From Certification to Employment
After completing your massage therapy certification, you will be eager to launch your career. But how do you land your first job in massage therapy?
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment for Massage Therapists has an expected growth of 20% between 2021 and 2031, which is excellent news for anyone getting ready to enter the massage therapy occupation. And because massage therapists work in various settings, you will likely have many employment options to apply to.
If you are preparing to apply for your first massage therapy job, use this guide to help you stand out from other candidates.
1. Decide What Setting You’re Most Interested In
With so many work settings in demand for massage therapists, you need to decide what setting you’d be the happiest practicing massage therapy in.
Are you interested in the clinical side of massage therapy, helping patients experiencing pain or healing from an injury? Or would you rather work in a spa or salon, helping people get much-needed relaxation?
Determining your niche as a massage therapist will help you find a job you love in the right setting.
Examples of places massage therapists work:
- Healthcare clinics
- Health clubs
- Spas and resorts
- Sports Teams
- Nursing homes
- Chair massage on-site in places like airports, casinos, or events
- Cruise ships
2. Polish Your Resume
Like any other job, your resume must be up to date and tailored for each position you are applying for. Look at each massage therapy job posting’s desired qualifications and curate your resume’s experience, skills, and expertise to match them.
In addition to your massage therapy certification and education, list any relevant certifications and hands-on experience you have in the massage therapy field that your potential employer will find impressive.
3. Research Every Company You Apply To
While it can be tempting to apply for every massage therapy job posting you find, take some time to research each place you are applying to before you submit your application. Try to find out crucial information like the pay rate, any benefits the job comes with, and the work environment.
It will also impress your potential employer if you know a bit about them before you come to your interview. This shows them you’ve taken time to understand their company and their clients and how you might best serve both.
You should also apply for jobs at places you want to work, not just places you find job postings for. If you already have a few places in mind you think you’d be a great massage therapist for, send them a cover letter and your resume and ask for an interview.
4. Prepare For Your Interview
Once you’ve secured an interview for a massage therapist position, preparing as much as possible is important. First, research the company and what massage therapy services they offer. Then, ensure you understand how well you fit their approach and company values. You may even find the bios of their current massage therapists on their website and see how your skills and massage therapy approach matches up.
Next, anticipate a few questions you could be asked in an interview and prepare some responses. It would be best if you also came up with a few questions about the job to ask at your interview. This shows you’re interested in starting your career as a massage therapist for them, plus you’ll get answers to some of your specific questions.
Finally, be sure to dress professionally so you make the best first impression possible.
5. Follow Up with a Thank You Note
This is a tried-and-true method for standing out from other job candidates. Writing a thank you note – even by email – tells potential employers that you are genuinely interested in the job and appreciate their time. Never a bad thing if you are trying to get your first job as a massage therapist!
6. Don’t Give Up
Most importantly, as you apply for your first job as a massage therapist, don’t give up. It took a lot of hard work to earn your massage therapy certificate, and finding a job as a massage therapist can be just as hard, and it could take longer than you think. So don’t be discouraged if you don’t find a job as a massage therapist immediately. Instead, keep following the tips above, and you’ll find the perfect massage therapy job for you in due time.
Finding Your Place
While finding your first job as a massage therapist can seem daunting, it’s important to remember that with hard work and perseverance, you can land the perfect position for you. NC Massage School provides a solid foundation for aspiring massage therapists, preparing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the field. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to stand out from other candidates and find the ideal work setting for your massage therapy career.
With the massage therapy industry projected to continue growing, there are many exciting opportunities for new massage therapists to explore. So don’t be discouraged if you don’t find a job immediately – keep honing your skills, networking, and applying to positions that interest you. With dedication and persistence, you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling and rewarding career in massage therapy.
