40 Massage Therapist Interview Questions & Answers
Behavioral
1. Do you enjoy socializing with customers during a massage?
How to Answer
Some clients can be incredibly chatty during therapy sessions. While it's important to keep a relaxed and calming atmosphere, you should be willing to converse with your client if it's what makes them comfortable. Massage therapists must give customers a positive experience, which requires building trust between therapist and client. This is the key to retaining clients!
Answer Example
"It depends on the customer. If it's a regular customer, I will chat if they enjoy talking during therapy. If it's a new client, I will ask a question or two and see if they enjoy chatting. Most clients are there to relax, so I expect to be silent, but will gladly open up if the customer wants to talk."
Behavioral
2. How do you recharge in between clients?
How to Answer
It's essential to destress in between therapy sessions to be able to continue providing excellent service. Maybe you do a few stretches or step outside for a while. What's important is that the interviewer knows that you're aware of your physical limits and exert the effort to loosen up during your downtime.
Answer Example
"To keep from injuring myself, I enjoy relaxing for 15 minutes in between massages. I also perform several stretches for my hands, shoulders, and body, and drink at least 1/2 a liter of water between appointments."
Behavioral
3. How do you address concerns like bumps or bruises on your client's body in the middle of a massage? Do you think it is important to let your client know?
How to Answer
Yes, you should let a client know if there is something different with their body. As a massage therapist, you have the training and knowledge to recognize muscle tension, dehydration, and even constipation. It may not be life-threatening, but as someone in the healthcare industry, you recognize the importance of such information.
Answer Example
"If I notice something unusual on a client's body, I ask them if they are aware of the injury and ask them what happened. I would ask them if they are in pain, and I would take care to avoid the bumps or bruises while giving them a massage."
Behavioral
4. How do you manage your time?
How to Answer
Interviewers want to hear that you are working wisely and not wasting much time during the day. They are paying you to do a job, after all! Think about the ways that you control your time during the day. You might plan out your day in advance, keep an ongoing to-do list, or tell people who randomly stop by to schedule a time on your calendar to discuss items later. Share 2-3 ways that you manage your time, ensuring you are productive every day.
Answer Example
"I manage my time by having a day planner where I keep all of my appointments and a list of tasks I need to accomplish. I check my schedule the night before and make sure my day is as productive as possible. If I have a client cancel at the last minute, I use that time to mark off tasks on my list or text clients to remind them of their appointments."
Behavioral
5. How do you manage stress?
How to Answer
Given that your job is to alleviate your clients' stress, you should be good at managing your own. It would not be suitable to bring negative energy into an environment that promotes calmness and relaxation. Reassure the interviewer that you have developed strategies to manage your stress. Mention that you use your downtime to destress with activities such as yoga, biking, or going out with friends.
Answer Example
"I manage stress by taking care of myself physically and spiritually. I perform some sort of exercise five days a week and meditate for 30 minutes every morning. I also trade massages with a friend of mine twice a week."
Behavioral
6. How do you stay energized when you have back-to-back clients?
How to Answer
If you're an excellent massage therapist, you most likely have a solid client base and will often be fully booked for appointments. Describe how you cope with having back-to-back clients while maintaining your energy levels.
Answer Example
"I've always taken care to manage my time wisely. Aside from making sure clients book an appointment before I receive them, I make sure that sessions end at the right time so I have enough downtime to relax and get ready for the next appointment. Since I also need to be able to stay on my feet for long hours, I exercise regularly and maintain a proper diet to ensure my physical wellbeing and stamina."
Direct
7. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
How to Answer
Pick a weakness that is not a necessity for the role. Be candid and humble in your answer, recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Be sure you have an action plan in place for improving on this weakness. Perhaps you are watching TED Talks about the weakness, reading the latest and greatest book on the subject, or taking a seminar at a nearby community center soon. We are all human and all have weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours!
