Cosmetology Resume Example & Writing Guide

A well-crafted cosmetology resume is like a great styling job: it accentuates your best and gets the hiring manager’s eyes on you. If you’re looking for your next job, you’re in the right place! 

Resume.io’s powerful resources for job seekers include guides and resume examples for 300+ professions, backed up by an easy-to-use resume builder. Let us help you present yourself with confidence and in a cosmetology resume that will give your career the makeover it deserves. This guide, along with the corresponding cosmetology resume example will cover the following topics:

• What does a cosmetology professional do?
• How to write a cosmetology resume (tips and tricks)
• The best format for a cosmetology resume
• Professional resume layout and design hints.

What does a cosmetology professional do?

Cosmetologists are also called beauticians for a very good reason. It’s their job to understand each client and their lifestyle to help them look their best. They do this by giving clients style advice and assistance.

Cosmetologists work with hair, skin, nails and makeup. They may cut, color and style hair, perform manicures, pedicures and facials, and design a makeup look, apply cosmetics and teach clients how to recreate the look themselves.

The career options are not limited to working in a salon. Hairdressers and makeup artists work in theatre, film and television, exclusively with brides or in the fashion industry, where they may apply makeup for runway models or for photo shoots. 

How to write a cosmetology resume

The very first step in writing your cosmetology resume is understanding what sections to include. Your CV should contain the following elements:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

Choosing the best resume format for cosmetology

Cosmetology professionals should look for the resume format that can best highlight their experience. For those with many years of work history in various salons, the traditional reverse chronological format will likely be the strongest choice. However, candidates who have worked independently during some portion of their career may prefer the hybrid format which begins with a skills section before including a shorter employment history further down.

Resume summary example: Give your career highlights

Your cosmetology resume is a fairly formatted document, but your summary gives you 2-3 sentences to let your hair down. Gush about your love of fashion and style as you give employers a sense of your client relationships and philosophy of style, but keep it professional!

See the resume example text below for summary ideas.

Employment history sample: Varnish your achievements

Here is where you tell your prospective employer what you have already achieved in your career, by thinking of your job list as a series of achievements (in reverse chronological order). Merely listing your responsibilities in your employment history section won’t lift your cosmetology resume. Instead, use your achievements as a foundation for naming your skills.

See resume sample content below for ideas on your employment history.

Cosmetology CV skills example: Put a point on it

What do you do best and what does your prospective employer need most? These are your two considerations as you put together the skills section of your cosmetology resume. These 4-7 abilities should match the job listing to help you avoid filtering by the ATS, but also to show the hiring manager that you understand what they need.

Below you will find an adaptable skills resume sample.

Cosmetology education resume example

Every state requires cosmetologists to be licensed. The education section of your resume should include any training you have completed and your license information. Your high school experience, GED or any other academic degrees you have should also be included.

Below you will find an education resume sample as a formatting guide.

Resume layout and design: Give your career a makeover

As a cosmetologist, you need to help your clients reflect their personality in their looks. Your cosmetology resume layout and design needs to do the same for you. 

Use the same aesthetic sense you have to design a resume that is clean and professional, but above all easy-to-read. Check out our expert-tested resume templates to eliminate the time-consuming job of formatting.

Key takeaways for a cosmetology resume

1. Use your sense of style and understanding of what clients want to design and target your resume for each job.
2. Target your message to your prospective employer and insert keywords and phrases that will boost your ranking with the ATS.
3. Don’t forget to include your licensure in your education section!
4. Check out our cosmetology resume sample for an idea of how to create an attractive page layout.