How to Write a Beauty Therapist CV: Examples and Tips

The beauty industry remains as diverse and competitive as ever, continuously evolving with new social trends every day thanks to platforms like TikTok. UK beauty salons have grown by almost 25% in five years. But behind the glitz and glamour lies a journey filled with challenges and uncertainties, where every applicant must navigate the delicate balance of showcasing their talents and experiences.

The first step to landing your dream job is creating a professional and modern CV that showcases your unique skills, experiences, and qualifications. So, whether you're just starting out or an experienced beauty therapist pursuing a senior role, we walk you through the process.

In this guide, we cover:

• How to write a good CV for a beauty therapist tailored to your career goals.

• Tips to highlight key beauty therapist skills and achievements.

• Examples beauty therapist CV templates for various career stages, including those with no experience. 

• How to optimise your CV for applicant tracking systems (ATS).  

Enhance your job application with CVMaker, the ultimate tool for creating a professional CV template tailored to your needs.

Customise this CV example to get started

Start now

Beauty therapist CV Example

Download this sample of a beauty therapist CV in PDF

In this beauty CV example, Emma Smith highlights six years of experience and advanced certifications in skincare. Her chosen Michigan beauty therapist CV template is well-structured and presents her expertise, aligning with industry standards. This beauty therapist CV sample is ATS-friendly and includes key beauty therapist skills and sections to attract recruiters.

What to include in a beauty therapist CV?

Your CV should be concise, (in general, around one to two pages), and formatted chronologically with key sections and headings. It should present your qualifications, career journey, and interest in client care.

Here is the essential information to include:

• Contact information: include personal details (full name, phone number, professional email address) and links to your portfolio or social media like LinkedIn.

• Personal profile: an impactful summary tailored to your career goals. Highlight your qualifications, years of experience, and key achievements. Mention specialisations or unique attributes like skincare, massage therapy, or makeup artistry.

• Work experience: list your previous and current roles, then focus on duties, responsibilities and achievements demonstrating your beauty therapist skills—e.g., managing appointments, providing treatments, and upselling products.

• Skills section: separate hard skills like facial treatments, waxing, or massage techniques from soft skills like communication, adaptability, and teamwork.

• Education: include relevant qualifications such as NVQs, diplomas in beauty therapy, or certifications in specialist areas such as makeup or skincare.

• Courses and certifications: add supplementary courses, such as those in advanced skincare or specific beauty treatments like microdermabrasion.

• Additional sections: to stand out incorporate volunteer work, professional memberships, or language skills. These can reflect your well-rounded personality and dedication to the beauty industry.

Learn more about the writing process and where to start with a master CV.

How to write a beauty therapist CV: 5 steps with examples

1. Show your qualities in your personal profile 

A personal profile is a short, impactful statement introducing you to potential employers. Your summary should be concise and reflect your expertise, unique attributes and top soft skills. 

Follow these tips to craft a standout profile:

• Be concise: limit your profile to 60–70 words

• Highlight key skills: mention soft skills like communication or customer service alongside technical expertise like skin treatments or makeup application

• Tailor to the role: reflect on the job description and your aspirations

• Include a career goal: show enthusiasm for progression within the beauty industry.

Here are examples tailored to each career stage:

Learn more about the essentials of writing a compelling personal profile on a CV.

Start your new CV in just a few clicks

Begin now

Learn more about the essentials to writing a compelling personal profile on a CV.

2. How to list key beauty therapist skills in a CV

The skills section is critical for showcasing both technical abilities (hard skills) and interpersonal qualities (soft skills). This section helps to:

• Showcase your diverse skills, competencies, technical industry skills and abilities to succeed in the role.

• Provides employers with a clear view of your qualifications, making it easier for them to match your expertise to the job description.

• Highlight your key strengths and attributes.

• Enhances your CVs potential if you have little to no experience.

5 essential skills for a beauty therapist CV

1. Advanced skin care treatments: proficiency in delivering facials, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, ensuring clients receive top-tier results tailored to their needs

2. Waxing and hair removal: expertise in various hair removal techniques, including hot and strip waxing, ensuring client comfort and precise results

3. Customer service and client retention: ability to create a welcoming environment, foster trust, and maintain long-term client relationships

4. Time management and organisation: skilled at managing appointments and maintaining smooth salon operations while delivering quality service

5. Knowledge of beauty products and retail: understanding the benefits of skincare products and the ability to recommend tailored solutions, driving retail sales and improving client outcomes.

