Barber CV example

Barbering is part style, part service, and part social skills. Your CV needs to reflect all three. A good one tells shop owners or managers exactly what you’re capable of without them having to read between the lines.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a CV that puts your experience and personality front and centre, with clear formatting and tailored content that helps you stand out to hiring managers.

Barbering is equal parts creativity and precision – your CV structure should consider both. Recruiters and shop owners want to understand your experience quickly, so keep things clean and easy to follow. Think of it as your digital front window: it needs to look good and give people a reason to step in.

Here’s the layout to follow:

• Name and contact details – Place your name and personal details prominently at the top of your CV for quick access. Adding a photo is up to you.
• Profile – Open with a compelling overview of your skills, experience, and career goals.
• Core skills – List your key abilities in this section, focusing on those that will be most relevant to the job.
• Work experience – Provide a detailed breakdown of your work history, starting with the most recent job first.
• Education – List your qualifications, including degrees and relevant certifications, in reverse chronological order.
• Additional info – Use this optional space for relevant hobbies or personal pursuits that enhance your application.
  

Make it clean. Use bullet points to keep things scannable, clear section headings to avoid confusion, and a simple font that won’t distract. Stick to two pages length max – it’s a snapshot of your skills, not your life story. And remember: a messy format suggests messy work. Keep it flowing as smoothly as your best fade.

Your CV profile is like the opening line of a good conversation – it needs to set the tone and keep people interested. Don’t just say you’re “hardworking” or “passionate” – show it through the kind of barbering you do and the places you’ve worked.

This section is your space to highlight what makes your approach stand out. It’s not about listing everything – just giving a quick, convincing overview that makes recruiters want to read more and understand the benefits of hiring you.

Here’s what to include:

• Where you’ve worked – Mention shops, salons, or mobile setups.
• Your top qualifications – NVQ Level 2/3, barbering diplomas, or apprenticeships.
• Essential skills – Cutting, styling, shaving, customer service, and timekeeping.
• Clientele or services – Men’s grooming, beard trims, or bespoke styling.
• Your strengths – Whether it’s speed, precision, rapport with customers, or creative flair.

This is the part of your CV that gets a quick scan – so make it count. Think of it like your toolkit: each item should show why you’re the one they want in that chair.

No need to cram in every buzzword. Focus on the skills that actually make a difference to the business and the client. Tailor your list depending on the vibe of the place you’re applying to. A fast-paced walk-in shop wants something different than a high-end grooming salon, and your CV should reflect that. 

This is where you show that you’re not just confident with the clippers – you know how to keep a chair full and a client coming back. Whether you’ve worked in busy high street shops, run your own chair, or offered mobile services, explain what you’ve done and what impact you’ve had.

List work experience in reverse chronological order. For each one, include your job title, business name, and the dates you worked there. Then, use bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements – cover things like customer retention or any special responsibilities you had (like training new barbers or managing stock).

• Outline – Mention the barber shop, the type of environment, and your role.
• Responsibilities – Use action words like “cut,” “styled,” “advised,” or “built rapport” to explain your work.
• Achievements – Highlight impact: “Maintained a loyal client base of 100+,””Introduced new grooming packages,” or “Trained 2 junior barbers.”

Qualifications show your commitment to doing things right – especially in a trade where hygiene, safety, and professional training matter. Keep the education section short though, as real-world experience is the priority.

Start with your most recent or highest qualification. That might include an NVQ in Barbering, a diploma from a training academy, or a barbering apprenticeship. If you’ve also taken short courses in specialist treatments, include those too.