By Fatskills Exam Guides Team — the exam nerds behind 28,500+ quizzes and 2.1M practice questions across 500+ global exams.
Key Topics:
- Select and complete an educational program - Apply for an examination - Schedule your examination - Prepare for the examination - Test-taking tips and hints - Apply for your license - Keep current - Consider your career options - Get the job hunt underway
As you start down this exciting new career path, you will find that one of the biggest challenges in the profession is the lack of a single national standard or process for licensing and regulating the profession. What exists instead is a patchwork of varying requirements that can differ considerably depending on where you intend to practice.
You will find that requirements can vary at the state, county, and even the municipal level. For this reason, you will be most successful in this new career if you take the time to research and understand requirements for your area before you get started.
Your first step is to determine exactly what is required to become a licensed massage therapy practitioner in your state. The organizations and Web sites listed direct aspiring therapists through the maze of information out there and help you to determine specifically what is required in your area. The massage regulatory board in most states maintains a Web site and updates it regularly; however, it is still important for you to confirm that the information is still correct. If you are concerned about the age of the information or cannot locate information for your state, call your local state board. You should be able to find its phone number online.
How Current Is Your Information? The Internet is a terrific tool for conducting research, because it can lead you to a wealth of information with just a few clicks of the mouse. However, not all of the information you find online is equal; some sources may be outdated and others might be just plain wrong. Therefore, as you search for the specific regulatory requirements that apply in your state, take a few steps to make sure that the information you find is provided by a reputable source and current. The best source for regulatory information is almost always your state government’s Web site. Government Web sites can be identified by the “.gov” indicator in the domain name. For example, Pennsylvania’s official government Web site is located at http://pa.gov, New York’s official government Web site is located at www.ny.gov, and so on. Once on the Web site, search for “massage therapy,” “regulatory board,” “professional board,” or some other logical search term. You should be able to find the pages you seek with relative ease. You will also want to make sure the information is current. You can do this by checking the publication date on the pages in question. You can usually find this “last updated” date near the bottom of the page. If the information has not been updated in the last 6 months or so, you should probably follow up with a phone call directly to the board to make sure licensing requirements have not changed.
Select and Complete an Educational Program Once you know what requirements you need to meet to practice massage therapy in your state, the next step is figuring out how to meet these requirements. As you begin searching for educational opportunities in this field, you will find that massage training is available from a variety of sources, from community colleges to vocational schools to private institutions. Choosing the right program is critical, so here are some factors to consider while making this decision. - Accreditation level: Accreditation indicates that an educational institution or program has met a set of standards developed by an official accrediting body. Most educational institutions need to be accredited by the state in which they are offered, so state accreditation should be the first level you confirm. State accreditation means the state has reviewed the curriculum and determined that it is adequate to meet the stated educational objectives of the program. Depending upon state requirements and/or the licensing examination you plan to take, you should also ensure that the school or program is accredited by an industry organization with expertise and a vested interest in the profession. Voluntary accreditation is available from the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) as well as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Most institutions that have achieved either of these accreditations have undergone the process because they recognize the value of this independent accreditation, and they usually make it a point to prominently display this information in marketing materials or on their Web site. Therefore, look carefully for the accreditation level of any school or program that interests you. (Or ask questions! Staff and administrators from legitimate institutions will answer your questions openly and honestly.) Avoid schools or programs that are not accredited at any level, because they may be a waste of your time and money. - Business practices: If you are considering a private institution or school, you will need to recognize that private institutions are essentially for-profit businesses, and its operational practices will matter to you. How long has the school been in operation? What are the school’s operational policies (for example, what happens if you have to drop out? Will any of your tuition be refunded?) Does the school staff a business office and when is it open? Are administrative personnel available on a regular basis? You can also do a little detective work online. Check with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) to see if any complaints about shoddy business practices have been lodged or try to get a sense of the institution’s reputation in the community. If possible, you can also talk to local massage therapists to see what they have to say about the program you are considering. - Program completion rates/school-to-work assistance: How many students are currently in the program? How many students have actually graduated? What is the overall program completion rate? Does the school provide internship opportunities? Does it offer career assistance to its graduates? A high completion rate means students have found the program worthwhile. Schools that are plugged into the local community with internship and career assistance programs offer the best opportunity for you to find work after you graduate. - Admission requirements: Do you meet the requirements for attending the institution? Most schools require a minimum high school diploma or equivalent. If you are not qualified to attend a particular institution, find