For more information, see our what skills to put on a CV article.

Interested in more professions with similar skill sets for giving treatments and being creative? Browse these examples:

• Fashion designer CV example

• Make up artist CV example

• Hairdresser CV example

• Customer service CV example

• Administrator CV example 

• Retail CV example.

3. How to add beauty therapist work experience in a CV 

Your CV should focus on relevant roles and accomplishments, even if you have limited experience. Highlight your tasks and duties, and include examples of quantifiable outcomes to demonstrate your contributions or achievements. For example, ‘performed 50+ client treatments, leading to a 30% increase in repeat bookings.’ 

To create a compelling work experience section, follow these steps:

• Start with your job title, company name, and location.

• Add employment dates in reverse chronological order.

• Write 3-4 sentences detailing your core responsibilities, using action verbs.

• Include 2 bullet points for measurable achievements or key contributions.

• If you’re newly qualified, consider roles such as beauty salon assistants or internships to gain practical knowledge. Emphasise hands-on training or coursework from beauty therapy schools. 

Work experience examples

Senior Beauty Therapist, Blissful Retreat Spa, London, UK | 2015 - Present

Supervise a team of therapists, overseeing daily operations, staff training, and performance evaluations. Manage client relationships, provide personalised beauty treatments, and conduct in-depth skincare consultations. Introduce advanced skin care procedures, offering advice on treatment options to address diverse client needs.

• Achieved a 20% increase in spa revenue by introducing advanced skincare procedures.

• Conducted training sessions for junior therapists, resulting in a 15% improvement in their treatment proficiency.

• Maintained a consistent client satisfaction rate of over 90%, leading to a loyal and expanding client base.

Skincare expert beauty therapist, Radiance Skin Clinic, Manchester, UK | 2018 - 2022

Specialised in skincare treatments, conducting comprehensive skin assessments, and creating tailored skincare regimens. Used advanced techniques, including chemical peels and laser treatments, to address various skin concerns. Stayed updated with the latest skincare trends and products, providing clients with cutting-edge solutions.

• Achieved a remarkable 30% increase in client retention by delivering exceptional results and personalised skincare advice.

• Contributed articles on skincare and beauty trends to the clinic's blog and social media pages

• Led the clinic to win the "Best Skincare Clinic in Manchester" award in 2020.

Work experience examples with little to no experience

If you are a school leaver, consider writing a skills-based CV to present transferable skills over work experience. Learn more about how to write a CV with no experience to impress employers.

Beauty Therapist Student Assistant, Beauty Haven Academy, Birmingham, 2023 - Present

Engaged in foundational coursework, gaining theoretical knowledge of beauty treatments such as facials, manicures, and waxing. Shadowed senior students during practice sessions to observe proper techniques and client interaction. Actively seek internship opportunities to gain hands-on experience and further develop practical skills.

• Attended industry seminars and workshops to expand knowledge of current beauty therapy trends

• Completed 30 hours of practice sessions, focusing on precision and client care.

Apprentice Beauty Therapist, Glow Spa, Glasgow, 2020 – 2021

Supported senior therapists in providing client consultations and maintaining the cleanliness and organisation of treatment rooms. Contributed to marketing efforts by creating content for the spa’s social media channels.

• Assisted in performing over 50 client treatments under supervision.

• Helped improve spa booking rates by 15% through promotional campaigns.

Learn more about how to write an apprenticeship CV.

For additional guidance, see our examples below or refer to our article on how to write work experience on a CV.

4. How to add education to a beauty therapist CV 

In the education section of your CV, highlight your academic qualifications, including courses relevant to your job targets. Industry-related qualifications can enhance your credibility helping you to land more interviews. For entry-level roles, trainee or beginner beautician CV samples,  or if you're writing a CV for your first job, pursue a relevant academic diploma, licence, or advanced training program. 

How to list education in your beauty therapist CV

• Start with your highest qualification: include the course or diploma name, the institution's name, and the years of attendance.

• List certifications: highlight advanced training, licences, or relevant short courses.

• Include dates: specify when you completed or attended each program.

