Sephora reviews

The worst issue in my opinion is getting searched. Yes, SEARCHED. I'm not sure if this is done at every sephora but they search you and your belongings when you check in to work (what's the point?) and they search you again when you leave. I read every material we were given and everything on the hiring site and it was never mentioned anywhere. We were never warned about this and on orientation day we were all a bit shocked when we were lined up and asked to take off our coats and open our purses in front of everyone. Note that none of us were anywhere near any products, it was just a big empty room with a projection screen, tables, and chairs.They sifted through our belongings, opening every bag inside. I felt extremely uncomfortable and violated, a warning would have been nice! I'm sure some of the 40 people there had something embarrassing in their bag. Also, the hiring process was VERY lengthy and confusing (3 interviews: 2 group interviews, 1 individual interview). I suspect this was unique to Manhattan as there is a large pool of applicants that must be narrowed down. Lunch was supposed to be provided during orientation since we were required to be in attendance from mid morning and into the afternoon, instead we were given some warm soda and oreos lol. No big deal but it was annoying. They were also strangely adamant about us not taking the notepad/pen we used to take notes during orientation. I found that a bit odd.

*Cliquey/Catty Co-workers: If you don't follow the bandwagon...expect to be thrown under it. I had many times where I was the main topic simply because I liked to exclude myself from the negativity. Everyone pretty much talks about everyone, but acts like they're the best of friends when that person is around. Expect it to be high school all over again. There's always some sort of drama. You have to have thick skin. I've seen many girls cry over something that has been done/said, but then will continue with that sort of vicious behavior once it's addressed by management. Makes sense, right? *Micromanagement or should I say, "Coaching": Management is ALWAYS watching. If you aren't doing things exactly how they want it...expect to be pulled to the side. It's not constructive criticism (that's always welcomed), but more so them fussing over every little, petty detail. *Understaffed: Retail already has a high turnover rate, however, at this particular location due to management and internal drama...it seems even worse. Since we don't have a lot of people, they overwork you. People will call-in since they work so much already (causing further problems). Instead of blaming management for not hiring more people, employees will blame each other. Management will also put blame on that person, not on their failure to hire people quick enough. *No Work/Life Balance: I feel like this doesn't exist. Even if you're part-time, you're still working 30 hour weeks with the majority of those hours on the weekend. It's hard to get time off unless you are FT. Be prepared to be given grief when you do ask for time off. I've worked multiple weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) straight. Also, since it's retail...expect to work holidays as well. *Pushy Sales/Condescending "Coaching": Despite not working on commission, they give you hourly updates on sales (goals for the day). Although you aren't suppose to be overly pushy on clients to buy stuff, you should still be overly pushy to clients to buy stuff. To meet the goal. Of course. Does that make sense? If the client only leaves with samples or nothing at all...questions will ensue as to why. Then commence passive aggressive lecture about how you could of closed a sale. It will usually end with, "Is it because you lacked confidence or the skill?" Don't even try to explain yourself because "...that's not an excuse..." will be the reply. *Favoritism: I don't think I need to say much about this. Management just has their favorites.