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Questions to practise
What kind of nail work have you done before?
The manager wants to know your skills and experience, and what you enjoy doing.
Name the services you can do, for example gel, acrylic, manicures or nail art. Say where you did them and for how long. Add one thing you enjoy, such as making a client feel relaxed.
How do you keep your tools and your table clean?
Clean tools show you care about your clients and follow the salon's rules.
Give clear steps, not just 'I always clean'. For example: 'I clean the table, clean and disinfect my metal tools, and use a new file for each client.' Say when you do each step. Use the method your salon requires.
Tell me, step by step, what you do between two clients.
This checks that you have a real routine you follow every time, even on a busy day.
Use order words: first, then, after that, finally. For example: 'First I throw away used files. Then I clean the table. After that I sterilise my tools. Finally I wash my hands.'
How do you find out what a client wants?
Clients are happy when the result matches their wish. The manager wants to see that you ask and listen.
Say you ask simple questions and show examples. For example: 'I ask, Do you want a natural look or a bright colour? I show photos or colour samples.' Then repeat their choice back to check you understood.
How do you look after a client from the moment they sit down?
Many clients come back again. Good care and a friendly manner keep them coming back.
Talk about comfort. You greet them, ask what they want, check they are comfortable and explain what you are doing. At the end, check they are happy with their nails.
A client comes back after two days. Her gel nail has come off, and she is angry. What do you say to her?
The manager wants to see if you stay calm, kind and fair when a client is upset.
Use three steps: listen first, say sorry, then offer a clear fix. For example: 'I'm sorry your nail came off. I can fix it for you today. Let me check with my manager about the cost.' Follow the salon's policy. Keep your voice calm.
Have you ever had a client who was not happy? What did you say?
A real example shows how you act in a real situation, not only in theory.
Tell a short story: what happened, what you said, and how it ended. Use the exact words you said to the client. If you have no example, say what you would do, step by step.
How do you keep to time with your bookings?
In a busy salon, one late appointment can make the whole day late.
Give a concrete action. For example: 'I check the bookings at the start of the day. I know how long each service takes, and I keep an eye on the clock.'
What do you do if you are running late?
The manager wants to see that you respect the next client's time and tell them early.
Say you tell the next client straight away. Offer a choice: wait a few minutes or take a new time. Say sorry and stay friendly. Do not rush the client you are working on.
What do you do if a walk-in client arrives and the day is full?
This shows if you can stay polite and helpful when you cannot say yes right away.
Say you greet them kindly and check the bookings. If there is no space, offer the next free time or ask if they would like to wait in case someone cancels.
Before I start, I wash my hands and check my tools.
Clara
AI coach
Leo
AI coach
Lines to try
Before I start, I wash my hands and check my tools.
After each client, I clean the table and sterilise my metal tools.
I use a new file for every client.
First I would listen to the client, and then I would say sorry.
I can fix it for you today. Let me check with my manager about the cost.
If I run late, I tell the next client straight away and offer a new time.
Common questions
What if I don't know a word in English during the interview?
That is normal. Describe it with simple words, for example 'the small tool for the skin around the nail'. You can also say: 'Sorry, I don't know the word in English, but I can explain.' Clear, simple English is better than difficult words.
How long should my answers be?
Aim for three or four sentences. Give one main point, then a clear step or a short example. If the manager wants more, she will ask. Very short answers like 'I always clean' can sound vague, so add what you clean and when.
Should I talk about real examples from my past work?
Yes, if you can. A short real story about a client, a complaint or a busy day helps the manager picture you at work. Say what happened, what you did and what you said. Keep it short and positive.