out what you need to do to become qualified. - Course work: If you select an accredited school, the course content will follow the standards published by the accrediting body. If you select a non-accredited school, you will need to carefully review the curriculum against the outlines published by one of the accrediting organizations to ensure that the program at a minimum prepares you for the examination you will need to take to become licensed. Use the materials on sites such as www.comta.org, www.ncbtmb.org, and www.fsmtb.org to determine the adequacy of the program. Most of these sites also include e-mail links for you to ask questions; take advantage of these resources. - Program length/course availability: How many contact hours does the program require? Massage programs can run from a few months to as long as two years. Does the school offer full-time and part-time options? If you can only attend classes at certain times (i.e., in the day or in the evening), are all of the courses you need offered at those times? - Class size: The best programs limit the number of students per class so that the student/teacher ratio is reasonable. A student/teacher ratio of 15:1, for example, indicates 15 students for every teacher, so you would expect an average of 15 students in most of your classes. Because massage is such a hands-on discipline, it is important that class size is not so large that you will not have adequate time to practice or work directly with your instructor if necessary. - Tuition/financial aid: How much does the program cost and what kind of payment schedule is in place? (Make sure you consider all fees, such as lab fees, costs of books, etc., in addition to the tuition.) Is this tuition level comparable with other similar institutions? Is financial aid available if you need it? If you need to drop out of the program for any reason, is any portion of the tuition refundable? - Transferability of credits: If you wish to transfer earned credits to other institutions, can you do so? For example, if you plan to switch to a different school at some point during your study, you will need to ensure that the institution has transferrable credits. Ask the administrators at both schools (if you know the school to which you will eventually switch). At a minimum, the administrator of your program should be able to tell you what, if any, institutions have accepted credits from the school in the past.
Apply for an Examination After you have completed your formal education, you can apply to take the examination of your choice. Your state may mandate that you take one examination or another or it may allow you to choose which you will take. Check the state Web site for specifics. Note: If you are testing under NCBTMB’s National Examination for State Licensing (NESL) option, you can apply for the examination at any point in your studies. Review Appendix B: NCBTMB National Examination for State Licensing (NESL) Option for more information. Once you have applied to and been accepted for the examination, you will need to test within a set time frame. This time frame is essentially the same: 3 months for the two National Certification Examinations (NCEs) offered by the NCBTMB, which are the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) and the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) or 90 days for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) offered by Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). This means you should not apply for the examination until you feel reasonably certain that you are prepared to pass it.
Schedule Your Examination Tip: Candidate Handbooks are available for both the MBLEx and the NCETMB/NCETM. Candidate Handbooks contain complete instructions for applying for, scheduling, and taking each examination. You can find these handbooks on the FSMTB (www.fsmtb.org) and NCBTMB (www.ncbtmb.org) Web sites. MBLEx, NCETMB, and NCETM examinations are all administered via Pearson VUE computer-based testing centers. Once you are notified of eligibility to take the examination of your choice, you will be directed to locate a testing center in your area to schedule the examination. You can do this either on the Pearson VUE Web site (www.pearsonvue.com) or by calling Pearson VUE directly at 1-888-699-1808. In order to maintain the integrity of its testing sites, Pearson VUE has strict requirements for testing. For example, you must arrive at the center 30 minutes prior to your scheduled test time; you must bring two forms of identification, including current valid photo ID; and you cannot bring anything into the testing room with you. These and other requirements will be provided to you with confirmation of your testing date. It is important to read and follow all instructions completely. If you do not conform to all testing guidelines, you may not be allowed to take your examination as scheduled.
Test-Taking Tips and Hints Before you apply to take one of the massage therapy examinations, you should feel close to being ready to take and pass that examination. At a minimum, you should complete the diagnostic test before or near the time you apply. Because you will have only a 3-month (NCE) or 90-day (MBLEx) window to schedule your test once you are deemed eligible, it is important to feel confident in your knowledge so you do not feel rushed in your studies. Once your eligibility has been confirmed, schedule your test. Even if you do not plan to test until nearly the end of the grace period, it is important to schedule your test date immediately to maximize the chance of getting the test day you want. Testing dates may be limited, depending on the location and the number of seats available. Pearson VUE centers provide testing services for many different examinations across a variety of professions, so other people will be scheduling their tests, too. In the month before the test, pay special attention to the material you find most difficult. About a week before the test, select random practice problems from each section to complete. By now you should feel comfortable with your comprehension of the information. The night before the test, go to bed at a reasonable hour. You may be nervous but it is important to be as well-rested as possible. In the morning, get up early enough that you can eat something nutritious before the test. Try to relax and work on approaching the test with a positive attitude. Most importantly, at all points in this process, read and follow all confirmation instructions carefully. You will receive instructions from the testing organization (FSMTB or NCBTMB) as well as instructions from the Pearson VUE test center. It is critical that you follow these.
