Tell us about a time when you had to adapt your approach to meet a client's specific needs.

Sample answer to the question

A more solid answer

I once had a client who was dealing with high levels of stress and anxiety. Initially, I planned to use lavender essential oil for its calming properties. However, during our consultation, the client mentioned that they had a strong aversion to the scent of lavender due to a childhood incident. I quickly realized that I needed to adapt my approach to meet their specific needs. I asked the client about their preferences and any other scents that they found soothing. Based on their input, I recommended using bergamot essential oil instead, as it has similar calming properties. I also suggested incorporating a few drops of a citrus oil, like orange, to add a refreshing touch to the blend. The client was thrilled with the suggestion and reported feeling much more relaxed and at ease after incorporating bergamot and orange into their aromatherapy routine. This experience taught me the importance of actively listening to clients and tailoring my approach to their unique preferences and needs.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more comprehensive response by providing additional details on how the candidate adapted their approach. The candidate demonstrates not only the ability to adapt but also a deeper understanding of the client's needs and preferences. The candidate includes specific details about the client's aversion to lavender and their childhood incident, which shows empathy and consideration. The candidate also suggests an alternative essential oil and a complementary scent to enhance the client's experience. However, the answer could still be improved by including more information on the outcome and the overall impact on the client's well-being.

An exceptional answer

I once had a client who was dealing with high levels of stress and anxiety. Initially, I planned to use lavender essential oil for its calming properties. However, during our consultation, the client mentioned that they had a strong aversion to the scent of lavender due to a childhood incident. It was important for me to create a safe and comfortable environment for the client, so I immediately adapted my approach to meet their specific needs. I asked the client about their preferences and any other scents that they found soothing. Based on their input, I recommended using bergamot essential oil instead, as it has similar calming properties and a more uplifting aroma. I also suggested incorporating a few drops of orange essential oil to add a refreshing and energizing element to the blend. By understanding the client's aversion and offering suitable alternatives, I was able to create a personalized aromatherapy blend that addressed their stress and anxiety effectively. The client was thrilled with the suggestion and reported feeling much more relaxed and at ease after incorporating bergamot and orange into their aromatherapy routine. This experience taught me the importance of actively listening to clients, tailoring my approach to their unique preferences and needs, and finding creative solutions to meet their goals.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer expands on the solid answer by emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and comfortable environment for the client. The candidate demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the client's aversion to lavender and goes above and beyond by offering an alternative essential oil with a more uplifting aroma. The candidate also includes additional information on the outcome and the overall impact on the client's well-being. The answer showcases the candidate's exceptional ability to listen, adapt, and find creative solutions to meet the client's goals. To further improve the answer, the candidate could provide more specific details about the client's progress and any long-term benefits they experienced.

How to prepare for this question

Research different essential oils and their properties to have a wide range of options to suggest to clients
Develop active listening skills to effectively understand and respond to client preferences and needs
Practice adapting your approach in different scenarios to gain experience and confidence
Stay updated on the latest developments in aromatherapy research and techniques to provide the best recommendations for clients

What interviewers are evaluating

Ability to adapt
Understanding of client needs
Flexibility