilled in various services.
This example is bad because it doesn’t show any specific achievements, relevant skills, or experience.
Cosmetologist Resume Professional Experience
The professional experience section is the key part of your cosmetology resume, as it enables you to impress the hiring professional with your considerable expertise. In this part, you should elaborate on your previous roles by listing the following:
Professional Experience Mandatory Details
The position you held
Company name
Dates of employment
Duties and accomplishments within the role
General Tips
When listing your professional experience, make sure that you don’t just list the general duties and responsibilities you had. Recruiters are seeking to discover what results you can produce and how you can contribute to the company.
Therefore, always provide a detailed account of your duties and accomplishments in your previous positions. Also, support them with measurable results and figures, such as KPIs, percentages, or any other significant outcomes.
Try to include industry-specific keywords, like “beauty services,” “facials,” “hair styling,” “skincare treatment,” etc. They will make a hiring professional aware of your superb qualifications and make your resume ATS-friendly.
Make sure that you don’t elaborate too much. This section is indeed the most significant, yet it shouldn’t be too broad. List only the positions that are relevant to the role you’re applying for and those that you held in the previous decade.
Cosmetologist With No Experience
If you don’t have any experience, despair not; you can list internships, volunteer activism, or achievements you acquired at school or college.
This is how to craft this section as an inexperienced cosmetologist:
Cosmetologist With No Experience Example
Cosmetology Intern Jasmine Beauty Salon, San Diego, CA
September 2022–September 2023
Completed an intensive cosmetology program emphasizing theoretical knowledge and practical skills in hair care, skincare, and makeup application.
Gained hands-on experience in salon procedures, including client consultations, hair cutting, coloring, and styling techniques, through hands-on training and guided practice.
Collaborated with peers on creative projects, exploring the latest trends in hair and makeup.
Experienced Cosmetologist
Here’s an example of a professional experience section for a seasoned cosmetologist:
Experienced Cosmetologist Example
Lead Stylist Glamour Studio, San Diego, CA
August 2019–December 2023
Provided expert hair and beauty services, specializing in creative color applications and precision cutting techniques.
Established strong relationships with clients, earning a reputation for understanding their unique needs and preferences.
Collaborated with product representatives to introduce new, cutting-edge beauty products to the salon, enhancing the overall client experience.
Actively participated in community events and fashion shows, showcasing the salon's talent and generating positive brand recognition.
Freelance Cosmetologist Experience
Check out an example of a freelance cosmetologist experience section:
Freelance Cosmetologist Experience Example
Established and managed an independent cosmetology business, providing a wide range of services, including hair cutting, coloring, styling, and makeup application, to a diverse clientele.
Cultivated a loyal client base through exceptional customer service, personalized consultations, and a commitment to staying updated on the latest beauty trends.
Developed a reputation for creative and customized solutions, including specialized bridal and event hairstyling, earning positive client reviews and referrals.
Cosmetology Resume Education Section
You may not need a college degree to become a cosmetologist, so a high school diploma will be sufficient. What you do need is to undergo a state-approved training program and obtain an obligatory license.
In this section, you should list:
Education Section Mandatory Details
Training and degrees
The number of hours you completed
Here’s an example:
Cosmetology Resume Education Section Example
Licensed Cosmetologist California Beauty College
San Diego, CA August 2021
Completed an intensive cosmetology program encompassing 1,500 hours of training.
Specialized in hair styling, coloring, skincare, and nail care techniques, gaining hands-on experience in various services.
Studied the latest trends and industry advancements, showcasing a commitment to continuous learning.
Obtained a Cosmetology License (License Number: 45000111222) upon successful completion of the program.
Cosmetology Resume Skills
When you’re listing your cosmetology resume skills, make sure that they are relevant to the role you’re applying for. Include hard skills to demonstrate that you have strong qualifications for the position and soft skills to show how you work.
If you’re changing careers and have no relevant expertise in the industry, it is recommended to add transferable skills as well.
In order not to go overboard with your skills, you should include skills required by the job posting. This way, you’ll not only tailor your resume to the specific position you’re applying for, but you’ll also manage to pass ATS pre-screening without hassle.
