Nail Technician Resume Guide
Nail Technicians provide a variety of services to clients, such as manicures, pedicures and nail art. They clean and shape nails before applying polish or artificial enhancements like acrylics. Additionally, they advise clients on proper nail care techniques and products.
You have an eye for detail and your nails are always on-point, making you the ideal candidate for any nail technician job. But employers don’t know about your experience yet. To get them to recognize what a great fit you would be, you must write a resume that stands out from the crowd.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.
Table of Contents
The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.
Nail Technician Resume Sample
Odie Jacobs
Nail Technician
[email protected]
773-864-1146
linkedin.com/in/odie-jacobs
Summary
Skilled nail technician with 5+ years of experience providing manicures, pedicures, and nail art services to clients. Experienced in acrylics, gels, dipping powder systems and other techniques for both natural nails and artificial extensions. Committed to helping customers look their best through high-quality service that exceeds expectations. Seeking a position at ABC Salon where I can use my skills to help create beautiful looks for clients.
Experience
Nail Technician, Employer A
Cary, Jan 2018 – Present
- Actively provided over 300 nail treatments each week, including manicures and pedicures that met clients’ expectations in terms of shape and design.
- Demonstrated expert knowledge when selecting colors, designs, gels and lacquers for every customer; significantly improved client satisfaction scores by 15%.
- Formulated custom color combinations to match customers’ clothing styles or preferences; increased sales of special shades from $30 per month to an average of $250 within 3 months.
- Assessed the condition of nails before performing any services using a magnifying glass and other tools; reduced instances of filing away too much cuticle area or excessive buffing by 20%.
- Manicured up to 90 hands/feet daily while keeping up with the latest trends in nail art & design techniques; generated additional revenue worth $500+ through retail product sales monthly.
Nail Technician, Employer B
Boise, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017
- Participated in the preparation of over 300 manicures and pedicures per week, ensuring that all clients were satisfied with their services.
- Reorganized nail polish shelves to create a more organized and pleasing aesthetic, resulting in an increase of $2,000 in monthly sales.
- Efficiently removed old gel nails or acrylics while protecting the natural nail bed; reduced incidents of skin irritation by 35%.
- Massaged hands and feet for 10+ minutes each session using various essential oils and creams to enhance relaxation levels; saw an average client satisfaction rating increase from 8/10 to 9/10+.
- Upkept knowledge on current trends within the beauty industry through regular seminars as well as independent research efforts; successfully implemented new techniques such as holographic glitter nails with great success among customers.
Skills
- Beauty Industry
- Manicures
- Pedicures
- Cosmetics
- Nail Care
- Skin Care
- SPA
- Customer Satisfaction
- Time Management
Education
Cosmetology License
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011
Certifications
Manicurist/Nail Technician License
State Board of Cos
May 2017
1. Summary / Objective
Your resume summary or objective should be a powerful statement that captures the attention of potential employers. In this section, you can highlight your experience as a nail technician and any special skills or certifications you have obtained. For example, mention the number of years you’ve been in business, how many clients you serve each month, and what types of services (manicures/pedicures) are offered. Additionally, if applicable include details about any awards or recognition received for outstanding workmanship.
Below are some resume summary examples:
Detail-oriented nail technician with 7+ years of experience in the beauty industry. Recognized for excellent customer service, skillful manicure and pedicure services, as well as advanced knowledge of nail products and trends. Experienced in working on diverse clientele ranging from children to elderly customers. Dedicated to providing a relaxing atmosphere while delivering exceptional results at XYZ Salon & Spa.
Seasoned nail technician with five years of experience using modern techniques and tools to provide excellent nail art services. At XYZ, developed a reputation for providing high-quality manicures that adhere to the latest trends in fashion. Skilled at offering clients a wide range of options when it comes to color and design choices. Dedicated to making sure each customer is satisfied before leaving the salon.
