I’ve been a massage therapist for over two years now and have had plenty of job offers. I’m always happy to talk about my experience with others who want to be in the field.
You’d be surprised at how many people are interested in working as massage therapists! So if you want to know how I got my dream job, read on.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Understand the necessary steps to become a massage therapist |
| Research and choose a reputable massage therapy program |
| Gain hands-on experience through internships or practical training |
| Obtain the required certifications and licenses for your area |
| Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills |
| Build a professional network within the massage therapy industry |
| Continuously expand your knowledge and skills through continuing education |
| Stay updated with industry trends and advancements |
| Create a compelling resume highlighting your qualifications |
| Prepare for job interviews by practicing common massage therapy interview questions |
| Explore various employment opportunities in spas, wellness centers, or private practice |
| Consider specialization in specific massage techniques or niche markets |
| Maintain professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality in client interactions |
| Strive for client satisfaction and seek feedback for improvement |
| Continuously work on self-care to prevent burnout and maintain physical and mental well-being |
Do Your Research
You’ll want to do research on your potential employer, the profession, and the industry. You will also want to look into what’s going on in your city and state right now. This information can help you decide whether or not this particular job is a good fit for you.
Do some research about the company that posted the job listing and how it works as an organization (i.e., mission statement).
Look up information about massage therapy as a profession itself;
This may include reading articles written by people who are currently employed as massage therapists, checking out reviews of schools that offer certification programs for massage therapists (or even just doing some basic research on those institutions), etc…
The more informed you are about what being a Massage Therapist means in general terms – both professionally and personally – before making any decisions about accepting an opportunity at one particular company over another one that might be similar but offers different benefits/challenges (like location).
Are you passionate about helping others heal through touch? Discover the essential steps to becoming a massage therapist in our comprehensive guide. Learn about the necessary training, certifications, and techniques to excel in this rewarding profession. Check out our guide on how to land your dream job as a massage therapist to start your journey today.
Network, Network, Network
If you want to land your dream job as a massage therapist, networking is crucial. In fact, it’s almost impossible to get a job without networking.
When I started looking for my first massage therapy job years ago, I had no idea how to network. I was so naïve; I thought that if I sent out resumes and cover letters regularly enough, eventually someone would hire me!
It took me three months of disappointment before someone gave me any advice about what I was doing wrong and after that only one more month before I landed my very first gig at an amazing spa in Laguna Beach.
The truth is that when it comes to finding work as a massage therapist, there are no shortcuts or overnight successes you have to put in the time and effort required to network effectively with potential employers who will help open doors for you.
And while this may seem intimidating at first glance (I know it did for me!), once you learn how simple it can be (and realize how much easier this process becomes once you get yourself organized), there’s no stopping your new career from taking off!
Get Certified
Certification is the best way to differentiate yourself from other massage therapists. It will set you apart from other candidates who are applying for your dream job, and it will also help you gain access to a wider range of opportunities.
Certification can come in many forms: national certifications such as those offered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) or the Massage Therapy Foundation;
State-level certifications like those offered by California’s Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Security and Investigative Services; or local-level certifications that are only available within specific cities or townships.
The benefits of certification include:
Better job prospects – While certification is not required by law in many states (and therefore isn’t something employers will specifically ask you about).
Having this credential on your resume can significantly increase your chances of landing a new position at either a hospital or private clinic where there may be stricter hiring requirements.
If you have a passion for assisting individuals in their rehabilitation journey, a career as an occupational therapist might be the perfect fit for you. Our in-depth guide provides valuable insights into the educational requirements, licensure process, and job prospects in this field. Explore our guide on how to land your dream job as an occupational therapist to take the first steps towards a rewarding career.
Take A Class
If you’re looking to make a career out of massage therapy, there is no substitute for taking a class. Not only will you learn how to properly administer a massage, but you will also have the opportunity to meet other people who share your interest in this field.
Taking classes will also help you develop relationships with teachers and instructors who can vouch for your professionalism and ability when it comes time for job hunting or landing an internship position.
