Is it ethical to ask for free massages ?

I've heard that many spas will "interview" LMTs by requiring free massages from potential employees. Many newly licenced massage therapists will go for a job interview, give a free massage expecting to be hired. And then they get the "don't call us, we'll call you". And some is getting lots of free massage. Is this a common hiring practice for spas? And is it ethical? Does anyone have any advice or suggestions for someone who may encounter this request?

I have no doubt that many employers do 'demo' deal for the free massage. You know something is up when they say they want you to work on the wife too, because her opinion 'counts so much'.
I will only do more than one demo for a corporate situation. For a small practice, and especially if its a subcontractor deal, I either wont do one because I bring in clients already, or I'll only do one. I'm weary of it anymore. I think it's a joke that's overdone. Unfortunately, it's on us....

Ethical?
i wouldn't work for a place that didn't ask for a massage from me! how can you hire them if you don't know what quality of touch they have. schools and training listed on a resume are not necessarily an indicator of how good your skills are.
i'm had some really bad massages from RMT's (they have 3000hrs training).
the only way to know for sure is to ask a prospective employee/contact worker for a short treatment.

In Vegas employers typically require a full 50-minute session. First, to feel if your massage is any good. Second, to see if you can complete a session on time for your next appt. I wouldn't hire anyone without an audition, nor would I expect to be hired without one.

Jenn - We wouldn't hire someone without their doing a test massage. They submit a resume and have an interview first, and if they seem to be a likely candidate we have them do two test massages - back to back - for current employees. We want to assess their ability, give them a chance to interact with future co-workers and see that they are able to stay on time and focus on the key elements of the work.

No one who works at our place feels that a bad massage is worth their time ....so the priority is not getting "free" massage, it's hiring the therapist most well suited to our environment.

Jenn in Portland, Oregon said: I've heard that many spas will "interview" LMTs by requiring free massages from potential employees. Many newly licenced massage therapists will go for a job interview, give a free massage expecting to be hired. And then they get the "don't call us, we'll call you". And some is getting lots of free massage. Is this a common hiring practice for spas? And is it ethical? Does anyone have any advice or suggestions for someone who may encounter this request?

Yes it is next time ask them if they would allow a chiropractor to give them a free neck manipulatio, or tell them youwill massage a clint for your regular fee and let the client determine your expertise.

Ive done a "Demo" massage on another therapist before, but only 15 minutes worth...Now, would I do more than that to get hired on? NO....Honestly, it shouldn't take more than that to know whether or not the therapist does good work!

I disagree. your quality of touch can be established in 15minutes, yes. but your effectiveness at meeting a clients needs cannot. time management, making sure you address all their area's of concern is important... some therapists are very lacking in that area. ... or they find tension spots that they want to work on, while the client wants you to be working somewhere else. all that stuff is important, and you need to find that out by doing a full session.

Jenn in Portland, Oregon said: I've heard that many spas will "interview" LMTs by requiring free massages from potential employees. Many newly licenced massage therapists will go for a job interview, give a free massage expecting to be hired. And then they get the "don't call us, we'll call you". And some is getting lots of free massage. Is this a common hiring practice for spas? And is it ethical? Does anyone have any advice or suggestions for someone who may encounter this request?

Hi Jenn, I agree with those who say they wouldn't hire anyone without a practical. I also think a full session is necessary to get an idea how a session will go with a client, from beginning to end, as well as time management. In my opinion, there are so many details that make up a good massage experience that 15 minutes is not enough time.

I have owned my own Massage Clinic for 10 years now, and the final part of my interview is a full 1 hour interview massage. The therapist is representing ME and MY business. I am going to make sure that they are up to MY standards before they start working on my clients under my name. If a person gets a "bad" massage, they only seem to remember where they had the "bad" experience, not the name of the therapist that worked on them. (See the Massage Envy pages for proof of that.) I do not want me or the other therapist at my clinic to suffer because of 1 bad therapist.

So, the short answer here is YES, it is a common and wise business decision to have interview massages.

A few months ago I interviewed at a Salon and I was on the fence about the job situation and asked a ton of questions. I wasn't sure I really fit into the hip, trendy salon atmosphere but after my initial interview with the owner, she and I set up a hands-on massage interview a few days later. When I arrived, she wasn't even there... instead one of her hair stylist was ready to get the massage instead! When I asked her if she gets massages often, she said she couldn't remember the last time she got one... So how could she even be a good judge?