Accomplished nail technician with 10+ years of experience in the industry. Experienced in providing clients with a range of services, such as manicures, pedicures, and nail art designs. Dedicated to delivering high-quality service that exceeds customer expectations while adhering to all safety protocols and standards. Looking for an opportunity at ABC Salon to bring my expertise and creativity into practice.
Talented nail technician with 5+ years of experience in providing a wide range of nail care services to an array of clients. Seeking to join ABC Beauty Salon, where I can use my creative expertise and attention-to-detail skills while delivering unique and quality results. Achieved 98% customer satisfaction level throughout my career by consistently exceeding expectations through excellent service delivery.
Amicable and detail-oriented nail technician with 5+ years of experience in the beauty industry. Seeking to provide exceptional service and quality nails at XYZ Salon. At ABC, increased customer retention rate by 25%, while developing a loyal client base that has grown consistently for 2 consecutive years. Skilled in providing manicures, pedicures, acrylics and other treatments as requested by customers.
Dependable nail technician with 8+ years of experience creating beautiful nail art designs and providing excellent customer service. At XYZ, I managed a team of three employees while keeping up with the latest trends in nails to ensure satisfaction of our customers. Received two “Employee Of The Month” awards for my outstanding performance and dedication to quality work.
Proficient nail technician with 5+ years of experience providing high-end manicures and pedicures. Skilled in using a variety of nail products, such as gel polish, dip powder, acrylics and more to meet customer needs. Looking to join the team at ABC Salon where I can use my artistry and creative vision to provide clients with beautiful nails that last for weeks.
Hard-working and detail-oriented Nail Technician with 5+ years of experience providing various nail services to customers. Skilled in creating beautiful acrylics and gel manicures, as well as pedicures and other spa treatments. Looking to expand my career at ABC Salon & Spa by helping clients look their best through quality service and expert advice.
2. Experience / Employment
In the experience section, you should list your employment history in reverse chronological order. This means that the most recent job is listed first.
When writing about what you did at each role, use bullet points to make it easier for the reader to take in the information quickly. You want to provide detail on what tasks and duties were performed as well as any results or accomplishments achieved.
For example, instead of saying “Performed manicures,” you could say, “Provided professional nail services such as acrylics and gel nails for up to 25 clients per day with a 95% satisfaction rate.”
To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:
- Manicured
- Pedicured
- Polished
- Buffed
- Shaped
- Removed
- Sanitized
- Sterilized
- Soaked
- Massaged
- Exfoliated
- Airbrushed
- Decorated
- Customized
Other general verbs you can use are:
- Achieved
- Advised
- Assessed
- Compiled
- Coordinated
- Demonstrated
- Developed
- Expedited
- Facilitated
- Formulated
- Improved
- Introduced
- Mentored
- Optimized
- Participated
- Prepared
- Presented
- Reduced
- Reorganized
- Represented
- Revised
- Spearheaded
- Streamlined
- Structured
- Utilized
Below are some example bullet points:
- Exfoliated and shaped client’s nails, applying acrylics and gels to create stunning designs for over 200 customers each week with 95% customer satisfaction rate.
- Mentored 2 junior nail technicians on the proper techniques of manicuring and pedicuring; increased average daily revenue by $1,200 in 6 months.
- Pedicured an average of 15 clients per day utilizing hot wax treatments, foot massages and special exfoliating scrubs to improve their overall skin health; boosted monthly services revenue by 10%.
- Prepared customized colors for clients’ desired looks using a wide variety of products such as shellac, gel polish & glitter powders; reduced product waste from 20% to 5%.
- Confidently provided advice on various types of cuticle care products including oils/creams/conditioners so that customers could maintain healthy nails at home; raised retail sales by 40%.
- Spearheaded the delivery of over 300 manicure and pedicure services per week, increasing client satisfaction by 15%.
- Streamlined the nail care process for clients, reducing service time from 2 hours to 1 hour on average.