Here are some tips for test day: - Wear comfortable clothing. Layers are best, so you can remove a layer if you are too warm or add one if you are too cold. - Arrive early— at least 30 minutes ahead of time. You will become stressed if you rush, and stress can negatively affect your performance. Make sure you locate the test center ahead of time, so you know how to get there on the day of the test. The testing monitor may reassign your slot if you are not signed into the testing center 30 minutes ahead of time. - You will not be allowed to bring anything into the testing room with you, other than your ID and paper and pencil provided by the test monitor. Therefore, do not bring any unnecessary items with you to the test center. The testing monitor will provide a small locker for storage of essential items such as your car keys or purse, but this space is usually very limited so bring only what you absolutely need. - Do not bring other people with you to the test center, particularly individuals who require supervision, such as children. Babysitting services are not available and no one else will be allowed to go into the testing room with you. - Listen carefully to any and all instructions given to you by the test monitor. Read all written instructions carefully. Ask questions if you do not understand something. - You will be escorted to the testing room and assigned a computer. The technology used for the testing is fairly simple so you need only be minimally knowledgeable with computer operations to successfully complete the examination. In addition, before your test begins, you will have the opportunity to complete a short tutorial walking you through the testing process. Even if you feel comfortable with the technology, it is in your best interest to take a few minutes to complete this tutorial. The time you take does not count as testing time. In addition, the tutorial includes some simulated questions so you will have the chance to practice before starting your exam for real. - The MBLEx includes 125 random multiple-choice questions across the identified subject areas. You will have 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete this examination. The NCE tests include 160 random multiple-choice questions across the subject areas. You will have 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete this examination. - No matter what test you take, answer every question that is presented! Incomplete questions are considered WRONG and count against your score. - For all questions, read the question in its entirety before looking at the answer options. Try to mentally devise an answer before looking at the choices. This way, the way the answer options are worded will not confuse you. - Read all answer options before choosing one. - Usually, the first answer option you select is correct, so try not to spend a lot of time changing your answers once you have selected them. - If you are having trouble with a particular question, you can flag that question and come back to it later. (The tutorial will show you how to do this.) - If you are unsure of an answer, first try eliminating any answer option you believe is incorrect. Then make a guess from the remaining answer options. - Double-check to make sure you are selecting the right answer before submitting it. Because your test is computer-based, once you submit the examination, your score will be immediately calculated and you will be advised as to whether you have passed or failed. You can leave the testing room at that point. The testing center monitor will provide you with printouts of appropriate documentation based on how you score. You will be advised of any necessary next steps.
Apply for Your License Here is where your early research pays off. Because you knew the requirements for a license BEFORE you started your journey, when you apply for your license to practice, you will already know you have met the requirements. Thus, you can be reasonably confident that you will not have difficulty with this step. Follow the application instructions posted on your state’s Web site. Your school should also be able to assist you in starting this process.
Keep Current Most states require a periodic licensing review. Your state may also require you to complete a certain number of continuing education hours to ensure that you are current on techniques and changes in the industry. In addition, NCE certifications are valid for four years from the date of issue. To maintain your certification beyond that period, you will be required to recertify. A Recertification Reference Guide is available on the NCBTMB Web site (www.ncbtmb.org). In any event, it is important to stay on top of current thinking and techniques in your field. Taking classes and pursuing advanced certifications are key ways to do this.
Consider Your Career Options Now that you are licensed and ready to practice, what is next?
