53
IT’S YOUR TIME… Eric Polgar Assistant Director of Massage University of Western States [email protected] POLGAR 2011 YOU WILL GET OUT OF IT WHA T YOU PUT INTO IT!
IT’S YOUR TI
ME…
Eric PolgarAssistant Director of MassageUniversity of Western [email protected]
POLGAR 2011
YOU WILL
GET O
UT OF IT
WHAT Y
OU PUT INTO
IT!
RESUMESSELLING YOURSELF TO POTENTIAL
EMPLOYERS
POLGAR 2011
RESUME BASICSPurpose
TypesResumes in 2011
FormatUse
Tips for Effective Resumes
POLGAR 2011
The sole purpose of your resume is to
get you an interview
POLGAR 2011
RESUMES IN 2011
Embrace Technology…its 2011Don’t ASSume…you know the sayingExpansion is good…when it’s not fluffOverused is out…your not the only “team player”Looks still count…you want to stand outScanned not read…managers are busy
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303657404576363612674900024.htm l
POLGAR 2011
A BASIC MASSAGE RESUME
• At the top: Name Address City, State Zip Phone and Email
• Headings: Education, Experience, Qualifications,, Awards, Languages
• Use a Cover Letter
• Use the K.I.S.S methodology
http://www.amtamassage.org/uploads/cms/documents/sample_resume.pdf
POLGAR 2011
THE IMPORTANCE OF COVER LETTERS
• Use professional business letter format
• Use professional language
• Three paragraphs
Introduction and How I found you
Sell yourself
Closing
• Send a personalized version with each resume
• Use buzzwords found in the job add
POLGAR 2011
TYPES OF RESUMES
• Reverse Chronological• Directed or Targeted
Resume• Combination or Functional
Resume
POLGAR 2011
RESUME BUZZ WORDShttp://lyndacwatts.wordpress.com/2010/12/10/resume-buzz-words-words-that-win/
POLGAR 2011
MORE BUZZ WORDShttp://lyndacwatts.wordpress.com/2010/12/10/resume-buzz-words-words-that-win/
POLGAR 2011
MYTH OR RULE
1. Your resume should fit onto one page2. Always Use a cover letter3. You need to include an objective4. Gaps in employment will cost you an interview5. A little embellishment is OK6. Use Reverse Chronological order7. Education should be on top8. Should include references9. Use buzzwords10.Hard copy printed on fancy paper
http://www.mainstreet.com/slideshow/career/10-resume-rules-fact-or-fiction
POLGAR 2011
MASSAGE SPECIFIC RESUME TIPS AND EXAMPLES
http://www.amtamassage.org/career_guidance/detail/179 (tips from the AMTA)
http://www.cvtips.com/resumes-and-cvs/massage-therapist-sample-resume.html example of massage resume
http://www.ehow.com/how_5585611_write-letter-massage-therapist-position.html (how to write a cover letter for an LMT position)
POLGAR 2011
RESUME TIPS
Use Professional Language and Email
Use fresh buzzword and word combo’s
Use reverse chronological
Keep it targeted
Send out at least 5 per week
Follow up after 5-7 business days
Use a personalized cover letter
Stand out…but don’t be too loud
POLGAR 2011
MORE RESOURCES
http://www.amtamassage.org/professional_development/CareerPathQuiz.html?userId=1404§ion=skills
POLGAR 2011
Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave upThomas Edison
Polgar 2011
What type of interview is it? What should you wear?What should you say?Questions you can expectHints to acing the interview:
Polgar 2011
Will this be a face to face interview…the typical business interview?Will it be a hands-on demonstration?Will it be both?It might begin with a phone interview?