- Reduced appointment no-shows by 20% through effective scheduling techniques and marketing campaigns which increased customer retention rates.
- Competently provided a wide range of treatments such as acrylics, waxing & threading, paraffin dips & massages; treated over 500 customers during peak season with consistent 5-star reviews.
- Sterilized all tools used in accordance with health regulations and safety protocols; ensured that proper hygiene was maintained at all times while providing services to clients.
- Buffed and filed nails to customer specifications, applying acrylics and gels with precision in under 60 minutes to an average of 45 customers daily.
- Introduced new nail art techniques such as airbrushing and 3-D designs, increasing sales revenue by 20%.
- Substantially improved the accuracy and speed of manicures/pedicures; decreased time spent per client from 75 minutes on average to under 50 minutes without compromising quality or safety standards.
- Improved retail sales performance by 25% through upselling products related to nail care services, including creams, lotions, oils and other beauty accessories; exceeded monthly targets every quarter for two consecutive years.
- Achieved a 95% satisfaction rate among clients based on surveys conducted at the end of each appointment; regularly received compliments for precise application & artwork creativity during visits.
- Represented the salon in various nail shows, increasing customer awareness by 40% and resulting in a 20% increase in clientele.
- Compiled an extensive portfolio of over 200 classic, airbrush & 3D designs which motivated clients to try out new styles and resulted in 25 extra bookings per month.
- Airbrushed intricate patterns on nails using vibrant colors; enhanced the overall look of customers’ hands while reducing time spent painting each nail by 15 minutes on average.
- Expedited manicure/pedicure services for last minute appointments within 30 minutes or less, facilitating increased customer satisfaction ratings from 95+%.
- Resourcefully developed unique color combinations with acrylic powders and glitters to produce eye-catching results that consistently pleased customers who requested custom designs for special occasions such as weddings & proms.
- Advised up to 50 customers a day on the best nail care products and treatments available, resulting in a 20% increase in retail sales over 6 months.
- Decorated nails with colorful paints, glitters, rhinestones and other adornments; invented new techniques to create intricate designs that earned numerous compliments from clients.
- Sanitized all tools according to strict health protocols prior to use on each customer; successfully maintained an impeccable salon environment at all times by thoroughly disinfecting surfaces every hour during peak business hours.
- Polished fingernails using manual as well as electric buffers for up to 8 hours per shift without sign of fatigue or sloppiness; completed manicures & pedicures within 45 minutes while providing excellent customer service throughout the process.
- Diligently followed safety practices when performing acrylics, gels and silk wraps on client’s nails; reduced risk of skin irritation by 80% compared with previous year’s records due to improved hygiene standards.
- Coordinated with up to 20 clients a day in providing professional nail services, such as manicures and pedicures, while taking into account their desired design and budget; successfully increased customer satisfaction ratings by 14%.
- Customized over 500 designs for clients using gel polish, acrylics and other techniques according to the latest trends; improved product sales revenue by $3,000 during peak seasons.
- Revised existing procedures for filing nails & buffing cuticles to maximize efficiency without compromising on quality of service; reduced treatment time per client from 40 minutes down to 30 minutes on average.
- Thoroughly sanitized all tools before each use with EPA-approved disinfectants in order to reduce risk of infection or contamination among customers; decreased incidences of skin irritation due to bacteria build-up by 10%.
- Soaked feet prior massaging them with scented lotion as part of the pedicure process thereby enhancing relaxation experience for every client who visited the salon within last 6 months.
- Meticulously shaped over 1,000 nails for customers every week and applied custom nail designs per request; reduced manicure time by 30%.
- Presented clients with an extensive range of acrylics, gels and nail art products to choose from and successfully upsold additional services that added $500+ in revenue each month.
- Developed creative techniques such as airbrushing, freehand painting & digital design when creating unique looks for special occasions like proms or bridal parties; increased customer satisfaction ratings by 12%.
