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Massage Therapist Interview Questions

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9 min read

Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Massage Therapist interview questions and answers.

  1. How do you prevent injuries when working? See answer
  2. What massage techniques do you have experience with? See answer
  3. Has a guest ever acted inappropriately while you were massaging them? What did you do? See answer
  4. What massage training do you have? See answer
  5. How many massages are you comfortable giving consecutively? See answer
  6. How do you interact with clients during their massage? See answer
  7. What environments have you worked in? See answer
  8. Do you think massages are healing or just relaxing? See answer
  9. What would you do if a client seemed like they were in pain while you were massaging them? See answer
  10. What would you tell a client to eat or drink before and after a massage? See answer
  11. Has a client ever been unhappy with your massage? What happened? See answer
  12. If a client asked you to recommend a massage, what would you say? See answer
  13. Did you have any consistent clients in your previous role? See answer
  14. What is aromatherapy?
  15. What medications don’t react well to a massage?
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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15 Massage Therapist Interview Questions and Answers

How do you prevent injuries when working?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's ability to work safely and prevent injuries. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience as a massage therapist
  • Understanding of techniques to prevent injuries
  • Ability to work safely
Example:

"I always warm up before the start of my shift to prevent injuries while working. I stretch the muscles in my wrists and forearms especially. I also try to take a 10 to 15-minute break between sessions so my muscles aren't too strained. In my free time, I work out and build up the strength in my core, back and arms. This helps me work with good posture and stand for long periods of time."

What massage techniques do you have experience with?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's experience and ability to work with the same techniques you offer. What to look for in an answer:

  • Willingness to learn new massage techniques
  • Experience with massage techniques you utilise in your spa or clinic
  • Knowledge of different massage techniques
Example:

"I have been working in a spa for over eight years, so I have worked with most types of massage techniques. I have experience with Swedish massages, hot stone, deep tissue, aromatherapy, and Shiatsu. I specialise in aromatherapy massages, so that's where most of my experience lies. I'm happy to adapt to any type of massage technique you and your clients prefer."

Has a guest ever acted inappropriately while you were massaging them? What did you do?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's ability to deescalate tense situations professionally. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience in a similar role
  • Ability to be professional and assertive in inappropriate situations
  • Willingness to escalate and report the situation if necessary
Example:

"I have had one client make inappropriate comments while I was massaging them. I let them know I was uncomfortable with their comments and asked them to stop. They didn't stop, so I ended the session and approached my supervisor to report the issue. My supervisor escorted the client out and let them know they weren't welcome back."

What massage training do you have?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's educational background and experience. What to look for in an answer:

  • Registration with a regulatory body in British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Ontario (required)
  • Completion of an accredited programme
  • Prior experience in a similar role
Example:

"I attended the Royal Canadian College of Massage Therapy in 2018. I completed a 2200-hour diploma programme where I learned about massage theory and techniques, anatomy, wellness foundations, and even business management. I then had to take an exam with the College of Massage Therapists in Ontario to become a certified massage therapist. This led me to my first massage therapist job at a small spa for the last year and a half."

How many massages are you comfortable giving consecutively?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's ability to meet your needs while still looking after their physical limitations. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of their physical limitations and how to meet them
  • Capable to meet the needs of your spa or clinic
  • Experience as a massage therapist
Example:

"In my previous role, I was able to perform three, hour-long massages consecutively. I would then take a 15 -or 20-minute break and complete another three hours of sessions. If I took a half an hour lunch break, I could then end my day with another massage or two."

How do you interact with clients during their massage?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's communication skills and ability to determine the client's social preferences. What to look for in an answer:

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Awareness of when a client wants to talk or when one prefers silence
  • Ability to create a relaxing environment for clients
Example:

"I let the client lead the social interactions during their massage. I will start by asking them a few questions to determine their massage preferences and if I need to focus on certain areas. Then, I will only talk to them if they start a conversation with me. If not, they likely prefer a silent massage so they can relax."