Answer Example
"My greatest weakness is difficulty remembering people's names. I meet so many people every day and find that I need to concentrate when they introduce themselves. I realize this is a weakness, and I am making it a strength by reading the book 'How to Remember Names and Faces' written by a memory master champion. I have been reading the book for one week, and it has already helped me so much."
Direct
8. Do you have any questions for me?
How to Answer
If an interviewer asks this question, you always want to respond with an affirmative. Asking questions shows you are interested in the position and are eager to learn more. Be sure you ask questions that are not easily found on their website or by doing an internet search. You could ask when they are looking to fill the position, what they like most about working at their company, or when you might get a response from them regarding the position.
Answer Example
"Yes, I do have one question. What do you like best about working here?"
Direct
9. Why are you the best candidate for us?
How to Answer
Talking about ourselves in this way can be challenging. Try reaching out to a few colleagues, family members, and friends. Ask them for their opinion. You'll probably be surprised at the consistency in their responses! Their answers will give you the response to the question. Tell the interviewer what sets you apart, and explain how your colleagues, family members, and friends have encouraged you with your gift in this area.
Answer Example
"While I am sure there are plenty of qualified candidates applying to this position, I am the best candidate for you because I have six years of experience as a massage therapist, and my clients have told me that I give the best massages they have ever had. I have a loyal clientele that follows me wherever I am working. If you hired me, my 65 clients would visit me here at your spa. I am constantly working on mastering new types of massage, so the variety of packages you could offer makes me the best candidate."
Direct
10. How many massages can you give back-to-back?
How to Answer
The answer to this question depends on your skills, experience, and the massage technique to be used. Typically, it's not recommended for a massage therapist to work for more than eight hours a day without breaks, as this could result in muscle and nerve damage. The interviewer probably knows this already and is just trying to gauge the current level of your skills. Answer this question honestly, and don't be tempted to exaggerate to be able to impress.
Answer Example
"I prefer to take a 15 to 20-minute break after each massage so that I can rehydrate and stretch my body. If there is an emergency massage I need to fit in, I can give two massages back-to-back. Ideally, it is nice to get a break in between so I do not injure myself."
Direct
11. Are you available to work evenings, weekends, or overtime?
How to Answer
Massage therapists work by appointment in most cases, so your schedule and work hours may vary considerably. Before you agree to any schedule, be sure to know your availability. Now is a great time to ask about the schedule. You should also express that you are willing to work the hours required and that you can be flexible in urgent situations.
Answer Example
"I am willing to work whatever hours you need. Can you tell me a little more about what to expect from the schedule?"
Direct
12. Describe your ideal client.
How to Answer
To gain insight into your personality, the interviewer wants to know your preferences. However, don't forget to reassure the interviewer that you treat all your clients with professionalism and consideration regardless of preference. You do your best to keep a positive attitude, and it is much more enjoyable to be around others who strive to do the same.
Answer Example
"I enjoy working with all of my clients, but if I had to describe my ideal client, it would be one that shows up to their appointment on time, tells me what issues they are having, and lets me get in and get to work. I also appreciate when clients tell me if they need me to go deeper or easier on them."
Direct
13. Do you prefer to work in a physiotherapy setting or a spa setting?
How to Answer
Most likely, you had already considered this beforehand when deciding which training program you were most interested in. Take into account the role being offered; if it leans more toward being a physiotherapist, then, by all means, state your preference for it. The interviewer is trying to assess if you're the best fit for the job, so make sure your answers are tailored to what is required in the job description.
Answer Example
" I do not have a preference. I have worked in both settings and like them equally. Both settings have their advantages, but overall, I am still doing the same types of massage that I love doing, so it doesn't matter to me what the setting is."
Direct
14. What do you like least about working as a massage therapist?
How to Answer
There can be a variety of things that you don't like about being a Massage Therapist, just as in any profession. You may not like when clients cancel at the last minute, when they don't take a shower before their massage, or having an irregular schedule. When you answer, be sure that you are not saying anything derogatory about your clients, and turn your answer into a positive.
Answer Example
"What I like least about working as a massage therapist is when clients cancel at the last minute or do not show up without letting me know they can't make it. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, I make the best of my free time and take care of other tasks I need to complete that day."
