I have been practicing bodywork full time for 8 years, and in that time, I have been on both ends of the ‘practical’ massage interview, that is, the hands-on massage interview that usually takes place after a traditional type job interview. Because of its physical, performance driven nature, and its greatly varying parameters, it is a great source of anxiety and stress for many new massage therapists. The massage interview is quite unlike other job interviews, but it doesn’t have to be grounds for undue trauma or fear. There are several things you can do , and some insider tips you should know, to be sure you are in top form to make the best impression possible, and ace your interview.
A few years ago, I was hired as the spa director for a brand, yet-to-be-opened spa. Part of my responsibilities were staffing. I had to find 15 to 20 excellent massage therapists to work in an unproven, brand new spa. My previous experience with the spa industry was next to nothing, as I had always had a private practice. Getting this business together from nothing, and working with an completely inexperienced owner who had never even stepped into a spa, or had a massage before–well, it was like taking a crash course in all things spa.
I knew that I could design the most appealing, indulgent treatments, come up with unbeatable grand opening specials, order and make the best, highest quality products, choose the best, most relaxing, hip and ambient music. But I also knew that the factor that would make or break the spa’s success would be the quality of work and professionalism of the massage therapists I hired. I was determined to find the best, most versatile and skilled therapists I could.
This proved to be a huge undertaking. I interviewed dozens and dozens of therapists, collected hundreds of resumes, placed ads, received and placed endless phone calls, and generally spent about half of my workday focused on finding therapists. I was also in charge of the practical massages, and conducted probably upwards of 100 hands on interviews.
There were some common pitfalls and mistakes many of the therapists made, that are easily avoided. I want to stress that the advice here is not necessarily a consensus of spa directors, it is all mine, and although my spa director experience was brief, it was intense. I am also quite picky about professionalism and quality bodywork, so I believe that the advice I can offer to prospective therapists is quite sound and commonsensical. Although I use the terms “spa” and “spa director”, and also use the feminine pronouns, these are simply devices of literary convenience. It is my intention to refer to the wide variety of massage establishments, wide range of interviewers, and of course, both genders.
Be prepared
The first step may sound quite cliché, but it may be the most important. It is quite simply, to always be completely prepared. When looking for massage employment, you should be prepared to perform a practical massage at any point in the interview process. This even includes at the point of walking into a spa to drop off your resume.
Although it is most common to do the hands-on step after an initial verbal interview, this is not always the case. There is really no standard. There is also no standard in regard to the timeframe for a practical interview. It is most common that they last between 15 and 30 minutes, but you will run into the occasional full session request. So, it is wise to always be in a position to say “yes” to a request for an immediate practical massage.
It shows you are available and confident. Availability was a huge factor in hiring massage therapists. It seemed that many had school and family obligations, and were not highly available. Although saying yes to an unscheduled practical massage does not necessarily mean you have a blank schedule, it shows the interviewer you are serious and engaged with the work, and that you are not running frazzled. So, a good rule of thumb is to schedule 1 ½ hours for each verbal interview.
Make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing to give a massage. This doesn’t mean you should show up to a verbal interview sporting a polo shirt or tank top, but having a short sleeve shirt on under your regular shirt, comfortable shoes, and a hair scrunchy in your bag is a good idea. Don’t worry about bringing oils or any accoutrements like a lotion holster. If you are asked to give a massage unexpectedly, you will be given anything you may need.
The idea of preparation doesn’t just apply to the unexpected practical, of course. For many therapists, these interviews may be the first massages performed outside of their school or clinic facility. It is very easy to feel more than a bit disoriented in a completely different environment. The table and its headrest, sheets, blankets and bolsters, lotion bottles, amount of physical space, noise levels, etc., can be 180 degrees difference that what you are used to.
So, unless you receive a treatment prior to your interview, there’s really no way to know what the room and protocol is going to be like. If it is possible, it is a good idea to make an appointment before your interview, to receive a massage or spa treatment. Obviously, this may not be an option because of the expense, but it is a very impressive gesture. It shows true appreciation for bodywork, in that you are actually in the habit of receiving it, and interested in that particular spa.
Even if the interviewer isn’t aware you have had an appointment, you can use it to your advantage within the interview conversation. When she asks you why you want to work there, you can rave about the fabulous experience you had the other day. Find a way to work it into the conversation. She will be duly impressed. Think of scheduling a massage sometime before your interviews (or even between) as an investment. It gives you an edge by understanding the spa’s dynamics, physical layout, and the added benefit of impression.
