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Table of contents

Esthetician resume examples
Choosing a format for your esthetician resume
How to write an esthetician resume in 5 steps
Add a cover letter
Esthetician resume — key takeaways
Commonly asked questions about resume writing

As an esthetician, you have the therapeutic finesse to transform skin and boost confidence. Your expertise can leave employers feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

However, when it comes to remodeling your resume, your confidence might need a little boost.

A carefully crafted esthetician resume will serve as your calling card, guiding you to your dream job in the beauty industry. You understand the importance of your resume, and soon, you’ll know how to make it glow with potential.

This guide will show you:

Popular esthetician resume examples.
How to write a captivating esthetician resume.
Esthetician resumes for different stages in your career.
Why estheticians should be writing cover letters.
Key takeaways to help you in your job search.

Need to touch up your resume right away? Get support with our Resume Maker. Choose a design suitable for a career in the beauty industry and get section-by-section advice, including auto-generated text you can easily edit.

Esthetician resume examples

Entry-level esthetician resume example

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Why this is a great esthetician resume sample

Features a perfectly crafted career objective
The candidate effectively uses an objective statement to highlight their passion for skin care and their commitment to providing excellent customer service, making them an ideal fit for an esthetician role.
Showcases a diverse skill set
Estheticians require both technical and interpersonal skills, and this resume effectively covers a wide range of abilities, from facial treatments to skin case product lines.
Skin care expertise is well-organized
The resume includes a Professional Skills section to emphasize a robust ability in the skin care field. By breaking the skill set into categories, you can make your skill set seem deeper and wider-ranging.

Experienced esthetician resume example

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Why this is a great esthetician resume sample

Highlights their professional journey
This esthetician showcases extensive expertise by integrating it into a comprehensive, detailed work history section using a combination resume format.
Demonstrates productivity with metrics
The candidate’s efficiency is underscored by incorporating the exact number of clients served on a daily and weekly basis in previous roles, helping the employer understand what they’ll be getting.
Certifications are highlighted properly
From mentioning their license in the professional summary to including a bullet-point list of certifications, this esthetician assures potential employers of their comprehensive knowledge and skills in the skin care field.

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Esthetician

Choosing a format for your esthetician resume

Think of your resume as a reflection of your journey as an esthetician. You want it to successfully demonstrate the skin care expertise and career milestones you picked up along the way.

The format of your resume plays a huge role in telling this story, and there are three main formats. Each one is suitable for a different stage in your career as an esthetician. Here are your options:

Chronological resume format: Ideal for experienced estheticians, this format focuses on work history. If you’ve been in the skin care industry for a while, this format allows you to highlight your skills within the context of each job you’ve held, beginning with the most recent and working backward. Additionally, hiring managers like being able to see your experience at a glance.
Functional resume format: If you’re branching out into a new specialty, this skills-based format can be your best friend. For example, if you’re transitioning from general skin care to medical esthetics, this format emphasizes your transferable skills, such as client care or treatment planning, by using multiple skills sections.
Combination resume format: If you’re an esthetician at a midpoint in your career, this hybrid format allows you to showcase your skills and experience equally. For example, if you’re aiming for a spa manager position, this format helps you highlight your treatment successes and leadership skills while giving equal weight to your work history.

Once you’ve chosen the right format, the next step is to pick a visually appealing and professional design.

Pick an appropriate esthetician resume template

Create your resume

As an esthetician, you’re in the business of aesthetics. And your resume template should reflect this.

Consider a creative template that allows for a touch of color or unique formatting to stand out, but avoid overly busy or cluttered designs that could distract from the content.

Most importantly, hiring managers often skim resumes quickly, so choose a template that makes your key skills, experiences and accomplishments easy to spot. Clear section headings, bullet points and ample white space can help guide the reader’s eye.

If you need a specific file format, you can always use our Word resume templates or opt for a Google Doc template.

Now, let’s start creating a resume that truly reflects your esthetician skills and achievements.