Direct
15. Are there any types of clients that you would refuse to work on?
How to Answer
There are several reasons that a massage therapist might refuse to work on a client. These should be valid reasons and not profiling a specific type of person. For example, a massage therapist might refuse to work on a client's feet if they have a fungal infection that can put the therapist at risk of becoming infected. They might refuse a client if the client has made sexual or suggestive remarks in the past or if the client is sick with a possibly contagious disease.
Answer Example
"I refuse to work on a client if they are sick. If they come in coughing and sneezing or have a fever, I would have to reschedule for when they feel better. I understand if someone does not know they are sick and I could become infected, but if it's obvious they are not feeling well, I want to prevent myself from becoming sick, too."
Direct
16. Why did you leave your last job?
How to Answer
Your interviewer may call your previous employer for a reference, so you need to be honest if you were laid off or fired. If you resigned on your terms, describe the reason for leaving your last job. Be sure you do not speak poorly of any coworkers or supervisors, even if that is the reason you left.
Answer Example
"I left my last job as a restaurant manager to pursue a career as a massage therapist. I was working long hours and had become pregnant with my first child. I knew I would not be able to work the schedule I was working with an infant, so I decided to follow my dream of becoming a therapist. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made."
Direct
17. If hired, when could you start?
How to Answer
If you are working at another job, you will want to respectfully give two weeks' notice. If you are not currently working, saying you can start immediately shows your enthusiasm for the position.
Answer Example
"If hired, I would need to give my current employer two weeks' notice. If they can fill my position sooner, I could start here immediately after they say I can leave."
Direct
18. What drives you to be the best massage therapist?
How to Answer
It's alright to answer this question from a more personal perspective. The interviewer wants to know what motivates you to wake up every morning to perform your job. Maybe you dream of having your own clinic someday. Perhaps you want to write a book on different techniques of massage therapy. Or it could be the joy of providing comfort to your clients. Whatever it is, tell the interviewer about it!
Answer Example
"I chose to become a massage therapist because I enjoy helping people and the flexibility that comes with the job. What drives me to be the best therapist is seeing my clients experience less pain while leading a more fulfilling life."
User-Submitted Answer
"I am choosing to become a massage therapist because I love helping others, and I strive to be the best at anything I do."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Hi there! I recommend digging deeper and using this question as an opportunity to let the interviewer inside a bit. For instance, when you say that you are driven by the need to be the best at everything that you do - what is the core of your desire to apply this to massage therapy? When it comes to helping others, what is the specific impact you believe you make on your clients?
Direct
19. What do you enjoy most about working as a massage therapist?
How to Answer
You don't have to worry about getting this answer wrong. Speak from the heart and talk to the interviewer about how much you love your job. It could be the calm and relaxing atmosphere, making a positive change for others, the flexibility of the working hours, or the chance to connect with people safely and healthily.
Answer Example
"What I enjoy most about working as a massage therapist is how I can positively impact a client by using my hands and experience to find their trouble spots. I love when a client comes to me and has been in pain or discomfort, and they leave feeling incredible and pain-free. That is the best part of my job."
Direct
20. Why are massages important?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants you to address the different types of massage available and explain why massages are essential. In your own words, describe why you think massages are beneficial.
Answer Example
"Massage therapy is used for either general relaxation and wellbeing or to address specific complaints such as pain or limited range of motion. Different types of techniques are used to address various issues, from simple muscle tension and stress alleviation to aiding recovery from serious injuries. Aside from the physical benefits of massage, it can also help relieve anxiety, reduce stress, and manage insomnia."
Direct
21. What are your long-term goals as a massage therapist?
How to Answer
It's common for long-time massage therapists to start their own clinics. If this is also your plan, it might be best to avoid mentioning it as it may leave the impression that you won't stay long at the company. Instead, you can communicate your enthusiasm to learn more techniques and types of massage since you're interested in specializing in one or two types.