If you do have a massage, make sure to tell your therapist about your upcoming interview, and how you love the spa, would love to work there, and so forth. Spa people are usually very friendly and tight knit groups, and word of the really cool client who is a massage therapist and who happens to have an upcoming interview will probably get back to your interviewer. It is a great strategy if you are absolutely set on working at that particular spa. It’s not phony or pretentious– it is networking and smart. Plus, as you know, massage decreases stress!
Don’ts
Unless you are specifically requested to treat the interviewer exactly as you would a regular client, avoid asking her to fill out a client intake form, and avoid long questions about medical histories, medications, injuries, previous massage experience. There is an unspoken agreement in these interviews that the interviewer knows you would use proper intake protocols with clients. Simply ask if there is anything you need to know before you begin the massage. Because of that unspoken agreement, she will tell you anything you need to know. This person could likely be a professional authority figure soon, and she may not feel like revealing that she takes antidepressants.
Likewise ditch fluff dialogues about how this time is set aside just for her, remembering to breathe, or taking deep breaths with you, drinking lots of water, or anything of this sort. Although there may be arguments for the validity of these conversations within a working context, the interview is not the time for it. Don’t initiate small talk during the massage, and do not make comments about her body. Do not tell her one leg is shorter than the other, that she has ‘crunchies’ in her shoulders, that she really should get massages more often, take better care of herself, or anything like this. This vein of commentary does not make you look like you know what you are talking about, and is not inappropriate within an interview context. These comments may also be against policy, or discouraged.
Ask her about what kind of pressure she likes once, and then tell her to feel free to tell you at anytime is anything is too much or too little. Do not ‘check in’ about the pressure every couple minutes. From the perspective of being on the table, it feels disruptive and like you have to validate the therapist constantly. Instead, show your confidence by remembering what kind of pressure to use, reading the body’s response, and staying focused.
Unless specifically requested, do not waste the interview time performing a bounty of energy work. This includes but is not limited to–craniosacral holds, “grounding” holds or techniques, or acupressure holds. Instead of using these techniques, use widely varying massage strokes to show off your versatility. Incorporate stretches and other more unconvential but highly physical techniques to showcase your talent.
Also avoid initial or closing, light over-the-sheet “comfort” brushing strokes, tickling or patting, finger-walking, or ‘congratulatory’ type touching, or anything that is not an assured, authentic massage-standard touch. There is nothing more off-putting than this type of touching during a massage, and especially during an interview. It is unprofessional, usually highly annoying, and once this type of touch is engaged, your chances of landing the job is probably nil. If you feel compelled to make your initial contact or closing special– think shiatsu. Traction the sacrum over the sheet, use your forearms along the spine, or find another quick, profound stroke.
Scrapping the energy work and fluffy stuff serves you in several ways. First, almost every inexperienced therapist employs some type of energy work into the precious few minutes allotted–it’s not special. And for the purposes of the interview, it is a big waste of time. Not doing so will show her you get what the interview is about, and that you are not a cookie cutter therapist. It will set you apart from the minions. She wants to know you have a variety of effective strokes, a quality of touch, and a confident presence. She will know you can perform energy work from looking at your resume.
Do not wear your school clinic uniform to the interview. Although it may be similar to the spa clothes or uniform the therapists wear, make sure you do not look like a student, and that you are not trying to look like you work there quite yet. Uniform type clothes are too informal and sporty for any type of interview. You are now a professional, and you should stand out as such for your interview. Choose something that is in between spa type clothing, and business casual. There is room for individuality and style within this atmosphere, and can even work to your advantage. Some important things to remember for the practical interview are: appropriate shoes (no heels) secured hair, minimal jewelry, and short sleeves (even if it has to be underneath a jacket or other shirt.)
Do not attempt to talk the interviewer in to or even suggest receiving a full body, full session massage, if she has already indicated time limitations. This may appear as overconfident or worse, that you don’t respect limitations or boundaries. Likewise, if a full session is the request, and you don’t feel comfortable performing an entire massage, do not ask it to be a shortened version. The interviewer may have very valid reasons for asking for a full session, and it certainly within the bounds of professionalism. Some spas are even in the habit of paying you their full rate for one of these types of interviews.