- Facilitated a safe environment for staff members and customers alike while strictly adhering to sanitation guidelines throughout all treatments/services performed at the salon.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills when counseling clients on proper aftercare instructions, product selection tips & other relevant information related to their services provided.
- Reliably performed manicures, pedicures, acrylics and other nail services for 80+ customers per week; optimized service times by 25% with precision and accuracy.
- Utilized a wide range of products to provide clients with professional-looking results, including nail polishes, gels & powders as well as cuticle oils & creams for moisturizing treatments.
- Optimized retail sales performance in the salon by upselling various items such as specialty lotions and exfoliating scrubs; increased revenue from retail merchandise sales by $1,500 last quarter.
- Structured custom plans tailored to each client’s individual needs when providing advice on how best to care for their nails between appointments; decreased customer complaints regarding damaged nails/cuticles by 23%.
3. Skills
Even though two organizations are hiring for the same role, the skillset they want an ideal candidate to possess could differ significantly. For instance, one may be on the lookout for an individual with experience in acrylic nail art, while another may be looking for someone who is knowledgeable about the latest trends in gel nails.
Therefore, it is essential to tailor your skills section of your resume according to each job that you are applying for. This will help ensure that applicant tracking systems (which many employers use) pick up on the relevant keywords and pass your application onto a human reviewer.
In addition to listing these qualifications here, you should also discuss them further throughout other sections of your resume such as the summary or work experience area.
Below is a list of common skills & terms:
- Beauty Industry
- Cosmetics
- Cosmetology
- Customer Satisfaction
- Data Entry
- Fashion
- Makeup Artistry
- Manicures
- Merchandising
- Nail Care
- Pedicures
- SPA
- Skin Care
- Social Networking
- Teamwork
- Time Management
- Waxing
4. Education
Mentioning your education on your resume will depend on how far along you are in your career. If you just graduated and have no experience, include an education section below your resume objective. However, if you already have significant work experience that showcases the skills needed for a nail technician role, omitting the education section is perfectly valid.
If including an education section is necessary or desired, try to mention courses related to the job such as manicure techniques or esthetician classes.
Cosmetology License
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011
5. Certifications
Certifications are a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in a certain field. Employers will be impressed if you have certifications that are relevant to the job position, as it shows that you have taken the initiative to gain additional qualifications.
Be sure to include any certifications on your resume so employers can see how they may benefit from hiring someone with such credentials. This could give you an edge over other applicants who do not possess these qualifications.
Manicurist/Nail Technician License
State Board of Cos
May 2017
6. Contact Info
Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.
You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.
Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Odie Jacobs, this would be Odie-Jacobs-resume.pdf or Odie-Jacobs-resume.docx.
7. Cover Letter
Submitting a cover letter is not a requirement for most job applications, but it is highly recommended. A cover letter allows you to introduce yourself and explain why you’re the best candidate for the role. It typically contains 2-4 paragraphs of information that is not already included in your resume.
Writing a cover letter gives hiring managers an insight into who you are as a professional and helps them understand how your skills can be beneficial to their company or organization. Crafting one will give recruiters more reasons to consider inviting you for an interview!
Below is an example cover letter:
Dear George,
As a licensed nail technician with 5+ years of experience in the beauty industry, I am excited to apply for the position of Nail Technician at your salon. My passion for nails and commitment to providing excellent customer service has allowed me to excel in my career thus far. I am confident that I can bring my skills and knowledge to your salon and contribute to its continued success.
In my previous role as a Nail Technician at [salon name], I provided high-quality manicures and pedicures, acrylic nails, gel nails, nail art, and other services to clients. I developed a strong reputation among clients for my attention to detail and ability to provide exactly what they were looking for. In addition, I consistently sought out opportunities to improve my skills by taking courses on new techniques and trends.
I am confident that I can be an asset to your salon and would love the opportunity to put my skills and experience to work for you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like additional information about my qualifications; I look forward hearing from you soon!
Sincerely,
Odie