Be honest, but savvy, about why you left
Q I recently had some health issues (physical and life-threatening) that caused me to be out of work for at least six months, which eventually led to the termination of my employment. How would I answer when asked why I left my last job?
A The truth is often a good place to start when sensitive employment situations arise. However, use caution with your language when phrasing your exit from the company. "Termination" is a suggestive word. It draws attention, and implies a negative situation, and/or blame."Leaving" your job sends a different message. Review your situation and develop the message and words you will use. Avoid what we often call "brutal honesty." There's no need to rehash the effect your health had your employment on a daily basis.
I do recommend a statement addressing the situation and explaining how you acted as professionally as you could under difficult circumstances . Also talk about your eagerness to resume being a valuable member of an organization, now that you have dealt with your health issues.
The answer might sound like, "I spent three years with ABC Company and did well. I had increased responsibility, and great performance appraisals right up until I became ill. I had hoped to be able to work throughout my illness, but that wasn't possible. After discussing the situation with my doctors, and my manager, it became clear that I could not meet the company's needs and take the time I needed to regain my health, so we worked out a separation agreement. It was a difficult situation, but now that my health is 100 percent, I am eager to be working in a position like this with a firm like yours. I do not have any recurring health issues, and I think you'll see my long-term track record is very strong."
Smart employers will be very careful about asking too many specific health questions. Instead they will look for reassurance that you can do the job and you won't be absent too often. If you have developed a good reference with the employer you had to leave, it would be a good idea to offer that information to support your candidacy. If you're able to provide all of this information, a future employer should have no worries about hiring you.
Craft your answers about circumstances
A Who we work for is often a reflection of who we are, our core values, and what we believe about ourselves. When those are not aligned between employer and employee, conflicts of all kinds arise.
The situation you describe is complex. "Incompetent" and "unethical" are not the same. Unethical people can be highly competent and their actions are often not discovered for years. Incompetent people, however, can be developed, trained, or replaced. Of course, incompetent people can commit unethical acts. This can happen because of their lack of knowledge, which does not excuse the activity. If individuals are working ethically and in the best interest of the company and their colleagues, much can be forgiven after it is brought into view by the appropriate members of management and remedied. Remedy does not involve hiding misdeeds, but fixing them, and providing internal systems to eliminate any similar (or new) unethical occurrences.
If you decide to leave the company, you should prepare to answer the question, "Why did you leave?" in your interviews . Skilled interviewers will explore your motivation for leaving, so play out those conversations beforehand. Based on what you have written you might say, "I chose to leave XYZ Company because I wasn't able to develop my skills and learn. My supervisors kept the running of the business and their decision-making behind closed doors. I found it difficult to see how my work fit into helping run a successful organization, and that is why I am here meeting you. I understand your firm believes in transparency in management, and I'd like to know more about how that has helped your firm."
Your goal is to remove yourself from the questionable behavior and practices, and to turn the conversation toward what you are looking for in a new job. If you are asked to comment on what has been written in the press, it is best to stay clear of accusatory or negative comments. Instead, focus on the number of very good, talented colleagues you had the good fortune to work with .
A path to follow to work in spa services
Q I am very interested in spa treatment services. I would love to do microdermabrasion, chemical peels, massage, and the like. My ultimate job would be to serve as a massage therapist or spa employee for a cruise line, but I don't want to pursue this career path if it doesn't pay well, or if the training is too costly. I live in Worcester, am 24 years old, and have two jobs but no college experience. Where do I start to get licensed for this kind of work? What can I expect for starting pay in this field? How do you recommend I proceed?
A Luxury is a big draw as baby boomers age, and spa services have great appeal as a form of everyday comfort and pampering, as well as an approach to holistic health. Looking at guides to occupational outlooks for the future, you are evaluating opportunities in a growing field. Demand is up for both spa and wellness services, and the more traditional "beauty school" offerings. The Aesthetic Institute of Boston (aestheticsinstituteofboston.com) quotes Money Magazine describing skin care specialists as among "America's Hottest Jobs."
Prior to jumping into a career change like this, investigating the issues involved makes good sense. Licensure, certification, and experience all play vital roles in your success and ultimately your ability to earn a good living. Initial research can be done online at websites such as spabeautyschools.com or beautyschoolsdirectory.com. Understanding "spa vocabulary" will be crucial. Cosmetology in general involves hair services: cuts, coloring, and perms. Esthetics involves the breadth of skin care services, including facials, waxing, and cosmetic enhancements to the skin.
There are dozens of cosmetology schools in Greater Boston and many list a range of courses you could take to become eligible to take the state boards in cosmetology (1,000 hours), esthetics (300 hours), nail technician (100 hours), or electrology (1,100 hours). Currently, the Board of Registration of Massage Therapy (mass.gov/dpl/boards/mt/) is evaluating the licensing of massage therapists as they now come under their jurisdiction. You can also research the type of certification needed for other states (for example, New Hampshire and many other states have a 600-hour minimum). Knowing the hours involved might influence the training you decide to take. I believe you will find this career very portable, and in demand in most locales.
For an individual to benefit from the industry and maximize their training, Cate Tool, director of the Elizabeth Grady School of Esthetics and Massage Therapy, recommends dual licensing for those new to the field. She reports many returning students are adding to their skills with complementary coursework, which allows them to offer a broader range of services, increasing earning potential and offsetting the physical demands on those focused only on massage therapy. Single licensure programs at Elizabeth Grady range from $6,000 to $9,000, and dual programs, the hourly equivalent of almost three years of college, can reach $16,000.
I spoke with Karen Barjon, assistant director of the Aesthetic Institute of Boston and the affiliated Bojack Academy of Beauty Culture. She describes these programs as comprehensive, with coursework ranging from 300 to 1,000 hours, depending on the specialty area you choose. Tuition ranges from $4,900 to $9,050. Most schools offer financial aid through Sallie Mae to eligible students.
Reported earnings vary by specialty and geography, but average $50,000 for a massage therapist or $30,000 for an esthetician. Networking with those in the profession is the best way to assess selecting the right school and employer.
Elaine Varelas has over 20 years of career development and consulting experience. She is managing partner at Keystone Partners, a career management firm in Boston. E-mail questions to jobdoc@globe.com or mail to Job Doc, Boston Globe, Box 55819, Boston, 02205-5819. 