• Focus on relevance: tailor this section to showcase qualifications that match the beauty therapist job description.

Examples of education

• Diploma in Beauty Therapy London College of Beauty, London, 2020 - 2022

• NVQ Level 3 in Beauty Therapy Manchester Metropolitan Beauty School, Manchester, 2018 - 2019

• BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Hair and Beauty Birmingham Beauty Academy, Birmingham, 2016 - 2017

• Diploma in Nail Technology, The Nail Academy, London | 2020 - 2021

• Certificate in Aromatherapy Massage, Wellness Training Centre, Glasgow, 2018

• Introduction to Beauty Therapy Course, Online Beauty Training, Remote, 2023.

5. Include additional relevant sections 

a. Hobbies and interests

Including hobbies and interests in your CV can add a personal touch and highlight transferable skills. For newly qualified candidates, adding volunteer work, personal projects, or extracurricular activities that you enjoy can showcase dedication and creativity.

For example:

• Volunteered at a local beauty salon, providing basic treatments to underserved communities.

• Created a personal blog sharing beauty therapist bio examples, skincare tips, and product reviews.

• Participated in workshops on hair and makeup school trends to stay updated with industry innovations.

b. Courses and certificates

Adding professional certifications and training to your CV can demonstrate commitment to growth and expertise. Examples include:

• NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy Treatments, London School of Beauty & Makeup, 2023

• Advanced Facial Therapy Certificate, The Skincare Academy, 2024

• Eyelash Extensions Certificate, Elite Beauty Academy, 2022

• Hot Stone Massage Certificate, Spa Training Institute, 2023.

For more guidance, refer to our article on whether adding references to a CV for beauty jobs is beneficial. 

Key takeaways 

When writing your beautician CV, remember the key points listed in the guide:

• Tailor your CV to the specific job: Ensure it aligns with your career goals and the requirements of the role you're applying for

• Highlight relevant skills and work experience: Even if your experience is limited, emphasise achievements and transferable skills

• Include qualifications and certifications: Showcase any relevant training, licenses, or accreditations in beauty therapy

• Address limited work experience: If you have little to no experience, consider enrolling in an apprenticeship or training course to boost your CV

• Focus on structure and formatting: Ensure your CV is well-organised, easy to read, and professionally presented to make a strong impression.

Next steps? 

Ready to create your own professional beauty therapist CV?  Discover the best tips for a good cover letter and learn how to track job applications. If you need further advice, explore our comprehensive CV Writing Service and try our CV Builder to create an application tailored to your career goals.

For additional examples of professional CVs and various formats, explore the following options:

• Graduate

• Student

• Fashion

FAQs 

What is a professional summary for a beauty therapist? 

A personal statement or summary is a brief introduction at the beginning of your CV that provides a snapshot of your skills, experience, and career aspirations. It should be tailored to your career stage and serve as a compelling hook to capture the potential employer's interest.

What is the UK's average salary for a beauty therapist?

The average salary typically ranges between £16,000 and £25,000 annually in the UK. This depends on experience, location, and whether you are self-employed or working within a salon. With added experience or working in high-end establishments, the salary can increase. Beauty consultant roles or working with premium skincare brands can also boost earnings.

What is the best format for a beauty therapist CV? 

The chronological CV format is the most widely used for CVs. It organises your work experiences, education, and other relevant sections, listing the most recent information first. This format is effective because it provides a clear and logical timeline of your career progression.

What qualifications do I need to be a beauty therapist in the UK? 

To become a beauty therapist in the UK, you’ll need a diploma (such as NVQ Level 2 or 3) from a recognised provider. Additional certifications or licences can boost career prospects. Check with training providers or employers for specific job requirements. 

Can you apply for a beauty therapist position with no experience? 

You can still apply for a job without experience or if you have recently had a career change. Suppose you're applying for your first role, emphasising qualifications, training, projects, and transferable skills like customer service and communication. Consider choosing a professional cover letter template to support your CV. Read our career tips for school leavers. 

How hard is it to get a job as a beauty therapist?

The competitiveness of this job market varies depending on factors such as location and the demand for local services. However, there are many opportunities and career paths available in the UK. Improving your skills through courses and networking for job hunting will support your CV. Browse the Beauty Academy and British Association of Beauty for career information. Look out for a job fair near you to help with you job search.