Do you want to work for yourself? The nature of the massage therapy profession makes it an ideal career choice for people who are looking to work for themselves. If you choose to go into business for yourself, you can set up your business in any number of ways. You can offer services to clients in their homes or workplaces. You can rent a room at a spa, health center, or gym, where you have the opportunity to meet people who are likely to be interested in your services. You can even set up a business area in your home and have clients come to you. Obviously, plenty of options are available to aspiring entrepreneurs. If you think you may be interested in setting up your own business, a good first step is to do some research in your area to find out how other therapists practice, what they charge, and how they handle issues such as tips and commissions. Do they tend to work in public venues such as gyms or health centers? Do they work from stand-alone locations? Do they travel to clients or have clients come to them? It is important to understand the norms in your area; of course, you do not have to do what other people are doing, but you may find it helpful when you are getting started. Professionalism is always critical for a massage therapist, but it will be of special importance for you as a business owner. For example, if you visit a client in his or her home, you should not act as if you are on a social visit. You should not accept snacks or beverages, nor should you sit down and chat with the client. Instead, remember you are there in a professional capacity. You should determine—politely and professionally—where the client would like you to set up your equipment and get to it. If you plan to work out of your own home, you should first make sure your neighborhood or development does not have rules prohibiting you from running a business there. Once you are cleared to go ahead, it is best if you designate a specific area in your home for your work. In an ideal world, this area would be a room that is totally separate from your living quarters and might even have its own entrance. If that is not possible, at the very least, you should have a dedicated room that is used solely for business. It should be neat and inviting and set up in a way that is comfortable for the client. It should be roomy enough that you can easily access and move around the client as necessary. The room should be isolated from the rest of your home as much as possible, and should be off-limits to your family and pets, especially when clients are visiting. It should be kept free of clutter and of non-business items. In other words, it should look and operate like a professional work environment. In addition, you should have a dedicated restroom available for clients if at all possible. If not, make sure the restroom you use for your business is free of clutter and personal items/medications. Keep records on each of your clients. Your records should include the client’s intake forms, contact information, insurance information, preferences for particular techniques, and any notes you make regarding the client’s physical condition or needs. You should update your records each time the client comes to you so that your information is always current. Keep these records confidential. If you work in a shared space, do not leave personal information about clients out in the open. Instead, maintain a file cabinet or box in a private area. If notes are kept electronically, password-protect them. Your business should have a dedicated phone line and/or e-mail address so that clients and potential clients can easily reach you. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to set up an appointment and not being able to do so. Even though you are just starting out, it is important to operate as if you have been established for some time. You will need to market and advertise your services to reach potential clients. For this reason, it is usually helpful to first rent a massage room from an operation such as a gym or a salon; these businesses cater to individuals who are likely to seek your services. If you act professionally and demonstrate a high level of skill, clients are more likely to become repeat customers and also recommend you to others. Word-of-mouth recommendation is often one of the best ways to build clientele. Other channels for reaching potential clients involve advertising, which you can do on the Internet, in the newspaper, on bulletin boards, etc. Focus on the channels you believe are targeted toward the clientele you wish to service. For ideas on making the most of your advertising and marketing efforts, contact the Small Business Administration (SBA) in your area. The SBA can provide you with resources and counseling as you start and grow your business. In addition, the SBA can provide invaluable advice and assistance with financial recordkeeping, taxes, and general business licensing in your area.
Do you want to work for someone else? If you are not ready for self-employment or if you want some real-world experience before striking out on your own, you can always seek work with someone else. As mentioned earlier, many therapeutic massage opportunities exist in a variety of environments. Before you begin your job search, consider the clientele you wish to work with and the type of environment you want to work in. Do you prefer a fast pace and relatively healthy client? Are you interested in rehabilitative work in a more therapeutic setting? Or is it your dream to work with the sick or disabled in a clinic or hospital? Most massage therapists are employed part-time due to the physically demanding nature of the work, so you should make sure you understand the expectations of any employer before you start to work there. Consider if evening and/or weekend hours are required and whether or not you wish to work at those times. Depending on where you are employed, evening and weekend appointments may be the norm since you will need to be available when your clients are. In other settings, working hours may be a little more traditional. Another consideration is how you will be paid. Is the position salaried? Is it paid hourly? Is it a per-massage fee? Will you receive commissions or tips? Will you be considered an employee or an independent contractor? Does the employer require you to be on-site when you do not have any sessions booked? If so, will the employer offer you an hourly wage? Do some research so you know what to expect in different environments. It is much better to know the norms beforehand than to be surprised later.