By taking classes, you may be able to charge more money as well, and remember:
Every dollar counts when trying to generate revenue! Many massage therapists specialize in certain modalities; this specialized training can help boost their marketability as they compete against other potential job candidates vying for the same position(s).
Search And Apply
The time has come to search for and apply for massage therapy jobs. Here are some tips on how to do it:
Search job postings on reputable websites. Don’t forget that not all massage therapists work at spas and salons; some will be self-employed, or work as freelancers in their own private practice. Remember that you have a lot of options when it comes to finding this kind of work!
Make sure you are prepared before you submit your resume or application. The hiring manager wants to be impressed by what they see, so make sure your resume is up-to-date and professional looking (no goofy fonts).
It’s also important to keep in mind what information the employer may need from you how long have you been practicing?
Do you have a license? Where did you go to school? These questions may seem simple enough, but making sure these details are clear can save everyone involved time later on down the line.
Network And Network Some More
Networking is a very important part of your job search, so make sure you do it.
Here’s how:
Be friendly and polite to everyone. You never know when someone might help you down the line!
Introduce yourself to new people at every opportunity. You never know who might turn out to be able to help with your career goal.
Tell everyone about what you want and what skills/qualifications you have, especially if they are relevant in some way (for example if it’s related to their field).
This gives them an idea of what kind of person they’re talking to, as well as showing that you’re confident about yourself and can think creatively about making connections between things that seem unconnected at first glance!”
Interested in a career that combines healing touch and physical rehabilitation? Discover the steps to become a physical therapist in our informative guide. Explore the opportunities and educational requirements for physical therapists to start your journey towards a fulfilling profession.
Make Connections Before The Interview
Do you have a LinkedIn account? If so, you’re already on the right track. Before your interview, head over to LinkedIn and search for the person who will be interviewing you.
Make sure they are connected with you! If they aren’t, send them a connection request and send them an introductory message that goes beyond “I am looking forward to meeting with you tomorrow.”
When was the last time someone wrote about how excited they were about meeting up with someone?
A good way to come off as genuine is by sharing something personal about yourself a story or detail that demonstrates why this position would be perfect for you and why working at this company would be even better than what could possibly happen anywhere else.
Schedule An Interview
Scheduling an interview is a great way to prove that you’re serious about the job. In most cases, the interviewer will be someone who has been working at the company for a while and knows firsthand how things work there.
When scheduling your interview, ask if they can recommend some other qualified massage therapists who could provide insight into what it would be like working there.
Never forget that this person will be your boss: treat them with respect! And don’t forget that they may have to report back to their boss (or bosses) too so make sure they leave their interview feeling good about having met with you.
Follow Up Afterwards
Don’t forget to follow up afterwards. A thank you note is always a good way to show appreciation for the time your interviewer spent with you, but it’s even more meaningful when you can also demonstrate that you’re eager to continue the conversation.
If possible, connect with them again within a few days of your interview so they know they haven’t seen the last of you yet.
You might not need this follow-up if they already made an offer and accepted it on the spot (or rejected it). But if there’s any hesitation or uncertainty about whether or not they want to hire you, now is the moment when persistence will pay off!
That means following up before any other candidate has been considered; don’t wait until after all other interviews have finished or everyone else has already left town before contacting them again!
In addition to thanking them one more time for their time and consideration, ask if there’s anything else specific that would help sway their decision in favor of hiring YOU over someone else who isn’t as committed as YOU are about working at THEIR COMPANY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE AND BEYOND…
Show Off Your Skills At Work At Least Once A Week
Once you’ve completed your training and are ready to practice, make sure you’re showing off your skills at work (or at least once a week) at least once a week.
This could mean giving a massage to a friend or family member, giving a massage to one of your co-workers, giving one to a client or even one of their loved ones as well as strangers!
