Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Massage Therapist Roles – 2021

Preparing for a massage therapist job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your exceptional massage skills, knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, and understanding of various massage techniques. Whether you’re applying for a role in a spa, clinic, or private practice, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. What inspired you to become a massage therapist?
  Answer: I have always been passionate about health and wellness and I wanted to pursue a career where I could directly help people improve their overall well-being. Massage therapy allows me to do just that through the power of touch and healing techniques.
• 2. How long have you been practicing massage therapy?
  Answer: I have been a licensed massage therapist for the past five years.
• 3. What types of massage techniques are you trained in?
  Answer: I am trained in a variety of massage techniques including Swedish, deep tissue, sports, hot stone, prenatal, and aromatherapy.
• 4. How do you handle difficult clients?
  Answer: I have encountered difficult clients in the past and I have learned to remain calm, listen to their concerns, and address any issues in a professional and courteous manner. I always strive to create a comfortable and positive experience for my clients.
• 5. Do you have any experience working with special populations, such as pregnant women or elderly clients?
  Answer: Yes, I have experience working with pregnant women and elderly clients. I ensure to modify the massage techniques accordingly to cater to their specific needs and comfort level.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What do you consider when developing a treatment plan for a client?
  Answer: I consider the client's medical history, current issues or concerns, and any specific goals they have for the massage. I also assess the client's body and ask for their feedback to tailor the treatment plan to their individual needs.
• 7. Can you explain the differences between Swedish and deep tissue massage?
  Answer: Swedish massage is a more relaxing and gentle form of massage that focuses on kneading and long strokes to improve circulation and decrease tension. Deep tissue massage, on the other hand, uses deeper pressure and slower strokes to target specific areas of tension or pain in the muscles.
• 8. How do you ensure client confidentiality?
  Answer: I always maintain strict confidentiality by not discussing any client information with others unless required by law or with the client's written consent.
• 9. How do you stay updated on the latest massage techniques and trends?
  Answer: I regularly attend workshops, conferences, and seminars to learn new techniques and stay updated on industry trends. I also read professional publications and network with other massage therapists to exchange knowledge and skills.
• 10. Have you ever encountered a client with a medical condition that required special attention during a massage?
  Answer: Yes, I have encountered clients with medical conditions such as chronic pain, injuries, and pregnancy. I always make sure to review their medical history and modify the massage accordingly to avoid any complications and provide the best possible care.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you describe a time when you had to resolve a conflict with a client?
  Answer: There was a miscommunication with a client about the type of massage they wanted. The client became upset and demanded a refund. I remained calm and listened to their concerns, apologizing for the confusion. I offered a complimentary massage session and explained the difference between the two massages. The client left satisfied and rebooked a session with me.
• 12. How do you handle a client who is not satisfied with a massage?
  Answer: First, I would communicate with the client to understand their concerns and address them accordingly. If necessary, I would offer to modify the massage or provide an extra session to ensure their satisfaction.
• 13. Tell me about a time when you received positive feedback from a client.
  Answer: A client with chronic back pain came in for a massage and I tailored the session to target the affected areas. After the massage, the client expressed that their pain significantly decreased and thanked me for my skill and attention to their needs. It was a rewarding experience to see the positive effect of my work on someone's well-being.
• 14. How do you stay organized and manage your appointments?
  Answer: I use a scheduling system and set reminders for appointments. I also leave some free time in between appointments to accommodate for any potential delays. I also prioritize confirming appointments with clients the day before to avoid any confusion.
• 15. Can you give an example of when you had to apply a new massage technique to a client and how it went?
  Answer: I had a client with shoulder and neck tension and I suggested using myofascial release techniques in addition to the regular Swedish massage. The client was hesitant at first, but after trying the technique and experiencing the benefits, they thanked me for introducing them to it and continued to request it in future sessions.

Situational Questions

• 16. What would you do if a client suddenly fell asleep during a massage?
  Answer: I would first gently wake up the client and check if they are okay. If they have not been asleep for too long, I would continue the massage at the same pace and pressure as before. If they have been asleep for a prolonged period and do not want to continue the massage, I would offer to reschedule the session at no additional cost.
• 17. How would you handle a client who expresses discomfort in a position during the massage?
  Answer: I would immediately stop the massage and ask the client to switch to a more comfortable position. I would also reassess the pressure and adjust it accordingly to ensure their comfort throughout the session.
• 18. What would you do if a client forgot to mention an injury and it affected the massage?
  Answer: I would first make sure the client is okay and not in pain. Then, I would inform them that it is important to disclose any injuries or medical conditions before the massage to ensure their safety. I would modify the massage accordingly to avoid any further discomfort or injury to the affected area.
• 19. How would you handle a client who arrives late for a massage?
  Answer: I would try to accommodate the appointment as much as possible, but without compromising the following appointments. If there is not enough time for the full session, I would suggest rescheduling to ensure the client receives the full duration of the massage without rushing.
• 20. What would you do if a client showed signs of being uncomfortable with your gender during a massage?
  Answer: I would respect the client's preference and offer to refer them to a colleague of their preferred gender. If that is not possible, I would explain that my professional boundaries and ethical code require me to provide the same quality of care to all clients, regardless of gender. I would also offer to end the session if they are not comfortable continuing.