What environments have you worked in?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's experience and determine if they're comfortable working in the environment you provide. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience working in different environments as a massage therapist
  • Ability to adapt to different environments
  • Experience working in the same environment you provide
Example:

"Over my six years as a massage therapist, I have worked in every type of environment imaginable. I started my career in a health care setting by working at a private clinic. I enjoyed it but wanted to work in a more tranquil environment, so I pursued a career in a spa. It was quite a small spa, but I preferred the calm, peaceful environment. I would love to expand into an upscale spa such as yours to provide high-quality service to your clients."

Do you think massages are healing or just relaxing?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's industry knowledge. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness that massages can be healing and relaxing
  • Philosophy that matches your company
  • Ability to respect other's beliefs
Example:

"I think massages can be both healing and relaxing or they can be either. Some guests may prefer a deep tissue massage to heal their sore muscles. Some may prefer a hot stone massage to relax. Ultimately, I believe if you are relaxed, you have a stronger ability to heal. Massage therapy wouldn't exist in healthcare settings if it didn't have the ability to heal people's ailments."

What would you do if a client seemed like they were in pain while you were massaging them?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's ability to meet the client's needs by communicating with them. What to look for in an answer:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to check in with the client and meet their needs
  • Understanding of different massage techniques
Example:

"If a client seemed like they were in pain, I would stop what I was doing and ask them how they're feeling. I start every session by asking the client what their pressure preference is, but may need to adjust it still throughout the session."

What is aromatherapy? 

The aim of this question is to test the candidate's technical knowledge and awareness of different massage techniques. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of aromatherapy
  • Experience with aromatherapy massages
  • Confidence in their knowledge
Example:

"Aromatherapy massages use essential oils, such as chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender or peppermint to create a relaxing session. Aromatherapy is good for managing pain, improving moods, and relaxing. We can use aromatherapy with most massages, especially hot stone massages or Swedish massages to make the experience more relaxing and help the client release stress or anxiety."

What would you tell a client to eat or drink before and after a massage?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's knowledge of food and drinks to have or avoid before and after a massage. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of food and drinks a client should have or avoid
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to prioritise their clients' well-being
Example:

"I always tell clients not to eat a heavy meal before their session, as it can cause them to feel tired or make it hard to lie down on their stomach when they come in. It's better to eat a light meal at least an hour before the session. I always bring water to my clients after a massage as it helps eliminate toxins and hydrates them. It's best to avoid alcohol before or after a massage, as massages can amplify intoxication and hangovers."

Has a client ever been unhappy with your massage? What happened?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's ability to handle criticism and learn from it. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to handle criticism professionally
  • Willingness to learn from their mistakes
  • Experience working with clients
Example:

"From what I know, a client has never been unhappy with my massage. I always start the massage by asking the client about their preferences and needs. This helps me tailor the session to them. I will ask once or twice throughout the massage how the pressure is and how the client is feeling to adjust my techniques as necessary. Keeping open communication with the client is important, to have an environment they're comfortable in so they are happy with their massage."

If a client asked you to recommend a massage, what would you say?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's communication skills and ability to meet their clients' needs. What to look for in an answer:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to tailor sessions to different clients
  • Knowledge of different massage techniques
Example:

"Before we start, I ask my clients to tell me about any pain they're in and ask if they're on any medications. I ask about their massage history to determine if they have any massage techniques they enjoy or dislike. Based on the information they give me, I will recommend a specific massage technique. For example, if they say they've been feeling stressed, I will recommend a hot stone or aromatherapy massage to release those feelings."

Did you have any consistent clients in your previous role?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's communication skills and ability to build professional relationships with clients. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience in a similar role
  • Ability to retain regular clients
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Example:

"In my previous role, I did have a lot of regular clients. I enjoy making professional connections with my clients and meeting their needs to encourage them to come back. When I told my regular clients I was leaving, they asked for my business card to come to my new place of work."

What medications don't react well to a massage?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's technical knowledge of how certain medications react to massage therapy. What to look for in an answer:

  • In-depth knowledge of which medications don't react well to massage therapy
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to explain to you and clients why they can't give a massage if the client is on certain medications
Example:

"Clients on blood thinners, blood pressure medication, topical drugs, or injectable medication shouldn't have a massage or should consult with their physician first. Massages can interfere with how the client absorbs medication like antibiotic cream and insulin. It can result in bruising for those on blood thinners and it can lower blood pressure in clients that are on blood pressure medication."

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