Where do want to have your new fitness career?

• Do you want to train sportspeople, business people, specifically men or women, more mature adults, kids, special needs clients such as overweight, cardiac challenges, rehab?
• Pin point where you live on a map.
• Decide how far you're prepared to travel (eg. 10km radius) and use a compass to mark the area.
• Pick out all the gyms, studios, fitness centres, etc in that vicinity.
• Narrow it down from there by researching/visiting, joining the club or doing a PT session at the studio!

Qualities the Industry looks for

• Passion
• Positive Attitude
• Professionalism in all areas
• Self Motivated
• Excellent Communicator!
• Business Skills
• Sales Skills
• Willingness to keep learning
• Availability for Work Experience!

Our Top Tips for to help you find a new Fitness Career

• Be Yourself
• Be Prepared
• Be Confident
• Be Happy
• Practise
• Leave a Profit wherever you go
• Remember, that you have trained to be a 'Fitness Professional'. Now is the time to act as one and be one!!

Resume Ideas

There is no one way to put a great resume together. However, there are some important points to note to ensure that your resume stands out from the others!!

Cover Letter: Ensure that you address the recruiting manager personally (research the right person and use their name... "To whom it may concern", does not cut it!!). Include in your letter why you believe you would be of value to their club/gym/PT Studio. Remember that the club/gym/studio owner has a "challenge" when they are looking for staff, therefore if you can show that you would be a solution to their challenge, you'll be a BIG step ahead of everyone else.

Be Yourself: Ensure your Resume resembles YOU - the unique, skilled special, stand-out individual who believes in themselves and wants to help other people to be healthy, fit and strong!!

Customised: Ensure that your resume is directed at the club/gym/studio you are applying to. This includes using the gym/club/studio names, philosophy, objectives, target markets, etc. Also, ensure that it is customised to the position that you are applying for... Try not to leave any gaps, so the employer doesn't finish your resume thinking why?? Explain why you want the position and how you would add value to their business.

Work Experience: List this from present to past and ensure that it is dated and easy to read. If you have little work experience in the fitness industry, you can relate the skills that you have learnt from previous positions to how it will benefit you in the fitness industry. This can include working with the public, communication, dealing with money, etc.

Concise, Factual, Positive: Keep to the facts and highlight areas that would be of relevance to the person you are applying to - keep it upbeat, interesting and to the point.

Continuity: There needs to be explanation of all your time - even if you were not working, explain what you were doing throughout that time. Absence of an explanation can raise a concerned eyebrow.

Quick Tips for an Exceptional Resume

• Send a pre-empt to the actual resume - a card, an email, a bunch of flowers, something unique and very different!!
• Research the business and the person who will be receiving your resume.
• Package up your resume so it will stand out when it arrives: A big box, send it by courier, send it express post - use your imagination.
• Use colour, pictures, motivational quotes.
• Present your resume in a new, different, unique folder - old, tattered, photocopied doesn't cut it!!
• Always have a WIFM (What's In It For Me) cover page and a headline that will make your new employer want to read more about you.
• Make sure your phone number is really easy to find.Always include a risk reversal - offer to work for a period for free.
• Send a note to say "Thank you for reading my resume'" the day after you deliver your resume.
• If you don't get the position, always send a feedback form and call to ask what you need to improve on to be the right person for the position.
• NEVER NEVER NEVER... give up!!

The Interview: How to STAND OUT, Be Unique, be Memorable and GET the Position!!

Study & Practise
Remember to keep your skills up-to-date, both theory and practical. This is important as an on-going philosophy, however imperative before you attend an interview. It is a great idea to rehearse (write down if necessary) answers to typical questions - these questions can include:

Why do you want this position?
Why did you choose this gym/club?
What makes you better than other candidates?
How will you make a difference to the fitness industry?
What is your philosophy on health and fitness?
How would you describe your work ethic?
What would your response be if a client could only train at 5am?
What is the origin and insertion of (any muscle)?
Write a program for a client that has high blood pressure.

Integrity

If you don't know the answer to a question, be truthful-don't guess. Always under-promise and over deliver.

Dress

Ensure you dress as a professional and if you have done your homework you will know what the gym/club looks for in presentation.

Personal Training - Be Yourself

This is always very easy to say however, vitally important. Try listening or watching something funny before your interview to help relax you and keep your smile natural and fun. Self belief is also vital and will come across in how you conduct yourself within the interview. Be confident, however be careful not to be arrogant.

Body Language

Ensure to practise open body language so it will come naturally to you at the interview. Remember a firm handshake, eye contact and a great smile will give you a great first impression.

Communication

Utilise all those fabulous communication skills that you learnt throughout the Diploma Program. Remember it is okay to have your own questions. In fact, it shows that you are prepared and have given this opportunity a good deal of thought.

After The Interview

Call or send a thank you note to the person who interviewed you. Remember that not all positions are going to be right for you, and that if you are not successful it would have been great practise for next time. If you are successful, ensure to celebrate and congratulate yourself.

BE the Best
Set the Example
Raise the professional standard of YOUR industry!!