How to write an esthetician resume in 5 steps

Embarking on the path to your next esthetician role starts with a standout resume. Here’s how you can make one in just five steps.

Step 1

Study the esthetician job description carefully

Job advertisements are a treasure trove of information, especially for estheticians. By analyzing these ads, you can identify key skills and treatments — such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels or laser hair removal — that are in demand and continuously evolving in the beauty industry. You can also see exactly what specific spas or salons expect you to know and tailor your resume accordingly.

This is important because employers in the beauty industry use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter out candidates who don’t satisfy certain criteria. These criteria typically involve a set of keywords related to skills and qualifications.

A well-written esthetician resume is customized to include keywords showing employers you have what it takes to perform the role. If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, you’ll be eliminated before a human ever sees your resume.

To make an ATS-friendly resume, you’ll need to customize it to the job description. That’s why if you can incorporate the right keywords successfully, you’ll improve your chances of landing a job interview.

For example, if the job description for the esthetician role you seek asks for facial treatments, skin analysis, product knowledge and customer service, you’ll want to be sure to use those exact words in your esthetician resume — as long as they apply to your experience.

Meanwhile, look for opportunities in your professional summary, skills section and work experience section to add your identified keywords. Then, go through your resume and make sure what you wrote matches the wording in the job description so that the ATS recognizes it.

By incorporating the relevant keywords found in the job ad into your resume — like “facial treatments” and “customer service” — you’ll successfully navigate the ATS, bringing you one step closer to your resume being reviewed by a real person and not just a machine.

Now, it’s time to start writing. Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as a full day of back-to-back appointments! It may sound like a lot, but once you get used to the process, it should only take you a few minutes to do and will get your esthetician resume better results than if you don’t tailor it.

Step 2

Create a captivating professional summary or objective

Begin your resume with an engaging resume profile. Resume profiles come in two distinct types — professional summaries and career objectives — and both can be very effective for estheticians.

Professional summaries are concise overviews of your career and are well-suited to those with a solid and consistent work history. They work great for estheticians with significant quantifiable achievements to share, such as increasing client retention rates or improving customer satisfaction scores.

Career objectives, on the other hand, outline your career goals and aspirations. They are particularly useful for estheticians who are new to the field, such as recent graduates and career changers. They provide an opportunity to highlight transferable skills and the unique value you can bring to a new organization.

Let’s take a look at how each of these would look on an esthetician’s resume.

Esthetician professional summary example:

Licensed esthetician with over 10 years of experience specializing in anti-aging treatments and holistic skin care. Proven track record in improving skin health and appearance for diverse clientele, with a 30% increase in repeat customers. Known for exceptional customer service and ability to create personalized treatment plans.

Esthetician resume objective example:

Recent graduate of XYZ Beauty School seeking to apply knowledge of advanced skin care treatments and excellent customer service skills as an esthetician at ABC Spa. Passionate about holistic skin care and committed to helping clients achieve their skin health goals.

Step 3

Highlight your most relevant esthetician skills

As an esthetician, you have many skills — it’s time to let them shine on your resume. Your skills section should showcase a blend of technical and interpersonal abilities.

Hard skills demonstrate your proficiency in areas like skin care treatments, product knowledge and sanitation protocols, while interpersonal or soft skills highlight your ability to communicate effectively and provide excellent customer service. In a rapidly evolving field like esthetics, staying current with your technical skills is also particularly important.

Let’s look at examples of skills that estheticians often include on their resumes.

Technical and soft skills for an esthetician resume

Hard Skills

Facial treatments
Skin analysis
Product knowledge
Sanitation protocols
Microdermabrasion
Chemical peels

Soft Skills

Communication
Empathy
Customer service
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Attention to detail

Here is an example of a strong esthetician skills section:

Proficient in facial treatments and skin care procedures: microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser hair removal.
Expertise in skin analysis and personalized treatment planning.
Exceptional communication, collaboration and customer service skills.
Proficient in maintaining sanitation protocols and ensuring client safety.
Competent in recommending and selling skin care products.
Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Pro tip

Don’t overlook your computer skills. In today’s digital world, estheticians need to be tech-savvy too. Whether booking appointments, managing client records or using specific software for skin analysis, your computer skills can give you a competitive edge.

