| You should wait until you have graduated from | | | | want to know what type of bodywork you can |
| massage school, passed the National Massage | | | | perform. Make it clear to them. Don't forget to |
| Exam (NCBTMB), and have your state license | | | | include the experience you gained in participating in |
| before applying for a massage job, right? | | | | student clinic. Detail the number of hours and |
| WRONG! During these tough economic times it is | | | | amount of clients you worked on. |
| important that you get an early jump on your | | | | Search the web for job opportunities in your area. |
| massage therapy career. Waiting and waiting until | | | | Most schools have a Career Services Department |
| everything is lined up just so may leave you with | | | | that will have a list of available jobs. Once you |
| months of "free" time on you hands. The | | | | have finalized your resume start submitting it to |
| massage therapy education that you invested in | | | | your jobs of interests even if you do not meet all |
| will pay off if you take the proper steps. Use | | | | of their desired qualifications of the job. You |
| your time as a student wisely. Use the collective | | | | never know how flexible an employer is willing to |
| efforts of your school community to prepare | | | | be until you ask. Plus, you will want to practice |
| yourself and to land a massage job while still a | | | | interviewing for massage therapy positions. |
| student. | | | | Stop by local spas and salons simply to meet and |
| First begin by deciding what type of job you | | | | greet. Introduce yourself and leave a resume |
| want. The field of massage therapy offers so | | | | behind. Employers are looking for polished |
| many opportunities. You can pursue employment | | | | go-getters. Be proactive and let potential |
| on a cruise ship, in a day spa, salon, doctor's | | | | employers know when you'll be ready for hire. |
| office, physical therapist, or for a professional or | | | | Network with other professionals. The best jobs |
| amateur sports team. What interests you most? | | | | I've ever landed where those that I already had |
| Speak with your instructors and career counselors | | | | before stepping foot in the interview. The referral |
| to get a better understanding of which job | | | | from a colleague made all the difference. Join |
| opportunities would best match your interests, | | | | professional organizations, such as AMTA and |
| goals, and skillset. | | | | ABMP. These organizations will provide you with |
| Next, begin working on your resume. Maintain a | | | | the liability coverage that most employers require |
| professional image by submitting an appropriate | | | | but most importantly will establish you as a |
| cover letter and resume to all jobs you seek to | | | | serious candidate. So start early. Decide what |
| be considered for. On your resume highlight any | | | | type of work you want. Solicit the help of |
| previous relevant experience. (i.e. receptionist | | | | instructors and other professionals. Submit as |
| work done at a spa, medical knowledge, or | | | | many resumes as possible and interview. |
| hospitality experience) If you lack professional | | | | interview, interview. Practice makes perfect. With |
| experience, focus more on your knowledge of | | | | a little determination you should have no problem |
| the modalities taught in your program. Employers | | | | landing a massage job while still in school. |