massage therapy interview tipsIn the process of applying for a job as a massage therapist, the interview often takes on greater importance than an interview for a typical job. This is because the interview process for a massage therapy position usually includes a practical interview at which the applicant will be expected to perform a massage. In order to get a job as a massage therapist, you'll need to perform well both at answering traditional interview questions and at showing your skills through a demonstration massage.

If you are applying for a job at a larger spa or company, you can expect to be greeted by a human resources representative who may question you during the first part of the interview. At some companies, you might have a separately scheduled first interview and then a practical interview where you'll perform a massage later. Other companies may combine these two interviews on the same day. 

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Some basic massage therapist interview questions that you'll want to prepare for include the following:

  • What massage therapy school did you go to? One of the first things you'll be asked to do as part of your interview is detail all of the formal education you've had in massage therapy. You might want to bring any diplomas or transcripts along with you to submit to the company you're applying to work with if you haven't already submitted this documentation when you applied for the job. 
  • Why did you decide to pursue massage therapy as a career? Ideally, you have some inspiring story that explains why you decided to go into massage therapy. Before your interview, think about why you decided to choose this career path and why you feel that a career as a massage therapist will leave you feeling fulfilled. 
  • What are your professional goals as a massage therapist? Show you have plans for the future with your career in massage therapy. Spas will want to find therapists who are looking to grow professionally during their employment, so plan for how you will express your ambition to succeed during your interview. 
  • How do you take care of yourself so that you stay fit for massage therapy? By now, you're probably already aware of the fact that being a massage therapist requires a certain level of physical fitness. Spa directors know that giving a full body massage can be tiring and demanding. You may be asked how you stay fit so that you're able to continue delivering quality massages through a full workday. 

Developing Your Own Massage Philosophy

Most of the time, questioning at a massage therapist interview will delve even deeper. You may be asked to explain your own unique "philosophy of bodywork" regarding massage therapy. Hopefully, you've spent some time thinking deeply about bodywork and the art of massage therapy during your massage school education. It will help you out when you interview for massage therapist positions if you've already come up with some original ideas on the subject. Your interviewer could ask you for your own philosophy of bodywork that you've created based on your unique perspective and experience. 

As massage therapy is a type of therapy, you might also have to explain your philosophy of healing. You'll definitely want to be able to clearly explain how massage can be used to facilitate healing and improve the physical, mental, and emotional states of those who receive your massages. 

The Practical Massage Therapy Interview

The practical interview is typically the most challenging part of the massage therapy interview process. This is where you're showing your skills and demonstrating everything you've learned during your massage therapy education. Don't think of the practical interview as a determining factor in applying for a job. Rather, you should think of it as an opportunity given to you to do what you love and share your skills with another.

When you're giving your practical interview, your interviewer will be looking out for more than just your massage skills and style. The interviewer will be judging how well you are able to make your massage recipients feel comfortable. Spa directors know that some individuals feel squeamish about receiving a massage from a stranger. The ability to make others feel comfortable is therefore an important skill they're looking for. 

The company may provide you with supplies during your practical interview, but you should bring your own just to be on the safe side. Even if you are not offered a job after the interview process, remember that every position you interview for provides with a learning experience and prepares you for your next interview.

Get Ready for Your Massage Therapy Career!

Are you excited to get started preparing for your massage therapy career and your first interview with a spa director? Get started on the pathway to a professional massage therapist job with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Massage Therapy by contacting ECPI University to learn more. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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