Step 4

Construct an impressive work experience section

As an esthetician, your resume is your professional mirror, reflecting your skills and experiences. The best way to showcase your previous achievements is by detailing work experience on your resume. List your roles, starting with the most recent, with bullet points highlighting your responsibilities and achievements for each one.

Your technical abilities and problem-solving skills should be the stars of your resume. But remember, beauty isn’t a solo act. Highlight any team collaborations or projects to underline your ability to work within diverse teams and contexts, an important part of the beauty industry.

Before we move on — use action words and power words. These vibrant verbs can animate past experiences, giving even your oldest projects a youthful glow.

Here’s an example of a great esthetician work history entry:

Esthetician, Elements Beauty Spa
Portland, OR
January 2018 – Current

Provide high-quality facial treatments and skin care services, improving client satisfaction scores by 20%.
Work with a team of over 10 beauty professionals, fostering a culture of client-centered care.
Implemented personalized treatment plans, leading to a 15% increase in client retention rates.
Collaborated cross-functionally with sales and administrative teams to optimize client flow, resulting in a 10% increase in spa efficiency.
Kept pace with emerging skin care technologies and tools, leading to early adoption of innovative treatments for improved client satisfaction.

Pro tip

As the example illustrates, quantifiable metrics can put a specific value on your contributions. Being an esthetician is important, and the numbers speak volumes about your abilities. Remember, you want your skills to leave a lasting impression.

Step 5

Detail your relevant training and certifications on your esthetician resume

In the beauty industry, credentials and certifications are key to your professional journey.

Start adding education on your resume by listing your highest level of education first, such as a high school diploma, associate degree or bachelor’s degree. That said, while many estheticians hold specialized degrees or diplomas in esthetics or cosmetology, the beauty industry welcomes those with diverse educational paths.

Next, you’ll want to mention any relevant certifications you’ve earned. This could include certifications in specific skin care treatments, makeup application techniques or even business management courses if you’re aiming for a managerial role in a spa or salon.

How to list your esthetician education:

Education

Diploma in Esthetics
State Beauty Academy, Los Angeles, CA

Certified Laser Technician
National Laser Institute, Scottsdale, AZ

High School Diploma
City High School, Los Angeles, CA

Optional sections for your esthetician resume

Awards and professional affiliations

As you prepare your esthetician resume, consider highlighting your most remarkable achievements with an awards section. These recognitions can show off your innovative work, excellence in skin care or contributions to major beauty projects. They should underscore your potential to provide value to any beauty organization.

Similarly, spotlighting professional affiliations or memberships can give you an edge in a competitive field. These credentials display your commitment to continually developing your expertise and knowledge in the field of esthetics.

How to list awards on your esthetician resume:

Esthetician of the Year – September 2024

Received recognition at the National Beauty Awards for creating an innovative skin care treatment model that improved client satisfaction in the spa.

Best Beauty Blog Article – May 2020

Awarded by the American Beauty Association for a published article on the implications of personalized skin care in acne treatment.

Projects

Tangible projects and important initiatives form the backbone of a compelling esthetician resume. These demonstrate your ability to turn skin care knowledge and insights into concrete results, indicating that you’re more than a theorist.

Featuring significant projects in your esthetician resume provides insight into your technical and problem-solving skills. It’s particularly effective when these skills align with the requirements of your target role, emphasizing your expertise in the field.

How to list projects on your esthetician resume:

Implementation of organic skin care line
Led the transition to an organic skin care line in the spa, improving client satisfaction and reducing skin reactions.
Community beauty initiative
Spearheaded a community beauty project to improve access to skin care education, resulting in a 15% increase in community engagement.
Client satisfaction improvement project
Implemented a project to improve client satisfaction, leading to a 20% increase in client retention rates over two years.