Polgar 2011
Professional Attire
Polgar 2011
Sometimes what we see on TV is Inappropriate to wear at the office
If you choose to wear a skirt it should cover Your thighs when you are seated
Professional Skirt, Women’s Suit, Closed Toe Shoes, Limited scents andMake‐up
There are two things to avoid:
Looking NaïveandLooking Foolish
Polgar 2011
www.career.vt.edu/interviewing/interviewappearance.html
1. I am very familiar with what your company does
2. I am flexible3. I am energetic and positive4. Here is my experience5. Team Player6. Seeking to become an expert7. Highly Motivated
http://financialedge.investopedia.com/financial‐edge/0410/7‐Things‐You‐Should‐Say‐In‐An‐Interview.aspx#axzz1aKP5xtDV
Polgar 2011
1. How much does this job pay?2. What does your company do?3. Do not use slang words4. What can you do for me? 5. Don’t curse or say disrespectful things6. Do not criticize your former employer7. I don’t have any weaknesses8. Don’t say no when asked if you have questions9. Don’t tell your life story or bring up your problems
Polgar 2011
http://pattyinglishms.hubpages.com/hub/5_things_you_should_NEVER_say
Debra Fine's The Fine Art of Small Talk
Polgar 2011
Sit upright and lean forward slightlyPosition your headMirroringLoosely clasp hands in lap or on tableMake direct eye contact (10 seconds)
Polgar 2011
Play with hair, neck, nose etcFidget or kick a legFold your arms in front of youGrip to tightly when shaking handsFix yourself up in the interview room
Polgar 2011
http://msearchllc.com/blog/2011/06/what‐does‐your‐body‐language‐say‐about‐you‐in‐an‐interview/
Polgar 2011
1. How would you describe yourself? 2. What did you like most about your last job? 3. What types of courses do you enjoy most?4. Why should I select you over other applicants? 5. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? 6. Tell me more about the project you described on your resume.7. Describe a work or school-related problem and how you solved it. 8. Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team. 9. What are your short-term goals? 10. Why do you want to work in this occupation and for this clinic?
Courtesy of University of Western States Career Services Office
Polgar 2011
http://www.massage-certification.com/massage-interview-questions.html
Polgar 2011
Is it common?How does it go?Boundaries
Polgar 2011
Dress to impressBe preparedUse professional languageWatch what you sayBe confidentBe aware of what you are doingAsk questions
Polgar 2011
Licensing ExamsLicensing ExamsWhat you need to know!What you need to know!
Polgar 2011
Do I need to take an exam?
White-no regulationMaroon-state certificationGrey-state licensingBlue-recent law passed but not enacted
http://www.massagetherapy.com/careers/stateboards.php
Polgar 2011
First things FirstOnce you know you need to take an exam, the question becomes which exam do you need to take:
•http://www.amtamassage.org/regulation/stateRegulations.html•http://www.massagetherapy.com/_content/careers/MTreg.pdf
Polgar 2011
National Certification Exam Two Versions of the exam
– NCETMB—includes information on bodywork assessment and application (eastern and western bodywork)
– NCETM—includes information only on massage assessment and application only (western only)
Cost: $225160 multiple choice questions divided into 6 content areas
4 choices given for each question, only one correct answer2 hours 40 minutes to complete the exam3/5 policyComputer based at a Pearson Vue testing center http://www.ncbtmb.org/
Polgar 2011
NCE Eligibility• Educational Requirements:To be considered eligible to take the NCETMB or NCETM a candidate must have completed a minimum of 500 hours of instruction from a school that has a current NCB Assigned School
Polgar 2011
Applying for the NCE• There is a paper application in the candidate handbook• There is an online application: www.ncbtmb.org• Signed application• Photocopy of Government Issued ID• An official transcript sent directly from your school• All fees• Signed statement of understanding• Candidate Compliance Sheet• Background Check• ADA forms if applicable
Polgar 2011
What does the NCE cover?1. 16% General Knowledge of Body Systems2. 19% Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology3. 13% Pathology4. 18% Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork5. 22% Application of Massage and Bodywork6. 12% Professional Standards, Ethics, Business
and Legal Practiceshttp://www.ncbtmb.org/pdf/CandidateHandbook.pdf
Polgar 2011
Massage Bodywork Licensing ExamCost: $195
125 multiple choice questions
2.5 hours
Computer Based—Pearson Vue
Unlimited retakes
Online candidate handbook:http://www.fsmtb.org/downloads/candidateHandbook.pdf
http://www.fsmtb.org/licensing.html#
Polgar 2011
MBLEx Application Process• Fill out paper application or Online Application:
https://fsmtb.onlineapp.org/candidate/fsmtbadd_demographics?set_theme=FSMTBEN&site=FSMTB_EN
• Pay Fees by certified check, money order, visa or MasterCard. No Personal Checks
• Wait for notification of approval than contact testing center to arrange for time.
http://www.fsmtb.org/html/licensing/appProcess.html
Polgar 2011
MBLEx Content• Anatomy and Physiology 14%• Kinesiology 11%• Pathology, Contraindications, areas of caution, special populations 13%• Benefits and physiological effects 17%• Client Assessment and Treatment Planning 17%• Bodywork history 5%• Ethics, boundaries, laws and regulations 13%• Guidelines for Professional Practice 10%
http://www.fsmtb.org/downloads/examContentOutline.pdf
Polgar 2011
Reference Books• Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage• The Ethics of Touch• Trail Guide to the Body• Introduction to Massage Therapy• Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage• Essential Sciences for Therapeutic Massage• The Educated Heart• Clinically Oriented Anatomy• Clinical Massage Therapy: Understanding, Assessing and Treating over 70
conditions• Business Mastery• A Massage Therapists Guide to Pathology
Polgar 2011
Scoring• Score Reporting• The candidate will receive the official score report at the test site,
immediately after having taken the examination. No other report will be sent to the candidate.
• The candidate's score will be reported electronically to the state board that the candidate wrote on the application, providing it is a state that accepts MBLEx scores. The score will be reported to this first state at no cost.
• If a candidate needs to have his score sent to another state board, or needs another hard copy to be sent to either himself or another business, the candidate must fill out the MBLEx Mobility Form and pay $20.00 per report
Polgar 2011
It’s Test Day• Arrive early, you do not want to be rushed• Eat before you go• Bring two forms of ID• Do not bring study materials inside the testing center
• Pace yourself…plan on one minute per question
Polgar 2011
Study Tips• Study in a way that actually prepares you for what you will do
• Randomize your questions• Don’t Procrastinate—space out your studying• Don’t Psych yourself out• Study in Chunks• Find the right place and time for you
http://www.socialpsychology.org/testtips.htm#preparingPolgar 2011
MBLEx…Should You Guess?• If you are not sure of the correct answer on an examination it is to your benefit to make an informed guess.
• There is no penalty for guessing.
http://www.fsmtb.org/downloads/candidateHandbook.pdf
Polgar 2011
Jeopardy Exam Review
• These are examples of the types of questions you will get:– jeopardylabs.com/play/enter‐title50224
STUDYING IS MORE EFFECTIVE WHEN YOU HAVE FUN
Polgar 2011
Oregon State Licensing Exam• 50 minute timed practical exam• Video and audio recorded• Kinesiology, Communication, Assessment and Bodywork• 3 graders• You may skip a task and come back if you have time at the end• Verbal answers; Physical Answers
http://www.oregon.gov/OBMT/ Polgar 2011
Important Forms for OBMT Exam
• http://oregon.gov/OBMT/forms.shtml
Polgar 2011
Application Process• Fill out application• Pay Application Fee• Submit Official Transcript from your Massage School• Include Passport Photo• Include copy of active CPR card• Copy of government issued ID• Choose a preferred modality for your hands‐on portion
Polgar 2011
After you applied• OBMT will review your information• Applicant will be notified by mail at least 14 days prior to their exam date
– You can sign up for the “on call list” to shorten this timeComplete the 25 question law exam which is included in your appointment notification.
Polgar 2011
Day of• Arrive on time for your exam…you will not be allowed to enter more than
10 minutes before your scheduled time• At check‐in you will present your admittance letter and a valid ID. • You can expect to be on‐site for 1.5 hours• Dress in clean comfortable , professional clothing• Be free of odors• All supplies all provided• Randomly draw your muscles; Randomly assigned your Pathology• O’s, I’s, A’s
http://oregon.gov/OBMT/Forms/CandidateHandbookCombined.pdfPolgar 2011
What’s covered• Communication and Assessment• Massage and Bodywork• Kinesiology• Pathology
Polgar 2011
Pathology• Identify what the pathology is and how it will affect a massage session.• Randomly assigned from the list available in the candidate handbook
http://oregon.gov/OBMT/Forms/CandidateHandbookCombined.pd f
Polgar 2011
Advice for the Practical Exam• Control your emotions• Take your time • Find the muscle on your self first• Study Smart• Say Final Answer• Be Specific in what you do• Don’t forget your hygiene• Know the difference between passive and active• Know your O’s, I’s and A’s
Polgar 2011
