Securing an internship at the world’s largest beauty company, L’Oréal, may seem challenging, but with the right approach, it’s entirely possible. L’Oréal owns over 50 global brands, including Giorgio Armani, Lancôme, and Urban Decay. The company actively seeks fresh talent, offering numerous internship opportunities for students and graduates.
If you’re eager to kickstart your career in the beauty industry, follow this guide to improve your chances of landing an internship at L’Oréal.
1. Understand L’Oréal’s Internship Programs
L’Oréal offers internship opportunities in over 29 countries across various departments, including:
- Marketing
- Sales & Business Development
- Digital & IT
- Human Resources (HR)
- Finance
- Research & Development
- Public Relations (PR) & Communications
- Retail & Operations
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a L’Oréal internship, you typically need to be in your second or third year of university. However, requirements vary depending on the position and location. Always check the L’Oréal Talent website for specific details.
Paid Internships
Unlike many beauty companies, L’Oréal offers competitive salaries for its internships, making it a great opportunity for students seeking valuable experience.
According to L’Oréal, “We believe in nurturing young talent, and that means providing meaningful, hands-on experiences that help students grow.”
2. Craft a Strong CV That Stands Out
Your CV is the first impression recruiters get of you, so it needs to be well-structured, engaging, and keyword-optimized.
Tips to Improve Your CV
- Use relevant keywords related to the role you’re applying for.
- Highlight your skills and achievements in marketing, sales, digital, or any relevant field.
- Quantify your experience—for example, instead of saying “Managed social media,” say “Increased social media engagement by 40%.”
- Avoid grammar mistakes—proofread and ask someone else to review your CV before submitting it.
As one recruiter at L’Oréal stated, “Your CV should tell your story in a compelling way. We look for passion, creativity, and a strong drive to succeed.”
3. Network and Connect with L’Oréal Recruiters
Attending L’Oréal recruitment events is a great way to meet company representatives and improve your chances of getting noticed.
While networking can be beneficial, it’s not a substitute for a strong application. Make sure you still complete the official online application process.
4. Submit a Winning Application
How to Apply
- Visit the L’Oréal Careers website and find the right internship.
- Click ‘Apply Now’ and fill in your details.
- Attach your CV and cover letter, ensuring they match the job description.
- Double-check all details before submitting to avoid errors.
Bonus Tip: Join the L’Oréal Brandstorm Competition
If you’re interested in marketing, take part in the Brandstorm competition—a global challenge where students develop marketing strategies for new product launches. Many winners land full-time jobs at L’Oréal.
Jean-Paul Agon, former CEO of L’Oréal, once said, “Innovation is at the heart of our business, and we encourage young minds to challenge the status quo.”
5. Prepare for the Online Aptitude Test
After submitting your application, you may be required to complete online aptitude tests, which include:
- Numerical reasoning (math-based problem-solving)
- Verbal reasoning (understanding written information)
- Logical reasoning (pattern recognition and problem-solving)
How to Prepare
- Practice online aptitude tests in advance.
- Work on time management, as each question is usually timed.
- Stay calm and focused—these tests are meant to assess problem-solving skills, not perfection.
According to a L’Oréal hiring manager, “The aptitude test is designed to measure a candidate’s ability to think critically and solve problems efficiently.”
6. Succeed in the Interview Process
Stage 1: Telephone Interview
If you pass the aptitude test, you’ll have a phone interview with a recruiter. Expect behavioral questions such as:
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- “Describe a time you faced a challenge and how you handled it.”
Tip: Prepare STAR-based answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
Stage 2: Assessment Center (“Taste of L’Oréal”)
If you move forward, you’ll be invited to the L’Oréal assessment center, where you’ll participate in:
- Group discussions – Showcase your teamwork and communication skills.
- Presentations – Deliver a clear, confident pitch on a given topic.
- Problem-solving tasks – Demonstrate your ability to think critically.
A recruiter at L’Oréal once mentioned, “We don’t just look for the smartest candidate; we look for the best team player who can collaborate and adapt.”
Stage 3: Final Interview
The last step is a one-on-one interview with HR and a department representative. Expect in-depth questions about your CV, education, and career goals.
- Review your CV thoroughly and prepare thoughtful answers.
- Research L’Oréal’s values and company culture to show you align with their mission.
7. Receive Your Offer and Start Your Internship
If you successfully pass all stages, you’ll receive an offer within two weeks with details on:
- Start date
- Salary (if applicable)
- Working hours
What to Expect as a L’Oréal Intern
- A mentor to guide you through your role.
- Real-life projects that help you build valuable skills.
- A chance to secure a full-time job—L’Oréal hires 85% of its interns.
As L’Oréal states on its careers page, “An internship at L’Oréal is more than just work experience—it’s a chance to shape your future.”
Landing an internship at L’Oréal requires preparation, persistence, and confidence. Even if you don’t get selected, the experience will help you improve future applications.
Take Action Today:
- Update your CV and tailor it to your desired role.
- Visit L’Oréal’s Careers Page and explore open positions.
- Practice aptitude tests to boost your confidence.
Have you applied for a L’Oréal internship? Share your experience in the comments below.
