Estimated Read Time: 10 to 12 minutes.
Interviews aren’t exactly anyone’s idea of a good time. The nerves, the prep, the need to “sell yourself” while trying to gauge if the job is even worth your time—it’s a lot. Most barbers walk into an interview hyper-focused on answering the shop owner’s questions, proving their skills, and making a solid first impression. And while all of that is important, there’s something just as crucial that often gets overlooked: interviewing your interviewer.
Yes, you read that right. An interview isn’t just about the employer deciding if you’re a good fit—it’s also about you figuring out if the shop is the right place for you. This is your career, your livelihood, and your work environment. If you’re going to be spending hours behind the chair in this shop, you need to make sure it aligns with your goals, values, and vision for your future.
Feeling unsure about what to ask? No worries. Below is a list of must-ask questions that every barber should consider when stepping into an interview. These aren’t just throwaway questions to seem engaged—they’re designed to help you make an informed decision about where you’ll be working and what kind of career you’ll be building.
Does This Shop Support Continuing Education?
A great barber never stops learning. Trends change, techniques evolve, and new tools hit the market all the time. If a shop is invested in its barbers, they’ll have a system in place to encourage and support continuing education.
Ask if the shop provides training, sponsors workshops, or covers the cost of advanced classes. Some shops bring in industry experts for in-house education, while others offer stipends for external courses. Even if this doesn’t seem like a priority to you right now, down the line, having access to professional growth opportunities could make a massive difference in your career.
A shop that values education is a shop that invests in its barbers—not just in their ability to bring in revenue.
Are There Contracts Involved? What Do They Include?
Before you sign on the dotted line, you need to know exactly what you’re agreeing to. Some shops require non-compete agreements, meaning that if you leave, you may not be able to take your clients with you—or even work at another shop within a certain radius for a set period of time.
Non-competes aren’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but they can impact your ability to grow your clientele or move on to a better opportunity in the future. Ask about booth rental vs. commission agreements, client ownership policies, and any legal commitments you’d be making. The last thing you want is to feel trapped in a shop that isn’t serving you just because of a clause you didn’t fully understand.
What’s the Earning Potential for Top Barbers Here?
Money talk can feel awkward, but let’s be real—this is your livelihood. You need to know what’s possible for you at this shop. Instead of outright asking what you’ll be making, try this approach:
“What do the top-earning barbers at this shop make, and how do they get there?”
This question gives you a sense of the financial ceiling without putting the employer on the defensive. Does the shop limit how much a barber can earn? Are there growth opportunities, commission structures, or bonuses in place? If you’re in a commission-based shop, what percentage goes to the house, and what’s left in your pocket?
And don’t just stop at wages—ask about benefits. Do they offer health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation, or sick days? If the answer is no, are there other perks that help balance it out? These are things you’ll want to factor in when deciding if the shop is the right fit for you.
What’s the Culture Like?
It’s easy for a shop to look good from the outside—great branding, strong social media presence, a stacked appointment book—but what’s it actually like working there? Culture is everything. If the environment is toxic, competitive, or high-stress, no amount of money or perks will make it worth it.
Try asking:
“How would you describe the work environment here?”
“Do barbers collaborate and support each other, or is it more of an independent setup?”
“What’s the team dynamic like?”
If possible, talk to the barbers who already work there. If they seem genuinely happy, chances are the shop has a solid culture. But if they seem overworked, disengaged, or hesitant to answer, consider that a red flag.
How Are Busy Days Managed?
Every barber shop has those days when the door doesn’t stop swinging open. The question is—how do they handle it? Some shops operate like a well-oiled machine, with barbers supporting each other and the front desk managing the flow. Others? Not so much.
Find out if you’ll have the flexibility to control your bookings or if you’ll be expected to take on every walk-in. Does the shop run Groupon deals or heavy promotions? If so, are you required to participate, or can you opt out? What does a fully booked day look like, and will you have breaks scheduled?
Understanding how the shop handles high-traffic periods will help you decide if their pace and structure align with how you like to work.
What Does Success Look Like Here?
Every shop has different expectations of its barbers. Some prioritize fast turnarounds, packing in as many clients as possible. Others focus on customer experience, encouraging longer appointment times and premium services.
Ask your interviewer what they consider a successful barber in their shop. Do they value retention rates, upsells, social media presence, or something else? The answer will give you insight into whether their vision of success matches your own career goals.
What’s the Plan for Growth?
A great shop isn’t just thinking about today—they’re planning for the future. Ask the owner what their vision is for the business. Are they expanding? Bringing in new services? Opening additional locations?
A shop that has a long-term growth plan is a shop that will continue to provide opportunities for its barbers. If they’re stagnant or don’t seem to have a clear direction, that could be a sign that their best days are behind them.
Why Did the Last Barber Leave?
This one’s bold, but if you ask it tactfully, it can be extremely telling. If barbers keep leaving the shop, there’s usually a reason. Maybe it’s a management issue, maybe the pay isn’t competitive, or maybe the culture is toxic.
A good way to phrase it is:
“I’d love to hear about the last barber who left—what were their reasons for moving on?”
The answer (or the hesitation in answering) can give you valuable insight into what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Making the Right Choice for Your Career
Interviews aren’t just about getting hired—they’re about making sure you’re stepping into a role that serves your goals, values, and future. As a barber, your work environment, earning potential, and daily experience matter just as much as the skills you bring to the table.
Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions. The right shop will respect your curiosity, appreciate your professionalism, and recognize that a great barber isn’t just looking for a job—they’re looking for the right fit.
