Hiring a new massage therapist for your team? Before you invite them in for a hands-on interview or working interview, the massage therapist phone interview is your first — and best — chance to screen for fit, professionalism, and basic qualifications.
But here’s the problem: most practice owners treat the phone screen like a casual chat. They wing it. They don’t take notes. They skip questions that matter. And as a result, they waste time bringing in the wrong candidates or miss out on great ones.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what to say during a massage therapist phone interview, what questions to ask, and how to listen for red flags — so you can make smart, confident hiring decisions without wasting time.
Why the Phone Interview Matters
Think of the phone interview as your filter. It helps you:
- Quickly confirm basic qualifications
- Understand their experience and goals
- Hear how they communicate
- Weed out mismatches before investing more time
This step is especially important if you’re hiring multiple candidates or don’t have a dedicated HR person. It saves time, energy, and awkward in-person interviews that didn’t need to happen in the first place.
How Long Should a Massage Therapist Phone Interview Be?
Keep it short and focused — 15 to 20 minutes is ideal. It’s not a deep-dive; it’s a fit check.
Let the candidate know up front:
“This call will take about 15–20 minutes. I’ll ask a few questions to learn more about you, and then we’ll talk about what’s next.”
Setting expectations helps them feel at ease — and keeps the conversation on track.
What to Prepare Before the Call
Before you pick up the phone, make sure you’ve got:
- Their resume or application in front of you
- A printed or digital list of questions
- A quiet place to take notes
- A clear idea of what you’re looking for
Bonus tip: Block 10 minutes after the call to jot down impressions while they’re still fresh.
What to Say and Ask During the Interview
Here’s a phone screen script and set of questions to guide your conversation. You don’t need to follow it word for word — but having a structure will help you stay focused and consistent across candidates.
1. Introduction and Setup
“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Your Business]. Is now still a good time to chat?”
Once confirmed:
“Great — thank you again for applying. This is just an initial phone interview, about 15–20 minutes. I’ll ask you some questions to get a better idea of your experience and goals, and then I’ll let you know what our next steps look like.”
2. Confirm Credentials and Logistics
- Are you currently a licensed massage therapist in [Your State]?
- Are you looking for full-time, part-time, or something flexible?
- Do you have current liability insurance (or are you open to getting it)?
- What days or shifts are you ideally looking for?
You’re making sure they’re qualified and that your availability matches.
3. Ask About Experience and Style
- How long have you been practicing massage therapy?
- Where have you worked in the past, and what types of clients do you usually see?
- What modalities or techniques are you most comfortable with?
- Can you tell me about a client session that went really well — and why?
Look for confidence, clarity, and whether their experience matches your clientele.
4. Cultural and Client Fit
- What do you value most in a workplace?
- How do you typically build rapport with new clients?
- What do you do when a client has trouble relaxing or communicating what they need?
You’re assessing soft skills, professionalism, and alignment with your company culture.
5. Red Flags to Listen For
Be cautious if they:
- Struggle to describe their technique or client experience
- Avoid questions or give very short, vague answers
- Complain excessively about past jobs or coworkers
- Seem disinterested or distracted on the call
- Say they’re “not really looking but just seeing what’s out there”
You want people who are engaged, professional, and excited to work — not just drifting.
6. Close the Call
“Thanks so much for sharing with me today. Here’s what happens next: I’ll be reviewing interviews and reaching out to schedule in-person or hands-on assessments for selected candidates. You’ll hear from me by [day or date].”
If you know you’re not moving forward, you can be kind but clear:
“Thanks again for your time. I’ll be in touch if any opportunities open up that are a better fit.”
If you are interested, let them know you’ll follow up to schedule next steps.
Optional: Let Them Ask Questions
“Before we wrap up, do you have any questions for me about the role or the business?”
You can learn a lot based on what they ask (or don’t). Curious, proactive candidates are usually a good sign.
After the Call: Take 2 Minutes to Evaluate
Immediately after the call, answer these for yourself:
- Would I want this person representing my business?
- Would our clients enjoy working with them?
- Are they reliable, professional, and coachable?
- Do they fit the culture and schedule I need?
Score or jot quick notes while it’s fresh — don’t trust your memory later.
Final Thoughts: Structure Makes Hiring Easier
Conducting a massage therapist phone interview doesn’t have to be awkward or time-consuming. With the right structure and questions, you can quickly filter candidates, spot your future star hires, and avoid wasting time on the wrong ones.
Hiring is one of the most important things you’ll ever do in your business — and it all starts with a solid phone screen.