I was really blown away that the owner had me give a free massage to one of her employees when she probably had no intention of hiring me... However, this employee gave me some interesting insight about the owner about how difficult she is to work with and how she cuts hours etc...

This happened again when I interviewed for a massage/chiropractor office. I don't think they ever intended to hire me (just something you can tell in an interview) but they scheduled a massage interview anyway. They didn't fully disclose the payment and scheduling situation until I asked a ton more questions after the massage and I think she could tell that I wasn't impressed by their set up (but that story is for another post). Needless to say... what a waste of time and energy!

Only give an "interview" massage if it's a place you really want to work at and if you get the feeling from the initial interview that they like your personality/resume and would consider hiring you. Don't let people take advantage of your hard-work!

On another note... if a massage therapist is hiring/interviewing you where that therapist works or will shares your space... ask about trading massages. They need to know what kind of massage you give and you also should know about their skill. This situation was offered to me when I was considering a room rental where the owner was also a massage therapist. He knows that a free massage is a lot to ask of an M.T.

I think it depends upon which field or aspect of the massage therapy profession you are applying.

If you are entering a healthcare aspect of massage, a "massage" interview is not necessary. No other healthcare professional is going to work for an hour for free. For likewise parity, why would a massage therapist be asked to do so?

Testing clinical reasoning skills would probably be a better indicator of success for the position.

I would rather have a crappy hands-on therapist with a great learning attitude and work ethic that I could mentor and train, than a arrogant well-honed skilled PT wannabe who thinks they are a pro with every deep tissue technique.

Work values like showing up on time each day, being professionally dressed and groomed, along with good communication,writing, and time management skills will always make for the best-long term employees.

But now I will concede:
Perhaps in a spa setting, giving a "massage interview" might follow some logic as to decide what if you can provide a "good" massage.

Problem is: what the heck is a good massage? What one person jumps onto the table for, will not be the same as what the next comes for. Obviously each massage session will need to be tailored to the expected needs. If using a cookie cutter approach, one of those clients will be getting a crappy massage probably.

Testing a therapist's abilities with one massage by a subjective prospective employer is probably not a realistic way to know if the therapist gives a "good" massage, at least not statisically.

www.male-massage-therapist.com

I went for an interview at a Sports and Wellness gym, they said they had a lot of applicants and a massage was part of the interview. I massaged the lady that worked in the child care portion of the gym. She had only 2 massages in her life, I became very suspicious. Another applicant was massage someone in another department. I feel they were just using the extra applicants to get their staff massaged. I did report the gym to their home office, just beware their is always someone trying to exploit massage therapy, we need to stand up and gain respect in our field.

Jenn in Portland, Oregon said: I've heard that many spas will "interview" LMTs by requiring free massages from potential employees. Many newly licenced massage therapists will go for a job interview, give a free massage expecting to be hired. And then they get the "don't call us, we'll call you". And some is getting lots of free massage. Is this a common hiring practice for spas? And is it ethical? Does anyone have any advice or suggestions for someone who may encounter this request?

Hi Jenn,
YES it is common practice for any reputable establishment to request a massage in order to test a potential employee who's going to represent them to the public. How else to know if the therapist is skilled, not to mention safe; remember, the establishment is liable.

On the other hand, if the owner/manager is serious about hiring, they will either recieve it themself or hand it over to someone adept at evaluating a massage. Because I've been a therapist for a long time (17 years), I will often be the one to recieve the interview massage at my spa. It's not just about techinical skill for me, it's technique, professionalism, communication, how comfortable they are and make me feel; I try and imagine how this person would make a first-timer feel. All these things create the experience for your guests and reflect on the image of your spa.

So to answer your question Jenn, it is ethical, and I would go as far as to say it would be un-ethical if they didn't.
Good luck to you.

It is ethical and if it makes you feel any better I am an MT, Esthetician and Registered Dental Assitant. Going for interviews to do Facials, they will have you perform a facial on one of the staff,manager,owner. As a dental assistant the doctors had you work one full day as part of the interview process. All jobs are so hands on that just becuase you know what to say does not mean you have skills. Hands on shows that right away.

