Tips on Interveiwing As a Massage Therapist

Interviewing for any job requires a certain set of skills, but interviewing as a massage therapist can be a different experience. There are still a number of traditional interviewing skills you can employ, but you need to let your professionalism as a massage therapist shine.

Place of Work

• One of the questions your interviewer may ask is why you want to work in that particular setting. Your response should reflect your experience with massage techniques that match the atmosphere of the job you are seeking. For example, if you are interviewing to work with a chiropractor, detail your experience and enthusiasm for working with people with injuries. If you are interviewing to work with an acupuncturist, detail your experience in the Eastern modalities as well as your knowledge of this complex topic.

  Remember, your expertise with various forms of massage therapy will make you a more likely candidate for certain settings. Be certain to share the details of your knowledge with the interviewer.

Appearance

• Appearance is a factor when interviewing for any job. Massage therapy employers look for more than a well-dressed person. First, be certain your fingernails are extremely short and well-kept and your hands are ring free. Arrive for the interview prepared to work.

  Second, be extremely conservative in your style of dress. Do not wear tight clothing, tank tops, shorts, high heels or mini skirts. Never show cleavage. For massage therapists this is a particularly important ethical consideration. Dress in the manner appropriate to the profession.

Experience

• If you do not have tremendous amounts of experience, highlight your education. Most massage-therapy schools require a certain amount of hands-on practice for each technique learned. Be certain to let your interviewer know how much practice you have had and how well you did with this class, including positive feedback you may have received from other students and instructors.

Questions

• There are a few important questions to ask during your interview. First, ask if any intake forms are used. If an intake form is not used, it is acceptable to question this practice since you will be legally responsible for record-keeping of your clients.

  Another important question is the company policy regarding "no-shows," people who schedule appointments and do not show up. Will you be paid for this or will you totally forfeit your time? Some companies offer a small remuneration if this occurs.

Hands On

• A normal interview as a massage therapist includes performing a short massage (usually 15-30 minutes) on the interviewer. Try to incorporate any techniques you may have discussed during the interview. Breathe, apply appropriate pressure, pay attention to your client and give the best massage possible.