Answer Example
"My long-term goals as a massage therapist are to complete a course in oncology massage and work with pediatric cancer patients. I am signed up to take a course in two months, and then I will be able to work at the children's hospital helping our youngest cancer patients."
Direct
22. What types of massages do you specialize in?
How to Answer
Your future employer wants to know if your skills make you the best fit for the job. Consider the type of clinic or establishment your employer owns as well as the services they provide. As much as possible, your skills and specializations should be congruent to the job description you're applying for.
Answer Example
"My specialties are deep tissue and therapeutic massages. Those are the types of massages I love the most, so it was a natural fit to pursue those techniques. I am also interested in pursuing reflexology and have been looking into courses being offered in that area."
Direct
23. What do you know about our company?
How to Answer
With any job interview, it is crucial to understand the organization you are applying to. Familiarize yourself with the type of services they provide, what they specialize in, and the profile of their clientele. Visit their website, visit the establishment, and read online reviews. The more you know about their company the better.
Answer Example
"I know you have been in business since 2007, and you are the premier spa in Westlake (city name). You serve an upscale clientele who expects the very best during their visit. This position would be a great opportunity for me."
Direct
24. How would working for our company help you accomplish your goals?
How to Answer
This is a perfect opportunity to mention that you're looking for a company that provides the necessary training to deepen your understanding of massage therapy, widens your scope of expertise, and provides a solid training ground for additional skills. You're set on providing the best service possible to your clients and would be delighted to work in a company that would help you achieve that goal.
Answer Example
"Working for your company would help me accomplish my goals of working with a company that has exceptional leadership. I am new to the industry and want to learn from the best company in the area. One of my goals is to build my client base while gaining experience and perfecting my technique. Working with you would help me achieve those goals."
Direct
25. How many massages can you perform each day?
How to Answer
How many massages you can perform each day would depend on the type of massage and the duration per session. Massage therapists also need to rest for at least 15 minutes after each session to prevent repetitive-motion problems and fatigue. Provide the interviewer with an answer based on your previous experience. Make sure that you're aware of the limits of your body!
Answer Example
"I can perform four to five one-hour massages per day with a 15-minute break in between massages. I prefer to take at least two days off per week to avoid fatigue and muscle strain."
Direct
26. What is your greatest strength?
How to Answer
Now is the time to discuss the talent you offer. Employers want to see that you know yourself and can work within your strengths. After you name your greatest strength, talk about how you use this strength in the workplace. Maybe you are experienced at a specific massage technique, or you're good at making people comfortable. Perhaps you use your additional training to improve the client's experience. Maybe your excellent conversational skills immediately put your clients at ease. Whatever your strength may be, link it back to how it positively impacts the service you provide.
Answer Example
"My greatest strength is my active listening skills. I am interested in what my client has to say, and it shows that I have been listening when I provide what they need. By actively listening to my clients, it builds trust and confidence in my ability to provide exceptional customer service."
Education
27. Tell me about your experience as a massage therapist.
How to Answer
Talk about your previous jobs as a massage therapist. If you're new to the industry, it's worth mentioning the training and internships you experienced. You can use this opportunity to elaborate on the techniques and styles of massage you've picked up, the types of muscle injuries you've mended, and the positive relationships you've formed with your clients. Be thorough, concise, and honest in your answer.
Answer Example
"I have three years of experience as a massage therapist. I started my career working in a chiropractor's office, massaging and stretching patients before their adjustment. Those were 30-minute massages, and I would perform eight to ten massages per day. After two years, I left the chiropractor's office when he retired, and I started working at a day spa. I offer one-hour therapeutic and deep-tissue massage and am studying hot stone massage right now. I am looking for a new location to work, as the day spa is being sold and converted into a nail salon."
Education
28. Tell me about your training program.
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know how qualified you are for the job. Outline the coursework and hands-on training that you went through, and be prepared for follow-up questions. If you also specialize in certain types of massages, mention how that training can be beneficial to the role.