Get the Job Hunt Underway If you wish to find outside employment, you will need to know how to prepare effective resumes and cover letters.
Create a Resume Many avenues are available to you when you are searching for work. You can look for jobs using Internet job boards, industry trade magazines, local newspapers, job boards for specific employers, and so on. In addition, your school may have job placement assistance available; if so, take advantage of this service. While conducting your job search, keep one thing in mind: the person responsible for finding you a job is you. The best approach is a proactive one. That means you take the initiative to look for openings in your area or take the steps necessary to get your business off the ground; do not wait for others to come to your aid. If you intend to work for someone else, you will need to create a resume. A resume is a document that outlines your education, accomplishments, and skills. Resume styles can vary greatly, so choose one that is clear and easy to read. Your resume should showcase your professionalism and draw attention to your strengths. Your resume is the first thing a potential employer is likely to see, so it is critical to make a good impression. You should try to keep your resume to one page or two at the very most.
At a minimum, you should include the following information on your resume: - Contact information: Your contact information includes your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. If your e-mail address is silly and unprofessional, set up a new one specifically for your job search. It is best to use an e-mail address that is easy for potential employers to remember, such as a combination of your first and last names. For example, you might use your first initial and last name, such as [email protected], or you might write out your whole name, such as [email protected]. - Certification: If you have successfully achieved certification, you can use designated initials after your name. If you passed the NCETMB exam, you can use the initials NCTMB after your name: John Doe, NCTMB. This stands for Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Similarly, if you are NCETM-certified, you can use the initials NCTM: John Doe, NCTM. This stands for Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage. Most employers will be interested in your certification status, so it is important to include this information. - Objective: The objective is your goal. Your objective may be simple, such as “To obtain a job as a massage therapist,” or it may be more particular to the kind of job you are applying for, such as “To obtain a job as a massage therapist working with cancer patients in a clinical setting.” It is best to be as specific as possible. - Education: List your education, beginning with your most recent certificate or degree. If you are just starting out and your resume seems short, you may want to include a few bulleted points about your course of study. Be sure to include your school name and location, the dates you attended, and the degree or certificate you earned. (See the Sample Massage Therapist Resume in this section.) If your work experience is stronger than your education, you may want to list your work experience first. The goal is to make your resume look as impressive as possible so that others are interested in hiring you. - Work experience: Beginning with your most recent job, and keeping in mind that it is not necessary to include every job that you have ever held, list your work experience. Include relevant experience that might apply to the job you are seeking, such as experience with a certain population (for example, the elderly), or experience in a particular environment (for example, a hospital setting). If you completed an internship, it may be best to begin with this, as it is likely the most relevant experience. If your job experience is not related to the career field, however, you should still include it, as it demonstrates that you are dependable and stable. - License/certification/professional memberships: Indicate if you are licensed, certified, and/or if you are a member of any professional organizations.
In addition, you might also want to include one or more of the following optional sections: - References: Most employers ask for references, so you may find it expedient simply to include these directly on your resume. Do not use friends or family members as references. Rather, it is best to list previous employers or instructors; your references should be able to speak objectively to your educational abilities or workplace skills. Be sure to ask each individual if it is okay to include him or her as a reference before doing so. Alternately, you can just write References available upon request. Just make sure you have the contact information available if you are called in for an interview. - Skills: Some resumes include a list of sought-after skills or special qualifications. If you possess any noteworthy skills or if you are certified in particular techniques, you might want to include them here. - Distinctions and awards: If you have achieved any special distinctions or awards, such as being a member of the National Honor Society in high school, or earning academic awards in your program of study, you might want to list them, also.
Write a Cover Letter You should include a cover letter when you send your resume to potential employers. In this letter, state your purpose, summarize your qualifications, mention any important or interesting facts about yourself you wish to showcase, and express your interest in working for the organization. Your cover letter gives prospective employers a glimpse of your personality, education, and experience. It also demonstrates your ability to communicate appropriately in writing, so you should make sure it is grammatically correct and does not include typos or misspellings. It is not necessary to prepare a different cover letter for every place you apply; rather, it is standard practice to save the body of the letter and personalize it for each new position. However, it should not read like a form letter, so be sure to reference the specific employer and position to which you are applying.