Cosmetologist Hard Skills
Some cosmetology skills include, but are not limited to:
Cosmetologist Hard Skills Example
Product knowledge
Beauty services
Skin analysis
Facial treatments
Skin care
Hair perming/straightening
Hair cutting/styling
Hair coloring
Hair extensions
Waxing
Makeup application and artistry
Health and safety
Booking appointments
Here’s how to include these skills in your resume:
Hard Skills Example
Hard Skills
Product knowledge
Beauty services
Skin analysis and care
Hair styling and coloring
Makeup application and artistry
Cosmetology Soft Skills
Many employers and hiring professionals favor soft over hard skills, so don’t neglect them. Here are some you should include in your resume:
Cosmetology Soft Skills Example
Customer service
Client relations
Relationship building
Up-selling techniques
Consultative selling
Listening
Creativity
Attention to detail
Work ethic
Check out an example of the soft skills section:
Soft Skills Example
Soft Skills
Customer service
Client relations
Relationship building
Up-selling techniques
Consultative selling
Listening skills
Patience
Cosmetology Resume: Other Sections
As the name itself suggests, optional sections could be omitted from a resume. Still, including them can be beneficial, as it allows a recruiter to find out more about your personality, skills, and achievements outside your profession.
Associations
Being a member of professional associations demonstrates your commitment to your profession. Hence, if you are a part of such organizations, feel free to share.
You can do it this way:
Associations Example
Associations
Member of the Professional Beauty Association
Actively engaged in industry conferences and workshops to stay updated with the latest trends and techniques.
Volunteer Experience
Including volunteer experience in your resume will persuade a hiring professional that you have strong skills for the position, although you lack firsthand experience.
Here’s how to add volunteer work:
Volunteer Experience Example
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer Stylist, Local Community Outreach Program
Provided free hair services for individuals facing economic hardships, fostering a sense of self-confidence within the community
Freelance Work
Cosmetologists frequently work as freelancers, so if you’ve ever had any independent projects, do spread the word about them.
Here’s how:
Freelance Work Example
Freelance Work
Freelance Hair and Makeup Artist
Collaborated with local photographers for editorial shoots, contributing to published works in Elle Magazine.
Certifications
Listing certifications in your resume shows that you’re constantly working on gaining new knowledge about novel trends and techniques instead of relying solely on what you’ve acquired so far.
Check out how to add certificates:
Certifications Example
Certifications
Certified Lash Technician
Completed advanced training in eyelash extensions, offering clients the latest in lash enhancement services.
Languages
Since you may deal with clients from other countries, knowing a foreign language is a huge plus. Therefore, if you know any other language, include it in your resume.
Here’s how to list languages:
Languages Example
Languages
English (native)
French (intermediate)
Spanish (fluent)
Italian (proficient)
Do I Need a Cover Letter as a Cosmetologist?
Sending a cover letter along with your cosmetologist resume is always a good move, even if you’re not instructed to do so. It lets you introduce yourself to a recruiter and elaborate on your achievements.
A cover letter is also a great complement to a cosmetology resume with no experience or a cosmetology graduate resume, as it offers an opportunity to explain what makes you a good candidate despite lacking work experience.
Top 4 Best Tips for Writing a Cosmetology Resume
Crafting a solid cosmetology resume will not be a hassle with these four pro tips:
Gaming Resume Tips
Focus on cosmetology-related skills. Hiring professionals are looking for versatile candidates, so make sure that you highlight everything you’re proficient in, be it hairstyling, makeup artistry, skincare, or nail care.
Back up your claims. Simply listing all your achievements won’t mean much. Supporting your claims with specific figures or percentages will give your resume more credibility.
Be concise. Keep your resume on one page, focusing on the most relevant and impactful information.
Proofread and update your resume. Before sending your resume, proofread it for typos and grammar mistakes.
Highlight your experience with a cover letter. A cover letter allows you to go into greater detail about your expertise and achievements. Even if you’re not instructed to submit it, do so to show how experienced and skillful you are.
Closing Thoughts
To land an interview, you’ll need a solid cosmetology resume. Pair it with a compelling cover letter, and you’ll make a recruiter stand in awe of your qualifications.
Crafting such a resume does take time and effort, but with the right tips and tricks, you’ll do it without hassle.
We hope that our guide will help you not only create a resume that showcases your skills and experience but also secure your dream job!