Answer Example
"I got my license after completing a course in *state your school*. The program I went through was quite thorough and covered anatomy and physiology, kinesiology fundamentals, pathology, and professional ethics. To further widen the scope of services I provide, I also took a short program that focused on reflexology techniques and acupressure."
Scenario
29. How would you deal with a coworker with a bad attitude at work?
How to Answer
Regardless of the occupation, almost everyone has encountered difficult people in the office. As someone employed in an industry that cares for both the body and mind, communicate to the interviewer that you're open to reaching out to that person. Maybe they have a legitimate reason for their negativity. Perhaps they're going through a difficult time. If the person is willing, then it's not a problem for you to lend an ear. If not, then it's no big deal. You know how to set boundaries in a professional setting, and as long as the person's attitude doesn't affect your performance, it's not an issue for you.
Answer Example
"I would ask to talk to my coworker in private, and ask them if everything was okay in their life. I would explain that it seems like something might be wrong and ask if they want to talk about it. I would understand if they did not feel like talking but would lend a sympathetic ear if they did want to talk."
Scenario
30. Tell me about a situation with a difficult client. How did you respond to them?
How to Answer
Massage therapists will undoubtedly encounter a client who doesn't care about boundaries. Or perhaps you've had trouble convincing a reluctant client to relax on the massage table. When it comes to dealing with difficult people, you're already a pro. Instead of stressing over the situation, you maintain an air of professionalism and focus on giving your best performance. In your answer, convey your readiness to encounter a variety of personalities and your confidence in handling them.
Answer Example
"I had a client who would always show up 15 minutes late to their appointment, and expect me to go 15 minutes longer in their massage. He became angry that he was being charged for one hour but only received a 45-minute massage. At our first meeting, I explained the importance of showing up on time and that if he were late, it would come out of his massage time. He said he was chronically late to all appointments. I politely suggested that he set an alarm on his phone to remind him to leave 15 minutes earlier so he would not be late for his next appointment. He started implementing my suggestion, and he was on time or only 5 minutes late to his next appointments."
Scenario
31. If a client said something inappropriate during a massage, how would you react?
How to Answer
Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon experience in the industry. The interviewer needs to know that you can handle this kind of situation. Describe what steps you take to set your boundaries and notify the client if they are inappropriate.
Answer Example
"If such an incident were to occur, I would immediately let my client know that they made me feel uncomfortable. I'd gently but firmly remind them that such comments are inappropriate and are not condoned by myself or the establishment. If their misconduct continues, I will not hesitate to discuss the incident with my manager so that we can decide on the appropriate course of action."
Scenario
32. Give me an example that demonstrates your communication skills.
How to Answer
Excellent communication skills are vital to your role as a massage therapist. Massage therapists need to listen carefully to clients to understand what they want to achieve through massage sessions. You are highly empathetic and can read your clients' emotions and concerns exceptionally well. Show off your sensitivity and listening skills with an example.
Answer Example
"When evaluating a client before a session, I take careful notes of what they say so that I can recommend the best treatment based on my client's needs. More often than not, I have clients who are initially reluctant to try massage therapy, so I do my best to reassure them and make them comfortable. I explain that at any time they feel uncomfortable, they need to tell me immediately, and I will discontinue what I am doing."
Scenario
33. Give me an example of a time you were sensitive to the needs of your client.
How to Answer
While massage therapists are always sensitive to the needs of their clients, there may be a particular client that stands out. Show the interviewer that you genuinely care for your clients by drawing on an example from your past experiences.
Answer Example
"I once had a pregnant client who complained that she couldn't sleep at night due to muscle discomfort. I took the time to discuss the benefits of prenatal massage therapy - how it targets specific muscles and helps in regulating hormones. Once our session started, I made sure that she was in a comfortable position. To further relieve her anxiety, I turned on relaxing music and reassured her that she was in good hands."
Scenario
34. How would you handle an issue with a manager?
How to Answer
You must recognize that it's important to know what makes your supervisor tick and realize that doing nothing resolves nothing. It is essential in conflict resolution to speak directly with your manager to fix the problem. It shows that you are mature and understand how to handle an issue and work towards a solution.
