5 Questions to ask at your interview
Interviews can be daunting, they can be exciting and sometimes they can be disappointing. Whether you are on the look out for a new challenge or just starting out in your career check out the advice below.
I think it’s important to shine, show your skills confidently and of course ask the regular and important questions. The aim is to leave them remembering YOU out of the other ten therapists your interviewer has seen that day.
1. What is your wellness policy for your staff?
I was recently asked this when interviewing a therapist and I was so impressed and a little surprised as she was a young therapist in terms of experience. She explained that her previous place of employment had no massage limit, no turnaround time and the staff were overworked. The quality of her treatments suffered and her view of the industry was not a positive one. She was applying for the new role as she wanted to work somewhere where she was respected as a therapist and could give her all to the spa without sucumbing to exhaustion. I was very impressed - I am not sure I was that confident aged 20.
Some policies you may want to look out for in regards to your wellness in the work place would be:
Can you have access to natural light and the fresh air in your breaks? This is so important. More and more spas are built in the basement of a hotel and you can come out at the end of your shift feeling slightly like a mole, blinking into the sunglight. Vitamin D and some air does wonders for your soul and gives you a chance to stretch your legs, a 15 minute walk around the block, some stretches or having your lunch in the daylight will do wonders for your state of mind.
Find out if the spa has massage limits. Protecting yourself and your body is vital in a career where you are reliant on it. Check the policy for how many massages are expected to carry out in a shift. This is a subject I plan to investigate further and write more about. I will ask some of the leading spa directors and also some medical professionals for their advice so I can give you all an informed decision.
Are your meals provided on your shift? Are they healthy? This is often the case for larger spas but maybe not your high street location. Nourishing your body for a day of treatments is paramount, you have to fuel yourself correctly. I remember a lot of beige food at the hotel canteens I worked in and often I would not eat if it was another potato-based meal, meaning I would get home starving and often making bad unhealthy choices.
Do they offer any wellbeing or meditation classes you are allowed to attend? Yoga or pilates classes are great for tired muscles/ tired masseuses.
Do you have access to the gym if there is one? Exercise is hugely important in keeping your body (and mind) healthy and functioning and should be one of your top priorities.
All these kind of questions show the employer that you care about your wellbeing, that your work isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life.
2. Do you have a developmen programme for your staff, further qualifications or leadership courses?
When you start in a new spa, hopefully you don’t go in with the view that you’re going to leave soon! Ask what the options are to gain more experience, how will they support your growth, are there courses you can attend and sign up for to learn new skills or qualifications. Do they have a development programme (some Hotel groups often have these)? Are there treatments on the menu that you aren’t currently qualified in that you could train in or have support (whether financial or time) to sign up for? This will show your interviewer you are serious about your career, the role and the company.
3. What is the biggest challenge effecting the Spa right now? How could you assist or support?
Maybe they are extremely short staffed, maybe the retail sales are down, poor customer feedback is an issue or they have low staff retention. Knowing how your manager could gain from your support could be a positive for you but also an inside into the spa so you can make a decision regarding accepting the role.
Check the spa’s reviews on google & social media, knowing the reputation and guest feedback also shines a light on the environment.
4. Why did the last Therapist in my position leave?
They might not talk about this or want to give details but often it is an insight into the working environment. Hopefully they will have left for progression, a change in career or something completely unrelated to the role. If the interviewer is happy to let you know the details you may be able to make a more informed choice.
5. Why do you work here?
I have worked for many types of bosses, but the ones I remember (and still speak to often) are the ones who were super passionate and driven. They were role models and true leaders that built me up and gave me the confidence to grow and continue my journey. Make sure your future manager fills you with excitement and passion for the spa, someone that is just there to get paid won’t get the best out of you.
Finally, take pride in your role, be proud of your achievements and qualifications, you worked hard for them. Show that you want to stay in this wonderful Industry long term.
When I wrote this blog preparing for the launch of the site I had in mind people looking for new roles or newly qualified therapists but in hindsight I also think its so important to ask the these questions regularly in your current roles, have a good think if you’re being looked after, and if not why not? What can be done? Take the lead and speak to your manager. Perhaps you could be the driving force behind a wellness in the workplace initiative?
