Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1501042
So, think about the traits of a person who is awesome to work with. Here are some ideas and why they are significant: • Reliability—if a person is unreliable, someone will likely have to cover for them. • Teamwork—a collective effort makes most tasks and problem- solving efforts much easier. We are all better when we work together. • Willingness to learn and ask questions—those who don't embrace this attitude are more likely to make mistakes since they didn't ask enough questions, resulting in someone having to pick up the slack or spend unnecessary time fixing errors that could have been avoided. Plus, there are many ways to approach most tasks and problems, and expanding one's knowledge and skills only makes them more useful and effective. • Communication—this includes being an active listener, offering presence, and being direct and concise when answering a question (in other words, don't over- talk or veer so far off track that you lose or exhaust your listener). It also means speaking in a positive tone. Negativity can spread like a virus and drastically lower the vibe of a workplace. No one wants that. • Conflict-resolution—working in an environment of tension and conflict is stressful and makes life unpleasant for everyone. It is best to resolve problems that arise directly and swiftly. • Inclusivity—now more than ever, people are welcome to be who they are and that often means they are not exactly like you. For a business to thrive, all people must be offered respect. • Authenticity—a genuine person is easier to trust (and trust is a massively important quality for any employer). Anticipate ways you can demonstrate these traits during the interview (or other traits that you deem significant). Do an online search on common interview L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 89 TAKEAWAY: A shift in perspective as an interviewee could result in a shift in the physical and emotional response you normally have heading into a job interview. questions and find ways to incorporate stories that demonstrate these character traits within your responses. WHAT MAKES AN EXCELLENT EMPLOYER? Let's face it, most of us go into the interview process primarily focused on being chosen. It's one of the main reasons we get nervous. However, it's important to remember that if you are chosen, this is where you'll be spending many hours of your life. What you will be receiving is as important as what you will be giving. Therefore, it's wise to spend a portion of the time interviewing the person with whom you are seeking employment. I'm not saying you should grill the interviewer or be demanding (that would likely not go over well). I am saying that employment is a two-way street, and when you seek a place to work, it needs to be a good fit for everyone involved. It's a relationship, and no relationship survives when only one side has their needs met. Start by researching the company ahead of the interview. Check out their website, social media, and online reviews. Learn about their history, work culture, mission, values, and goals. If possible, "shop" your future employer as if you are a customer. Prepare some questions that will illuminate their company culture. Use the aforementioned traits to guide you. A few examples might be: "Do you think your team works well together? If so, can you give me an example?" "What does your orientation and training consist of?" "How do you deal with conf lict between coworkers, supervisors/coworkers, unhappy clients/employees?" Finally, get clear on what you want and need, and be sure you're on the same page with the potential employer. This will include things like work hours, number of sessions expected per shift, how much time is given between sessions, etc. It's important to know your limits and honor them. THE WHOLE PACKAGE The employment relationship is like any other healthy relationship—it is a reciprocal commitment to and acceptance of the whole package. Certainly, you still want to keep basic interviewing skills in mind: speak at an even pace and volume; use appropriate, professional language; make eye contact; exude warmth, friendliness, and confidence; dress professionally; be punctual; highlight how your knowledge, skills, and abilities match the job description; provide a copy of your resume and references; and follow up with a note of gratitude after the interview. The whole package of the ideal interview and employment experience includes demonstrating a desire to be in a collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship. After all, if the employment relationship matters to you, the therapeutic relationship with your client probably does too. And that is likely the most important trait that the boss is looking for! Since 2000, Cindy Williams, LMT, has been actively involved in the massage profession as a practitioner, school administrator, instructor, curriculum developer, and mentor. In addition to maintaining a part- time massage and bodywork practice and teaching yoga, she is a freelance content writer and educational consultant. Contact her at massagetherapyfortwayne@gmail.com.