Graduating from aesthetics school is an exciting milestone. You’ve spent months developing your technical skills, learning about skincare and client care, and preparing to enter the professional world. Now comes another important step: choosing where to begin your career.
When you’re applying for your first aesthetician position, it’s easy to focus entirely on whether the employer wants to hire you. However, you need to remember—you’re interviewing them, too.
Your first job can have a major influence on your confidence, professional development, earning potential, and overall experience in the aesthetics industry. Before accepting an offer, take the time to understand what the position actually looks like and whether the workplace aligns with your goals.
Here are 10 important questions to ask before accepting your first aesthetician job.
1. What Will My Typical Day Look Like?
The job description may give you an idea of your responsibilities, yet it doesn't always tell the whole story.
Ask the employer to walk you through a typical day. How many clients would you see? How much time is spent performing services versus cleaning, preparing rooms, answering phones, or completing administrative tasks?
You may also want to ask:
- How many clients should I expect to see each day?
- How long are appointments?
- Will I have time between clients?
- What other responsibilities will I have?
- Will my schedule change from week to week?
Understanding the day-to-day expectations can help you determine whether the position matches what you envisioned for your first aesthetics job.
2. What Services Will I Be Expected to Perform?
Every spa, salon, med spa, and skincare business operates differently.
Ask which services you will be expected to perform and whether you’ll receive additional training before performing them independently.
For example, you might want to know:
- Which facial services are offered?
- Will I perform waxing or other hair-removal services?
- Are advanced skincare treatments part of the position?
- Will I work with specific product lines?
- Will additional certifications or training be required?
This is especially important if you’re interested in developing a specialty or expanding your skills over time.
3. What Training or Mentorship Is Available?
Your education doesn’t stop when you graduate.
As a new aesthetician, you may benefit tremendously from working alongside experienced professionals who can help you continue developing your skills and confidence.
Ask whether the employer provides:
- New-hire training
- Product training
- Service-specific training
- Shadowing opportunities
- Continuing education
- Mentorship
- Opportunities to learn new techniques
A workplace that invests in its team can provide valuable opportunities during those first few years of your career.
4. How Is Compensation Structured?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about money. Understanding how you will be compensated before accepting a position can prevent confusion later.
Depending on the workplace, compensation could involve an hourly wage, salary, commission, tips, or a combination.
Ask:
- Is the position hourly, salaried, commission-based, or a combination?
- How are commissions calculated?
- Are tips included?
- Are there retail sales incentives?
- Is there a minimum guaranteed rate?
- How and when are performance reviews conducted?
Make sure you understand the entire compensation structure—not just the advertised starting rate.
5. What Are the Expectations Around Retail Sales?
Retail can be an important part of many aesthetics businesses, yet every employer approaches it differently.
Some workplaces may expect aestheticians to recommend professional products as part of the client experience. Others may have specific sales goals or commission structures.
Ask what is expected of you.
The goal of recommending skincare should ultimately be to help clients continue caring for their skin between appointments—not simply to make a sale. Understanding an employer’s philosophy can help you determine whether it aligns with your own approach to client care.
6. How Is Scheduling Handled?
Your schedule can have a major impact on your work-life balance.
Ask about the expected schedule before accepting the position.
Important questions include:
- What are the typical working hours?
- Are evenings or weekends required?
- How far in advance is the schedule posted?
- Are employees able to request specific days off?
- How are holidays handled?
- What happens when there are cancellations or no-shows?
If you have personal responsibilities or long-term goals outside of work, make sure the schedule is realistic for your lifestyle.
7. How Does the Business Handle Client Rebooking and Retention?
Building a loyal clientele is an important part of creating a successful aesthetics career.
Ask how the business approaches rebooking and client retention.
Does the employer encourage aestheticians to educate clients about recommended treatment schedules? Are you expected to manage your own client relationships? Do you have opportunities to build your own book of business?
Understanding how the company approaches retention can also give you insight into how much opportunity you may have to grow your clientele.
8. What Does Growth Look Like Here?
Your first job doesn't have to be your forever job—ideally, it should help you move toward your long-term goals.
Ask the employer what career advancement can look like within the company.
For example:
- Are there opportunities to learn advanced services?
- Can employees move into senior or lead positions?
- Are there opportunities to train other team members?
- Can aestheticians transition into management?
- Does the company support continuing education?
- Are there opportunities to specialize?
Thinking about growth from the beginning can help you choose a position that supports the career you ultimately want to build.
9. What Is the Workplace Culture Like?
A position can look great on paper and still not be the right fit.
Pay attention to how employees interact with one another during your interview or tour. Do team members seem supported? Are communication and collaboration encouraged?
You can also ask directly:
“How would you describe the culture here?”
Consider whether the workplace feels professional, respectful, welcoming, and supportive.
Your first professional environment can play a significant role in shaping your confidence as a new aesthetician.
10. What Do You Expect From a New Aesthetician in the First 90 Days?
This may be one of the most valuable questions you can ask.
Instead of simply asking what the job requires, ask what success looks like.
What would the employer hope you accomplish during your first 30, 60, and 90 days?
You may learn about expectations related to:
- Client volume
- Service proficiency
- Retail sales
- Rebooking
- Customer service
- Team participation
- Professional development
Clear expectations give you a better idea of how you’ll be evaluated and what you can do to make a strong start.
Remember: Your First Job Is the Beginning, Not the Finish Line
It’s completely normal to feel pressure to accept the first job offer that comes your way after graduation. However, taking a little time to evaluate your options can help you make a more informed decision.
Think about more than the paycheck.
Consider the training, mentorship, workplace culture, schedule, opportunities for growth, client experience, and overall alignment with your career goals.
Your first position is an opportunity to gain experience, build confidence, develop professional relationships, and discover what type of aesthetics career you want to create.
And if a position doesn’t check every box, that’s okay, too. Your career will continue to evolve as you gain experience and learn more about yourself as a professional.
Need Support With Your Next Career Step? SWINA Career Services Is Here for You
You don’t have to navigate the transition from student to working professional alone.
SWINA Career Services provides ongoing support to help students and graduates prepare for the next step in their careers. Whether you need help polishing your resume, preparing for an interview, navigating your job search, or thinking through your professional goals, Career Services can be a valuable resource.
Before you accept your first aesthetician position, make sure you have the information and support you need to make a confident decision.
Ready to take the next step? Connect with SWINA Career Services and get support as you launch your aesthetics career.
Your first job is more than your first paycheck—it’s your first step into the professional future you’ve been preparing for.