When i was being interviewed by a spa that had me do a massage for the interview i also got one in return.

Hands on interviews are absolutely ncessary, and a MT can be assessed in a thirty minute time frame. Working interviews are different, and are compensated. To see if a MT can handle 4 clients in a row, stay on time, and deliver great massage they must be paid, like in training.

I agree that a hands-on interview is essential when someone is hiring a massage therapist. However, I have experienced (and have heard of many experiences of) abuse in this regard. Some employers think interviewing massage therapists is fun because of all the free massages they will get. This doesn't go to say that everyone is like that, but those situations are common enough. In one of my experiences, I was about to give a verbal and hands-on interview when the massage therapist that they just hired walked back in the door (presumably from an interview that ended just as I arrived) to mention something to the interviewer. And to think I was about to give that lady a free massage when the position had already been filled!

Anyone heard of having to give (3) full body 1-hr. massages for an interview?

BrittShiv in Yulee, Florida said: Anyone heard of having to give (3) full body 1-hr. massages for an interview?

No that seems excessive. I gave 3 people massages for my first interview but only 20 minutes apiece. It sounds like they are trying to take advantage of you. I would only do that many if I really really really wanted that job bad.

The interviewers might not even think about how excessive that is. You might try saying something like this: I love massage, but it sure is tough on the body. I would like to demonstrate my skill while at the same preserving my hands for your clients. How about a 20 minute demonstration for each of you on an area of your choice?

If they like your suggestion and agree, they're good people. If not, you probably don't want to work for them anyway. Good luck.

Oh, the interviewers knew just how excessive that is... B/c 2 of them were massage therapists and one was spa director. The job was only for a part-time on call position. Should I call the corporate office on these people?

Remy2Day in Aptos, California said: You might try saying something like this: I love massage, but it sure is tough on the body. I would like to demonstrate my skill while at the same preserving my hands for your clients. How about a 20 minute demonstration for each of you on an area of your choice?

Remy - I don't think there is anything to be gained from indicating that massage is tough on the body when asked to do an amount of massage that, in most spas, would be "all in a days work"

Addressing the question more directly: I think a request to perform two treatments is reasonable - it lets two different recipients assess you for technical and interpersonal skills - but three is excessive.

EE

I feel that if we don't set some kind of industry standard for demonstrating our skills, the "hands-on" interview will continue to be abused. In this economy where 50 massage therapists may be interviewing for only 2 part-time positions, the massage interviews are simply a way to get staff massaged for free. In such an economy, an out of work therapist could have to do this for up to a year to secure a stable job. And in a profession where many burn out within 5-7 years, that's an INSANE amount of work to do for free knowing all the time that you're probably being used and abused.

Before my interview, the guy asked sternly if I was willing to do all 3 (1hr.) massages to "SECURE THE POSITION". So, basically, I couldn't say no or I would have no chance at the job. And I think this is ridiculous... This profession, if you can call it that, is pissing me off more and more... But after 8 years on my resume, it's the only thing I have experience in. I ask you newbies to please think this through before considering this to be your "career"!

Here's what I think is gained by mentioning that massage is challenging for your body: it lets the interviewers know that 1-you are concerned with self-care and 2-you expect to be treated fairly. It's a start to setting boundaries. While 3 massages is half of a day's work, an interview is NOT a day's work. Your interpersonal and massage skills can be evaluated in 20 minutes. Just my opinion.

That sucks, BrittShiv. It sounds like you're in a tough spot. I don't suppose Yulee is a hotspot for luxury spa services. Is the interview at one of those big chains like Massage Envy? If so, calling corporate could backfire.

Remy2Day in Troy, New York said: Here's what I think is gained by mentioning that massage is challenging for your body: it lets the interviewers know that 1-you are concerned with self-care and 2-you expect to be treated fairly. It's a start to setting boundaries. While 3 massages is half of a day's work, an interview is NOT a day's work. Your interpersonal and massage skills can be evaluated in 20 minutes. Just my opinion.

That sucks, BrittShiv. It sounds like you're in a tough spot. I don't suppose Yulee is a hotspot for luxury spa services. Is the interview at one of those big chains like Massage Envy? If so, calling corporate could backfire.

North Florida is not as much of a hotspot as other metro areas, but I'm in the Jacksonville metro area. (Just live on the outskirts.) Yes, it is very much an upscale luxury spa (4-5 stars), not even in the same league as a day spa. It's sad that professionals have to be afraid to voice their opinions, but just wanted to point out this insanity whether they're reading or not. I'm tired of being silent and still getting abused. I've worked in very upscale spas before and only had to do 1 massage demonstration (30 minutes for one and full hour for the other). Also, I would work at Wal-mart before stepping foot in a Massage Envy...lol

Also, Remy2day, you are right about being up-front and setting some boundaries. But I was just afraid, b/c it seemed like they weren't going to interview me if I didn't agree to do those massages. I wouldn't call corporate to get anyone in trouble. An anonymous call (not mentioning which property) could simply help by getting them to start thinking about some kind of policy for this so therapists aren't getting abused by certain individuals in their supposedly well-respected company.

Sorry for the run-on sentence...

Ahhh, yes Jacksonville is a good place to be. Thank you for sharing your experience here. Let us know how it turns out. It's a shame that a "respectable" business treats potential employees this way and as long as we let them, they'll continue. You've obviously got what it takes to voice your opinion when fear isn't standing in your way!

I prefer being my own boss but that also isn't for everyone and every situation.

Remy2Day in Jamaica, New York said: Ahhh, yes Jacksonville is a good place to be. Thank you for sharing your experience here. Let us know how it turns out. It's a shame that a "respectable" business treats potential employees this way and as long as we let them, they'll continue. You've obviously got what it takes to voice your opinion when fear isn't standing in your way!

I prefer being my own boss but that also isn't for everyone and every situation.

I have been my own boss through most of these years; mostly as a mobile therapist. The slow economy is the only thing causing me to consider working as an employee for a large company. Believe me, when things are better, I plan to be self-employed even if it's not in the massage industry.

Don't know why my email is there, instead of screen name...

I think it is perfectly reasonable for a business owner to "test drive" a massage therapist to see what they're getting. It's part of the package, in addition to presentation, knowledge, education and communication skills of a potential team member. If a therapist doesn't have good technique or a professional manner with a client, I wouldn't hire him or her. And, you can fake professionalism in an interview, but it's hard to do in a treatment room.

I work in a medical clinic for a physical therapist who was medical staff for the Beijing and Athens Olympics, and even in a medical setting it is par for the course.

What I don't think it reasonable, however, is for a business owner to expect more than one sample massage from a single therapist - if there are multiple candidates, treatments should be done on a few people who are familiar with the therapy and are looking for the same thing in a massage staff member.

Jenn in Portland, Oregon said: I've heard that many spas will "interview" LMTs by requiring free massages from potential employees. Many newly licenced massage therapists will go for a job interview, give a free massage expecting to be hired. And then they get the "don't call us, we'll call you". And some is getting lots of free massage. Is this a common hiring practice for spas? And is it ethical? Does anyone have any advice or suggestions for someone who may encounter this request?

All the Chrio's i have ever interviewed with asked for free massage, But the interview works both ways, so some i did and some were a Big NO...
There was one that i was going to rent a room from he Asked me to give him a massage so he could see if i was any good - Well i Told him NO i was Renting a room from him for a couple of days a week, he would not be on site and would not be referring clients to me, He was very surprised to hear someone tell him no...

I believe we are more abused than not. Giving free massages is crap! The person or business asking for them ...I guarantee..does NOT WORK FOR FREE! SO..WHY ARE WE EXPECTED TOO? Isn't this what references are for?? I mean really...does a chiropractor demonstrate his/her skills to you??? Does a Physical Therapists demonstrate his/her skills to you? Does a Esthetician give a facial before being considered??? NOPE they sure don't....So whoever started this crazy idea...work for free...I mean really..think about it...do you know ANYONE who does? I sure don't!
This madness is ridiculous. We are trained...Registered..Certified ..for a profession as they are...but yet they want a demonstration of what we are trained to do when they do not even demonstrate what they do themselves? How is that right?

I would say it is ethical to give one massage to show them what you know. Past that, it is unethical if they keep calling you in for a massage. Tell them that if they wanted their wife to know what your massage is like than they should have had her get the massage! And yes estheticians do have to give a free facial at my work. And my chiropactor does go out to malls and sporting events and does free assessments. However you have to make a call when it becomes an abuse! I love showing off my talents and don't have a problem with it until the second time. If they ask for a second time than this should give a red flag warning about the future with that employer.