Answer Example
"I prefer to face my problems head-on. I would ask my manager if I could talk with them in private and would let them know what's bothering me, why it's bothering me, and ask them if we can work together to resolve the conflict."
Situational
35. What types of clients are the most difficult to work with?
How to Answer
Working with demanding clients is hard in any occupation, but for a massage therapist, whose job requires a balance of setting boundaries and gentle care, working with difficult people can be stressful. Some clients are disrespectful, demeaning, or use inappropriate language or references. Your interviewer is undoubtedly aware of this and will want to know how you deal with such people.
Answer Example
"If my client pushes limits or is disrespectful, I assertively define what appropriate behavior is. As much as possible, I try to focus on the positive traits my clients have so that I can do my best in creating a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere."
Situational
36. How do you respond to conflict in the workplace? Give me an example.
How to Answer
Conflict and disagreement are inevitable in a workplace, more so if employees are highly engaged and committed. Maybe you've disagreed with a coworker on their decision. It could even be as simple as someone having a bad day at the office. Describe for the interviewer the situation and how it was resolved.
Answer Example
"At my previous job, one of my client's records went missing. The last person who handled it was my colleague, but she had no idea where it was. She became slightly hostile towards me. As the papers contained confidential information, it was a serious concern for our team. Instead of pointing fingers, my coworker and I broached the subject with our boss. We searched the entire office, and the file in question was found at someone else's table. It turns out that it was mistaken for another document. It was a lesson for all of us to become more responsible in handling files. Nevertheless, it was a good thing that none of us were quick to lay the blame so easily for a problem that was so quickly resolved."
Situational
37. Tell me about an uncomfortable situation with a coworker or client. How did you handle it?
How to Answer
When answering this question, be careful that you do not badmouth anyone involved, as it will only reflect poorly on you. Instead, try to concentrate on the positive aspects, the lesson you may have learned, or how the issue was solved.
Answer Example
"A client of my coworker requested to be placed under my care. Naturally, this caused a bit of awkwardness between my colleague and me. Later on, the client told me that she preferred someone closer to her age, and her choice had nothing to do with the quality of my colleague's performance. I relayed this to my colleague, and we returned to our easy camaraderie."
Situational
38. How would you respond to negative feedback from a client?
How to Answer
Massage therapists may receive negative feedback from a client. In any industry, it is hard to please everyone even if you provide the best service possible. After a long day, the last thing you want to hear is negative feedback. However, negative feedback can be constructive if you learn how to use it. You can make improvements to your performance by applying this new information. Sometimes negative feedback is a good thing!
Answer Example
"I use negative feedback as an opportunity to improve. I've learned not to take anything personally in the workplace. Instead, I ask questions to understand more about how I could do something better. I'm proactive about implementing changes in my style and identifying weaknesses so that the techniques are the most effective in meeting the needs of my clients."
Technical
39. What techniques are you proficient in?
How to Answer
You are being allowed to show off your skills and experience. Remember, it's not wise to exaggerate as this will only reflect poorly on you if you fail to deliver in the future. Perhaps you're familiar with Shiatsu or more unique styles of massage therapy. Now is the time to list the skills that will help you land the job.
Answer Example
" I have been performing massages for almost seven years. I am certified and proficient in hot stone massage, Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, and reflexology. I am signed up to take a prenatal massage therapy course next month since I have many clients who have become pregnant."
Technical
40. Tell me about some common injuries your clients have. What techniques have you found most helpful?
How to Answer
Perhaps in your previous job, you came across a lot of clients with muscular injuries or back injuries. Describe what types of injuries were most common and how you were able to help them. This is your chance to show the interviewer your in-depth knowledge of various types of massages and what their health benefits are.
Answer Example
"My clientele mainly consists of firefighters and law enforcement. The most common injuries my clients have are spinal issues and knee and hip pain. The techniques I have found most helpful are a mix of deep tissue and therapeutic massage. I work their tight muscles while aligning their posture and relieving stress."