Getting your dream job as a personal trainer is easier than you think when you know the secrets to success.
If you want to feel confident passing your personal training exam, and then getting an interview, nailing the interview, and then getting a job offer, read on……
Let’s go through the entire process of getting a great job at your local gym, health club, fitness center or spa. You will want to make each step as perfect as possible, so you can ensure your success now and over the long-term.
Step 1: If you haven’t yet, enroll in the NESTA Personal Fitness Trainer Certification course. It’s the most affordable in the industry. It’s NCCA-accredited, approved and accepted by the leading health clubs, gyms, and fitness centers in the world. It’s valid for 4 years, not just 2 like all the others. This means you save money now and later.
Step 2: Pass your NESTA exam with confidence. This is easily done when you work hard, study and then….. relax. You got this! We help and support you through the course and testing.
Step 3: Decide where you want to work. In the decision-making process, you will want to consider all the following: location, atmosphere, type of facility, type of clientele, hours of operation, starting pay, opportunity for growth, salary structures, commissions, possible additional locations, and your general “feel” for the gym.
Step 4: Write your resume. Some people won’t do this. So, when you do, it instantly makes you stand out.
These are the two standard resume formats:
Reverse-chronological format. The most well-known and recognized resume format by far. Best choice for most experienced employees. It begins with your most recent position and proceeding backwards.
Functional format. A functional resume format is a type of resume that focuses more on skills rather than work experiences. You can use a functional resume if you’re a recent graduate with little work experience or if you’re switching careers.
Other considerations for your resume:
- Be honest. Don’t lie or exaggerate.
- Triple check for typos. Have another person review it for you as well. We often don’t see our own errors on review.
- Look at online examples of quality resumes. They don’t need to be fitness related. Just review a few examples of current trends and formatting.
- In addition to your formal education and certifications, be sure to include hobbies, sports and recreation activities so you can talk about how that experience will help members and clients.
- Make sure your contact information is clear and correct. NEVER use an email that is snarky, humorous, or non-professional in any way. Be a pro from the beginning.
Step 5: Call or walk in and ask about employment. You will want to ask for the person responsible for hiring. That person will vary widely depending on the size of the business.
Step 6: Schedule and attend your interview. There is always a question of what a personal trainer should wear to an interview at a gym. Should you show your fitness level? Should you be a lot more formal? Should you wear shorts or pants? What if you have a lot of tattoos?
You will likely do best wears a slightly fitted polo type shirt. You can tell you are fit, so they know you walk the talk, and yet you look professional. Do not wear short. Wear pants that are simple, stylist and professional. You will likely notice that people who are doing the hiring are not wearing tank tops, shorts, or tight workout shirts. Go in there looking like you can move up in the company. You get one chance at a first impression.
Here are some very helpful interviewing strategies:
- Research the industry and organization: You will want to be well-versed on the fitness industry in general (trends, terminology, techniques, etc). Don’t spout off in the interview. Just be prepared by having more based knowledge about things that could be discussed.
- Clarify your “selling points” and the reasons you want the job, and they will want you. You may be competing against trainers for one job opening. So, have a plan for how to discuss what makes you the best choice. Aside from your NCCA-accredited NESTA certification, you should discuss your hobbies such as hiking or cycling. You can also talk about your sports or competition background. You learned a lot, and that translated into helping your clients.
- Anticipate the interviewer’s concerns and reservations. They may have concerns such as your availability. Be sure you have an answer prepared for any potential concern.
- Prepare for common interview questions. These questions may include things such as your feeling about working with people of differing abilities, different genders, or those who want to train for a specific sport or activity. They may ask about your nutrition knowledge. They may wonder about your pay requirements.
- Line up your questions for the interviewer. When you ask clear, concise, and thoughtful questions, it will impress your interviewer.
- Practice, practice, practice. Roleplay with a friend or family member so you feel confident.
Step 7: Get the job.
Step 8: Your first day. This really matters a lot. Why? The other trainers, your boss, the owner, and members will all be watching and assessing. No worries. It’s normal and will stop in a day or so. So, how do you ensure you win the day? Smile. Be kind. Ask questions. Don’t compete. Be humble. Don’t talk down about anyone. Ask how you can help? Be thoughtful. Play the long game meaning, think of your new job as a marathon and not a sprint.
You got this.
NESTA and Spencer Institute will help you each step of the way through this process. When you follow the plan, and plan to succeed, you will do just that!
If you have more of a fitness entrepreneur mindset, you will want to see these other posts which will help you grow a personal training business.
Ways to Get Clients as a Personal Trainer