Job Interview Questions for a Barber

Job Interview Questions for a Barber

Often out of 300 applicants only 6 candidates will be interviewed. In most interviews, but this varies depending on the job sector and employer, you will be asked around 10 questions during a 45-minute interview.

The key to passing job interviews in preparation and practice, this sounds obvious but is often overlooked with the average interviewee spending around only 60 minutes preparing for their job interview.

For a barber position, the employer will be looking for examples and descriptions, to showcase the interviewee’s knowledge and experience, of how an applicant can cut and trim hair, beards and moustaches, as well as customer service skills, basic numeracy and the ability to create loyal customers.

Job Interview Questions for a Barber

Below are 10 common asked barber job interview questions and an explanation of how to answer each question

Job Interview Question 1: What is your barbering experience?

If applying for an apprenticeship in barbering you need to answer this question by stating your qualities, skills and work ethic. Work ethic in this sector is key, as many barbers work long days and weekends.

Focus your interview answer on customer service skills by referencing customer service job role, dealing with awkward customers and cash taking. In addition, you need to show your passion for the barbering role – the reason you want to work in the barbering sector

For experienced barbers, open this question by stating your duration in the industry “Ive been a barber for well over X years…” and follow this up by describing the type of haircuts you excel in – remember each barbershop works (in the main) with a certain customer base.

Job Interview Question 2: How many clients do you typically see in a day?

The ‘how many customer’ interview question shows one thing – the employer is focused on turnaround (and therefore profit) This isn’t a bad thing, it is simply a business model. If you are looking for a barbering position where you take your time, discuss different hairstyles, and enjoy chatting to the customer, then working for an employer who asked this question probably isn’t for you.

To be successful here, answer the question with facts; ‘my average cuts per day is X..’ this makes it clear what income you will bring to the business. You can also add on how you are skilled in up-selling hair products or that you haven’t had any negative feedback from customers.

Job Interview Question 3: How do you connect with your customers to ensure repeat bookings?

In the barbering world, customer loyalty is king. Being able to retain customers increases profit. Answer this question by explaining how, in all previous roles, you have always been able to build up a strong customer following. Then explain how you did this, as an example, by understanding personalities – some customers expect to be talked to, while others prefer to have a hair cut in silence. By working in the way the customer prefers, as well as giving an excellent haircut, the customer feels comfortable and will want to return for their next trim.

Job Interview Question 4: How would you deal with a customer who didn’t know what they wanted?

Many barbers get caught out with this question. If this question is asked (often in designer barbershops where customers are looking for an exciting look) you can simply present the interview answer as a process ‘If a customer is unsure of their cut, I would initially discuss their head shape, hair type and colour, offering suggestions. Alternatively, I would show them different hair designs in a hair magazine or ask them who they want to look like, this often results in them choosing a style quickly’

Job Interview Question 5: What styles/cuts do you know?

Employers will ask this question to understand your level of knowledge relating to the barbering industry. Here you can simply list all the cuts/styles your are perfect in, ending with an offer to do a free cut for a customer (to show your expertise – this often goes down well)

Job Interview Question 6: What are your Barbering qualifications?

Now more than ever barbers are asking applicants their qualification level. If you have a relevant qualification state what the qualification is and what you learned from the course.

If you don’t have a qualification I would recommend bring evidence of your skillset – a portfolio of haircuts you have designed.

Job Interview Question 7: What is the biggest challenge in the barbering sector?

Competition. Ok, you had the short answer, but you have to make this more specific. Look at the local level, do you have lots of competition? Who is it, what type of barbers are they, etc

Give the interviewer a detailed breakdown of the problem, then end by stating how your (skill set) will help to overcome this barrier

When answering this question you should be honest and present the natural version of you – if you are a match you will enjoy your new position.

Good interview questions to ask interviewers at the end of the job interview include questions on the company growth or expansion, questions on personal development and training and questions on company values, staff retention and company achievements.

Also ask about the customer base,  haircut styles and the number of average customers per day.