How to Ace Your Hands-On Massage Interview and Land the Job of Your Dreams

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.

Shedding some light on the mysteries of the practical massage interview.

Credit: Richelle Hawks

Copyright: Richelle Hawks