Follow these guidelines when writing your cover letter: - Include the date either on the left or right margin. - Include your full contact information at the top of the page. This information includes your full name, home address, phone number, and e-mail address. You can center this information at the top of the page, or you can position it along the left margin. - Include the name and address of the employer to whom you are applying. Use whatever information you have available or follow the instructions provided in the advertisement you are answering. If you do not have the hiring manager’s name, use Hiring Manager, Office Manager, or Human Resources Manager. - Your salutation should match the addressee indicated above. If you know the person’s name, you can use it, but make sure your greeting is professional and not overly familiar. It is appropriate to use Dear Ms. So-and-So or Dear Mr. So-and-So. It is not appropriate to greet the person by his or her first name or to use Mrs. for a female addressee. The greeting should be followed by a colon, such as Dear Hiring Manager: or Dear Ms. Jones: - Take your time when drafting the body of your cover letter. Remember, the employer will form a first impression of you based on this letter.
The content of your message may vary, but in general you should:
Tip: Always spell check and carefully proofread your cover letter and resume. Read each document word for word. Put your finger on each word and say it aloud. This will help you spot words that you inadvertently omitted. Have someone else proofread your cover letter and resume as well. Sometimes others will spot mistakes you have overlooked. Browse Job Listings With a click of a mouse, you can find dozens of massage therapy opportunities online. Many search engines allow you to search for jobs by city and state. For example, simply type “Massage Therapy in PA” into the search engine, and your search results should include all massage therapy positions in Pennsylvania. Look online for classified ads from your local newspaper; most newspapers now post job ads online as well as provide them in print. Also, check the Web sites and job boards provided by professional organizations such as the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).
Contact Local Employers While online listings are helpful in locating a job, some employers do not advertise jobs on job boards because they have their own Web sites or they have many resumes already on file. This is why it is important to be proactive in your job search. Access the employer’s Web site online to see if jobs are posted; if so, follow the instructions to apply. If not, use the contact information provided to approach the employer directly. You can also drop off your resume and cover letter in person. If you do, make sure you are dressed professionally. Also be prepared to fill out a job application, even if the employer does not have any current openings. You will learn what to bring with you to fill out a job application in the next section.
Applying for Jobs Online Should you e-mail your resume to prospective employers? If you are responding to a job advertisement asking you to apply via e-mail, you should absolutely e-mail your cover letter and resume. If you are contacting employers who are not currently advertising open positions, or those whose ads indicate you should mail your resume, then the postal service is best. You want to demonstrate that you can follow instructions. You also want to make sure your resume receives the most attention possible.
Complete the Application Most employers will ask you to complete a job application even after you have submitted a cover letter and resume. A job application requires you to provide specific details about yourself, your education, and your work history. You will need to include specifics about your education and past jobs, so you should have accurate dates, names, addresses, and phone numbers available when you are filling out the application. You may need to indicate if you have a criminal record (generally you only have to tell an employer about convicted felonies) and you may need to agree to a credit check. You will also have to list references and their contact information. Finally, by signing the application, you are attesting to the truthfulness of the information provided. If you lie on the application, you can later be dismissed.
You should gather the following items ahead of time to help you accurately complete a job application: - Social Security card - Driver’s license - Copy of your license and certification - Name and addresses of the schools you attended, along with the dates of attendance - Names, addresses, and phone numbers of past employers, as well as the dates you worked there - Names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references While job applications vary, most ask for the same types of information. Reviewing the following Sample Massage Therapist Job Application will give you an idea of what to expect.
Dress for Success You should dress as professionally as possible for the environment. Some employers are more casual than others, and while it is okay to dress a little more casually in those environments, it is best if you wear dress clothing that is appropriate and fits you well. For example, casual slacks or a casual skirt is appropriate. A button-down shirt is a good option. If you are a woman, wear low-heeled shoes. Do not wear jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sneakers, sandals, or flip-flops. Make sure your hair is neat and away from your face. Remove any facial piercings. Men should shave all facial hair, although a neatly trimmed beard is often acceptable. Women should wear only light makeup.