Languages

In the diverse field of esthetics, your proficiency in multiple languages can be evidence of your adaptability and interpersonal skills.
Additionally, mastering various languages significantly broadens your ability to communicate with a diverse client population. These skills can give you an edge in a competitive field.

How to list languages on your esthetician resume:

Proficient in Spanish and French
Familiar with American Sign Language

Interests and hobbies

Adding hobbies and interests to your esthetician resume can provide a peek into your personality and other interests, supplementing your professional accomplishments.
However, it’s crucial to maintain a balance — your chosen hobbies should reflect transferable skills and be pertinent to the beauty field.

For example, participating in beauty mission trips can underscore your dedication to service, while blogging about the latest skin care trends can highlight your passion and commitment to staying updated in the field.

How to list interests and hobbies on your esthetician resume:

Participate in beauty mission trips.
Maintain a blog on skin care trends and innovative treatment modalities.
Mentor aspiring esthetician students.

Continuing education

In the ever-evolving field of esthetics, continuing education is a must. Whether it’s attending workshops, completing online courses or earning advanced certifications, showing your commitment to learning and staying current in your field can give you an edge.

How to list continuing education on your esthetician resume:

Advanced Esthetics Certification, State Beauty Academy
Microdermabrasion Workshop, National Esthetics Institute
Online Course in Organic Skin Care, Beauty Online Learning Center

Volunteer work

Volunteer work, especially when it’s related to your field, can be a valuable addition to your resume. It shows your dedication to the community and your willingness to use your skills to benefit others.

How to list volunteer work on your esthetician resume:

Provided skin care consultations at local health fairs.
Volunteered at a local shelter, providing basic skin care treatments for residents.
Organized a charity event to raise funds for skin care education in underserved communities.

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

When the competition is tough, a well-written cover letter may be just what you need to smooth out any wrinkles in the job application process.

A cover letter might not always be mandatory, but it’s like the final touch of mascara that makes your resume pop. This is your chance to shine a spotlight on your key skills and experiences that your resume might not fully capture.

It’s also the perfect platform to share your journey into the world of skin care or your aspirations in this field. Maybe you want to recount the joy of helping clients regain their confidence or the excitement of mastering a new skin care technique.

If you’re unsure where to start, our guide on how to write a cover letter and successful cover letters examples can provide some inspiration and show you why some cover letters stand out more than others.

To ensure your cover letter looks as professional as your treatments, choose a cover letter template to customize in our Cover Letter Builder. Ideally, it should follow the same formatting as your resume.

Remember that a cover letter is more than just an accessory to your resume — it’s a reflection of your commitment to your esthetician career. So, let your passion for skin care radiate through, and you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job.

Esthetician resume — key takeaways

Customize your resume to the job descriptio

Align your resume to each job description, including esthetician skills, treatments and procedures mentioned in the listing.
Include a mix of skills

Showcase both your technical and interpersonal skills. From skin care techniques to client communication, a balanced skill set is key.
Quantify your achievements

Whenever possible, include metrics to showcase your success, such as the number of clients served or the percentage increase in repeat customers.
Showcase relevant credentials

Include any skin care-related certifications, such as Advanced Esthetics Certification or Laser Technician Certification.
Highlight your practical experiences

Your practical experiences are crucial in skin care. Be sure to detail the type of setting, the treatments you performed and any significant accomplishments during this period.
Include any specializations or unique skills

If you’ve specialized in certain treatments or have unique skills like microdermabrasion or chemical peels, be sure to include this information. It shows your commitment to advancing in the field.
Consider adding a cover letter

Your words matter even in a field as hands-on as esthetics. Make the case for being the best candidate with a well-written cover letter.

Commonly asked questions about resume writing

Last Updated: July 07, 2024

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.