Why This Resume Works
This resume scores well with ATS systems and hiring managers because it follows three principles:
Session counts, retention rates, and revenue numbers. These metrics prove you can build a loyal client base and contribute to the business.
Deep tissue, sports massage, neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release. ATS systems and hiring managers scan for these exact technique names.
Standard section headings that ATS parsers expect. No tables, columns, or graphics that could break automated screening.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
Summary
Lead with your LMT license, years of experience, and the settings you have worked in (spa, clinic, sports). Include total session count or weekly volume and your client retention rate. Mention your top 2 specialty certifications and keep it to 2-3 sentences.
Licenses & Certifications
List your state LMT license with number, specialty certifications (NMT, myofascial release, prenatal), and CPR/First Aid. Include all modalities you practice and any scheduling or documentation software you use.
Tip: List every modality you are trained in, even if you do not use all of them daily. Many spa and clinic ATS systems filter for specific technique keywords like "hot stone" or "lymphatic drainage" before a manager reviews applications.
Experience
Use this formula for every bullet point:
Start bullets with strong verbs: Performed, Increased, Trained, Generated, Delivered, Collaborated, Maintained, Developed. Quantify with session volumes, retention rates, revenue, and client ratings.
3-5 bullets per role. Lead with your strongest business impact or clinical outcome.
Education
Include your massage therapy program with total training hours (most states require 500-1,000 hours). List any additional degree in a related field like kinesiology or exercise science. Include continuing education hours if they are substantial (150+ hours).
Key Skills for Massage Therapist Resumes
Based on analysis of thousands of massage therapy job postings, these are the most frequently required skills:
Common Mistakes on Massage Therapist Resumes
- ⚠Listing modalities without context - "Experienced in deep tissue and Swedish massage" gives no sense of your volume or skill level. "Performed 25+ deep tissue and sports massage sessions weekly with a 4.9/5.0 client rating" tells the full story.
- ⚠Ignoring the business side - Spas and clinics care about revenue. If you track rebooking rates, upsell numbers, or revenue generated, include those metrics. They set you apart from therapists who only list techniques.
- ⚠Not mentioning SOAP notes - Documentation is a key compliance requirement. Hiring managers and ATS systems look for "SOAP notes" or "SOAP documentation" as a keyword. Always include it.
- ⚠Omitting training hours - Your program's hour count (500, 750, 900+) signals your depth of training. States have different requirements, and employers want to know your training exceeded minimums.