For interview purposes requesting one 20-30 minute massage is reasonable.

Jenn in Portland, Oregon said: I've heard that many spas will "interview" LMTs by requiring free massages from potential employees. Many newly licenced massage therapists will go for a job interview, give a free massage expecting to be hired. And then they get the "don't call us, we'll call you". And some is getting lots of free massage. Is this a common hiring practice for spas? And is it ethical? Does anyone have any advice or suggestions for someone who may encounter this request?

I just applied for a salon in my city and went to the 1st interview and the owner called me back to schedule a hands on interview 2 days later. I showed up and she took me to the room and said "I showed you around the spa right?" and she never had nor did. She had me give her a 1 and a half hour massage on her!!!!! What??????????????????????? Then she said she liked it alot but had two more interviews to do and she would get back to me in 3 days. Guess what? She never did......LOL it has been 2-3 weeks and no call!!!!

Wayne said: I have owned my own Massage Clinic for 10 years now, and the final part of my interview is a full 1 hour interview massage. The therapist is representing ME and MY business. I am going to make sure that they are up to MY standards before they start working on my clients under my name. If a person gets a "bad" massage, they only seem to remember where they had the "bad" experience, not the name of the therapist that worked on them. (See the Massage Envy pages for proof of that.) I do not want me or the other therapist at my clinic to suffer because of 1 bad therapist.

So, the short answer here is YES, it is a common and wise business decision to have interview massages.

Yeah, I bet you DO enjoy all of those free massages you get. Give me a break.

sami04 in Longmont, Colorado said: I just applied for a salon in my city and went to the 1st interview and the owner called me back to schedule a hands on interview 2 days later. I showed up and she took me to the room and said "I showed you around the spa right?" and she never had nor did. She had me give her a 1 and a half hour massage on her!!!!! What??????????????????????? Then she said she liked it alot but had two more interviews to do and she would get back to me in 3 days. Guess what? She never did......LOL it has been 2-3 weeks and no call!!!!

An hour and a half?? That's just wrong. These kinds of people take advantage of their employees too by trying to get free services, until the employees get tired of being taken advantage of. I used to work for a woman like that. She LOVED to get free facials and massages, and when she needed to hire someone she acted like she had won the lottery getting all these free services. Despicable.

BrittShiv in Yulee, Florida said: Anyone heard of having to give (3) full body 1-hr. massages for an interview?

No. they totally took advantage of you. I wonder how many other people they've done that to?

In every job, there are certain skills that need to be demonstrated before a worker gets hired. When I applied for a computer job at a company, I spent two hours taking "prove it" quizzes to prove that I knew about computers. When you apply at many retail stores, you can spend several hours taking personality tests to determine if you fit their corporate mentality. I think requesting a massage over an hour is a ridiculous expectation, but asking the therapist to demonstrate their skill is not out of line. Would you want to hire a graphic designer or a tattoo artist before seeing their work? I sure wouldn't. It's sad that some places are being abusive in the interview process, but why would you want to work for a place who didn't respect your boundaries from the beginning? I don't care how nice the place or the compensation is, if they take advantage of you in the interview process, drop them before they get a chance to make your life hell.

it is up to YOU if you accept to do a massage for the job. A good thing about school is that you do 35+ client massages and have reviews done by your classmates and teachers, so by the time you leave the clinic, you will learn what not to do and what to do, so there shouldnt be a 'not getting the job' issue. In fact you should want to pull out a couple techniques that maybe they loved and will ask you what you did so they can use them. Its really fun when you trade massages with other LMT's and learn new things from each other!

sami04

Thanks for sharing this here. It is a shame, I would never thought that someone could do that. It is clearly an abuse.
If it was a 30 min massage it was OK since the practical aspect is very important.

Dorian
Actively promoting Head Massage.
www.head-massage.net

If you want an "interview" massage pay for it like everyone else. I have been doing massage for many years and have been charging for it. So every massage needs to count and if your "reputation" and business is important to you, and you aren't going to take my five star references as proof that I know what I am doing, then it should be worth it to you to pay for it. No other business works like that period! It is wrong!

If I come to you and give you a massage I get paid..end of story. That is how the business works.