Don’t make comments about the small massage room, or attempt to exempt yourself from responsibility of quality work, by saying you won’t be able to do certain stretches or strokes that you normally would, because there isn’t enough room, or anything like this. Even if it’s true, the interviewer will view this negatively. Throughout your career as a massage therapist, you will have to find ways to adapt greatly outside your comfort zone or normal environment concerning space and equipment. The interview is one of those times. I once gave a practical interview in a chiropractor’s office, in a room in which the massage table was actually pushed lengthwise flush against a wall. That was extreme, and obviously sent my normal routine out the window. But you must be able to be nonplussed about such things during an interview. Not all spas and treatment rooms are ideal or spacious.
This may be arguable, but I suggest that you do not ask for feedback about your skill level, or ask how the massage went. This is not school, and not officially a learning atmosphere. At the point of an interview, you should display enough professional confidence to preclude constant reassurances or critique from everyone you work on. The idea of asking for feedback is a valid and important one, but not in this realm. Many new therapists do ask for feedback after a hands-on interview. For the interviewer, it can be burdensome to feel as if you are part of some exercise in self confidence. Reserve requests for feedback in less formal settings. But if feedback is offered after the interview, it is a great thing. Listen well, and use it accordingly.
Enough for the don’ts-here is an overview of things you should do in you interview:
Do’s
Make sure the table is the correct height for you. If not, adjust it. Don’t view this as ‘messing with their stuff’ or coming across as too particular. It’s a sign that you are confident, and value your own comfort and use good body dynamics.
Do ask enough questions so that you know exactly how the interview will proceed, and what you need to bring, if anything. If there is any doubt in your mind about any aspect, ask. If you walk into the room without a bottle of lotion because you made a wrong assumption, or were hesitant to ask, you may have put yourself in an awkward position.
Specifically ask about what you need to bring, and the timeframe of the interview. Also specifically ask what ‘type’ of massage and what areas you should work on. If you are simply told to do whatever you want, the interviewer is probably looking to see how well you use your time. Do not attempt a full body massage in 30 minutes or less. You will be rushing, and nervous not to go over the time limit, and it will be felt. It is wise to work on the areas clients most request. Spend most of your time divided between shoulder, rhomboid area, lower back, and the neck. It is also a good idea to show you have some really great techniques for the feet and hands.
Do your best work. Include a variety of strokes, using various ‘tools’, such as your forearms, palms, fingers, and elbows. Use large, long strokes and motions, mixed in with shorter, small strokes. Show your artistry and focus by using these varying strokes and tools, but keeping all the while, a smooth, even tempo and pace.
Know your audience. Make sure that the strokes you use and the general massage you perform is appropriate for the setting. If you are interviewing in a chiropractic office, for example, make sure you know if you are expected to use more clinically or medically oriented techniques, or if a regular, Swedish type massage is indicated. Don’t assume. Hopefully, this conversation will have already been addressed within the verbal interview phase.
Some possible problems and how to handle them
Most interviewers want you to do a great massage. They have already seen your resume and know your experience level. Most of them will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable in their spa, and especially within the confines of the massage room. But, it is unfortunately the practice of a very few to try to get you flustered, or otherwise try to sabotage you in a small way, to see how you would handle a particular situation.
It is your call on how to handle this. If obvious mindgames and dysfunctional power dynamics are already at play within the interview, there is a good chance there is more of the same on the horizon. You are in charge, and you can walk away at any moment. I’m not implying that anything overtly inappropriate or threatening will take place. But, I have heard some strange stories. One large massage company has their interviewers pretend to have various physical ailments during the massage, and the therapist is supposed to have determine what disease they suffer from by the end of the interview. That is just weird. Some may be less strange, but nevertheless be slightly stressful, like asking you to complete a full body massage in just 15 minutes, to see how you react.
There is also an issue present with some interviewers, with using the practical for their personal massage, rather than for professional evaluatory purposes. If the interviewer requests a full session, and essentially acts like a client, by giving you a list of injuries, medical issues, areas of stress and knots to be worked out, there may be a chance you are being taken advantage of. It is unprofessional for an interviewer to use the interview in such a way; there is a professional boundary that should be engaged, so they are able to enjoy the massage, yet focus not on getting the kinks worked out of their tight shoulders. You may not know until you have committed to doing the massage. It can also be a very fine line, and you may have to rely on your instincts. This scenario is appropriate, however, if you are being paid for your time. When in doubt, it may be best to assume the best intentions, and just go ahead with the massage, if you are comfortable.
So, there you have it. If you follow these guidelines, I am confident that you will make the best possible impression in your practical massage interview. Good luck!