Ace the Interview You will be asked to participate in a job interview if an employer is interested in hiring you. A job interview is an opportunity for you and the prospective employer to get to know each other and determine if you are a mutually good fit. When it comes to job interviews, preparation is the key to success. Always arrive about 10 minutes early. If necessary, scout out the area beforehand, so you know exactly where to go and where to park. Dress professionally; it is always better to be overdressed than to be too casually attired. (See the sidebar Dress for Success above.) Bring several copies of your resume as well as any documentation that you need to complete the job application. When you arrive, be polite and friendly to anyone you meet. Introduce yourself, smile, and shake hands. Be patient if you are asked to wait. Respond politely to anyone who greets you while you wait. When you are introduced to the interviewer, greet him or her with a firm handshake. When you are escorted into the interviewer’s office, refrain from taking a seat until you are instructed to do so. Job interviews can be stressful. The best way to overcome that stress is to prepare beforehand. Think about the questions that you are likely to be asked and practice responding to them out loud. If a friend or family member is willing to assist you with this preparation, you can get another person’s perspective on what you plan to say.
The following are some common interview questions. Practice your responses to these aloud, preferably with another person. - Tell me about yourself. Respond with information about your education and work experience and any relevant skills you bring to the table. You can also make general remarks about personal traits that would be applicable to the workplace, such as the ability to learn quickly. - Tell me about the duties you performed during your internship/last job. It is especially helpful to write out your answer to this question beforehand. While you cannot use these notes during your interview, composing the response beforehand will help you to think through a good summary of the tasks you completed. - Why do you want to work here? Be honest. What interests you about the employment opportunity? It is fine to say that you are eager to begin a career as a massage therapist, but a response that considers the environment or work you will do is best. - How would you handle XYZ? Most employers want to get a feel for how you behave in stressful or problematic situations. For a massage therapist, this might involve how to handle a client who is irate or behaving inappropriately, or what you might do if a client is late or does not show up for a scheduled appointment, etc. Consider what you learned during your educational program about how best to handle situations that may commonly occur in the particular environment. - Why should I hire you? Why should they hire you? Consider your personal qualities, education, and work experience. How will the employer benefit from having you on staff? Remember, the interviewer is trying to determine what you can do for the organization, not what the organization can do for you. No matter how you choose to answer this question, be sure to back up your response with facts. For example, “Clients are able to relax fully in my care. During my internship, …” Tip: While it is acceptable to ask questions during the job interview, you should plan to ask questions about the specific position, the clients, or the employing organization, as this shows interest. Refrain from asking about salary, benefits, or time off. Once you are offered the job, you can ask about salary and other perks. When the interviewer is asking you questions, make sure you are listening. That means you will hear and respond to the entire question. The interviewer will notice that you are a good listener rather than one who is waiting for the other person to stop talking. Make sure you use appropriate grammar. Do not use profanity or slang in any of your responses (even if the interviewer does). Answer all questions honestly and completely. Do not be afraid to say, “No, I don’t have experience with that yet, but I would really like to learn.” After the interview, thank the person for his or her time, and follow up with a thank-you note via e-mail or postal mail. Note: When you interview for a job, some of the questions you will be asked are easy to answer. For example, you will likely be asked about your education and experience with clients or particular techniques. Other questions may be more difficult, such as “What is your greatest weakness?” These questions are not meant to trick you, but they are meant to show the employer how you view yourself. For this type of question, you should respond with an area where you are weak BUT you should also tell what you have done or what you plan to do to overcome this. For example, you might say that your greatest weakness is taking on too much at one time, and you are learning to ask for help when you need it. To Summarize - The first question to answer in this journey is: What are the requirements to practice massage therapy and/or bodywork in my location? Use the resources in the Appendix C: Helpful Resources to make sure the path you set for yourself will adequately prepare you to practice. - Select your school carefully. Consider the school’s accreditation status as well as factors such as business operation, reputation, tuition, class size, and class offerings. Make sure the program will work with your schedule and budget before you start. - After you have completed your course of study, you can apply and prepare for the appropriate examination. - Once you have successfully completed the exam, apply for a license in the location where you want to practice. - You can decide if you want to work for yourself or if you would rather start out working for someone else. If you plan to work for yourself, contact the Small Business Administration (SBA) office in your area for assistance in setting up your business. If you plan to work for someone else, prepare your resume and cover letter and begin your job search. - If you are selected as a potential candidate for a position, you will need to complete a job application and prepare for an interview. The job application asks for specific information that is usually not included on your resume, such as your Social Security number and references. You will also need to provide the particulars on former employers. - Preparation is the key to easing your nerves during a job interview. Practice responding to common interview questions. You will find that the more you practice out loud, either by yourself or with another person, the more easily you will be able to answer questions during the interview.
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