Stay Out Of Trouble (So You Can Stay In The Job)
Staying out of trouble means you won’t be in the job for long. As a massage therapist, you’ll be working with people who like to relax, so it’s important to show them how much you care about them and their well-being. Here are some ways to stay out of trouble:
Be honest! Don’t lie about your experience or qualifications your employer will soon find out that you’re not who they thought they were hiring.
Be punctual! If someone is paying money for your services, make sure that they get what they paid for (and only then).
Be reliable! Think through any commitments before accepting them; don’t let other people down because of your poor planning or forgetfulness.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being. If you have a passion for helping others optimize their dietary choices, a career as a nutritionist might be the perfect fit for you. Our informative guide outlines the educational requirements, certifications, and career options in the field of nutrition. Explore our guide on how to land your dream job as a nutritionist to embark on a fulfilling career in promoting healthy lifestyles.
Having A Dream Job Is About Preparation, Not Luck
You may be thinking, “I want to land a dream job,” but that’s not the same thing as being prepared for it. Becoming an MT is like getting ready for a marathon: you have to train your mind and body by eating right, exercising regularly and sleeping soundly every night.
You need to prepare yourself emotionally as well, because as you know from experience (or from watching any season of The Apprentice).
Even though you were born with this burning desire deep within your soul (or maybe not), there are many factors beyond your control that could prevent you from achieving your goal.
In other words, having a dream job is about preparation more than luck a fact that makes sense when you think about all the work and time it took to become certified in massage therapy or open up shop after years of training!
In order not only survive but thrive in any field of work today requires commitment on both sides: employers must respect employees’ needs while employees must show pride in their accomplishments through hard work and dedication.”
If you aspire to be a massage therapist, it’s important to understand the skills and requirements needed to succeed. Check out our comprehensive guide on becoming a massage therapist to learn more about the rewarding career path in the field.
Conclusion
When you land your dream job, it’s important to know that you’ve earned it. You’ve worked hard and been diligent in your pursuit of a career in massage therapy. Hopefully, these tips can help guide you on your path to success!
Further Reading
What Should Be on Your Resume for a Massage Therapist Job: Discover the essential elements to include on your resume when applying for a massage therapist job. Learn how to highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications effectively.
Finding My Dream Job: Explore personal experiences and valuable insights on finding your dream job. This article offers guidance on discovering your passion, setting career goals, and navigating the job search process.
Interviewing Tips for Landing a Massage Therapy Job: Prepare for success in your massage therapy job interviews with expert tips and advice. Learn how to showcase your skills, present yourself professionally, and impress potential employers during the interview process.
Now, let’s move on to the FAQs section:
FAQs
How do I become a licensed massage therapist?
To become a licensed massage therapist, you typically need to complete a massage therapy program accredited by your state’s licensing board. These programs usually involve both classroom instruction and hands-on training. After completing the program, you may need to pass a licensing exam to obtain your license.
What skills are important for a massage therapist?
Some important skills for a massage therapist include strong communication and interpersonal skills to connect with clients, a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology, proficiency in various massage techniques, the ability to assess clients’ needs and tailor treatments accordingly, and good physical stamina.
What are the career prospects for massage therapists?
The demand for qualified massage therapists is expected to grow in the coming years. Massage therapists can find employment opportunities in various settings, including spas, wellness centers, rehabilitation facilities, and even self-employment. Building a strong client base and continuously expanding your skills can enhance career prospects.
How can I enhance my massage therapy practice?
To enhance your massage therapy practice, consider continuing education and advanced training courses to expand your skill set and offer specialized services. Building a strong professional network, staying updated with industry trends, and actively seeking client feedback can also contribute to the growth and success of your practice.
Are there any specific regulations or ethics I should be aware of as a massage therapist?
Yes, as a massage therapist, it’s important to be aware of and adhere to the regulations and ethics of your profession. Familiarize yourself with local and state licensing requirements, maintain client confidentiality and boundaries, practice proper hygiene and sanitation, and uphold ethical standards in your interactions with clients.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.
