In this job you would help customers choose the right beauty products. You would also help customers make the most of their appearance. If your interests are fashion and make-up then this job may be perfect for you.

To do this job you should have an outgoing personality and friendly manner. You should have clear spoken communication skills. You also need excellent customer service skills.

Tasks:

• spending time with customers, giving them individual advice to help them choose products
• understanding and recommending products which will suit the customer’s lifestyle, skin type, face shape, colouring and age
• giving a high priority to sales - companies usually set a sales target linked with financial rewards added to the basic salary
• keeping up to date with new ranges of products, fragrances, colour ranges and product promotions
• giving customers a facial or a ‘make over’ - this is often a central part of the work for self-employed beauty consultants working from home
• monitoring stock levels and sales, and re-ordering when necessary, usually using a computer
• keeping customer records to create a more personalised service
• wrapping purchases and taking cash, cheques or credit cards as payment.

• an outgoing personality and friendly manner
• clear spoken communication skills
• sales skills
• customer service skills
• the ability to use cosmetics to good effect as part of your own beauty routine
• the ability to work in a small team and get on well with colleagues
• maths skills for cash handling and recording stock.

Average salary (2013):

You do not need any specific qualifications to become a beauty consultant. Your personal qualities are often more important than exam passes. You should have a smart appearance and a high standard of personal hygiene.

You could have an advantage if you have experience in retail, sales or customer service.

When you start work, you will usually receive on-the-job training. During your first few weeks you may also attend a one or two-week induction course at a company training centre. This could be residential.

Your company will usually provide regular short courses on new products and techniques.

Qualifications that you may find useful for developing your career include:

• City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Beauty Consultancy Services
• City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Consultancy
• VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Cosmetic Make-up and Beauty Consultancy.