table of contents
In a high-demand field like massage therapy, it pays to have an edge during the job search process. A massage therapist resume template can provide that edge. It prevents worries about formatting, making it easier to focus on quality content and to accurately research positions you're applying for. Here, you'll get access to job-specific resume advice, resume tools and a small library of prepared, downloadable templates.
A resume template typically includes a section for a summary statement. It's the first part of the resume a hiring manager sees, and is your chance to highlight your qualifications for the job. It's meant to directly and concretely answer the question: "Why should you hire me?"
Personalize your summary statement by following a few simple guidelines:
You have the option of using a resume objective statement instead of a summary statement. Where a summary covers the skills and experience you bring to a job, an objective statement lays out your personal and professional goals. The latter is best used in cases where you're applying for the kind of high-responsibility management position in which your professional goals add value for the company if you achieve them. Most experts otherwise advise using a summary statement.
Check out this sample summary statement:
Once you've captured the employer's attention, it's important to deliver a solid picture of the job-specific skills you’d bring to a massage therapist position. Remember that your resume should always be tailored to the job you're applying for and should highlight the most relevant portions of your skillset.
The skills section of a resume will vary in size depending on what type of resume you're creating. For massage therapists with prior experience, a chronological resume is often a good option. In this format, the skills section is incorporated within the work history.
Make sure the skills you're listing are directly relevant to the post you're applying for and that you're framing them in a way that makes you a more enticing hire. One excellent way to make sure you're covering the needed bases is to be on the lookout for the kinds of keywords that make hiring managers sit up and take notice.
Keywords are common buzzwords and industry-specific terms found in job postings. You can work out what keywords apply to a specific job posting by reading the qualifications section of the job description (and others similar to it), or by frequenting online forums dedicated to massage therapists. Other good sources for keywords are the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook and O*Net. See our sample listing of possible keywords below:
You can mention skills in the summary statement of your resume as well. To prevent the impression of spam or keyword stuffing, limit yourself to just one or two keywords in your summary.
Your professional history is a crucial part of a massage therapist resume, especially since many positions specifically require experienced candidates. Focus on previous jobs that have directly relevant experience for the position at hand, or at the very least, provided related and transferable experience.
In presenting your work history, you should use the previously identified keywords and skills. Each professional position you list provides its opportunity to mention skills you learned or deployed, and to mobilize those keywords.
Your work history should be listed chronologically, in reverse order starting with the most recent position you had in the field and going back to your earliest relevant job experience. Keep formatting clean and easy to scan, avoiding too many colors images and other design elements. For each entry, you should include:
So, for example, a massage therapist with several years of experience could summarize their work history like this:
For a working professional in the massage therapy field, the education and training section confirms that you have the appropriate certifications — particularly when applying to registered massage therapist (RMT) jobs — and to showcase any additional accreditations you've acquired related to the field.
Although educational listings for a chronological resume are relatively brief, you can still tailor your resume to the occasion. Entries in this section can mention specific courses and skills acquired in disciplines where applicable. Remember that the keywords we listed t above are still relevant here.
Just as with work history, the education and training entries should be provided chronologically in reverse order from most to least recent. Entries could include the following if space allows:A sample Education and Training section in a massage therapist resume could be formatted this way: