How to Land an Interview and Secure your Dream Job as a Fitness Professional

Preparing for an interview as a Fitness Professional can be daunting and confusing at times.

Some of the questions running through your head may include what should I wear? How should I act? What questions will I be asked?
Will I need to train anyone?

As a recruiter, I often see many Fitness Professionals jeopardise their chance at landing their dream job because of something simple like missing a digit from their mobile number or addressing their application to the wrong company.

By following these simple tips, you will give yourself the best possible chance at securing the career you’re looking for.

Landing an interview

The first step to landing an interview is having a killer resume! Your contact details and a short bio is not enough to grab the attention of a potential employer. Your resume should look professional and include only relevant information. Ensure you have a great cover letter (that hits some of the key criteria of the role), correct contact details, job history starting with your most recent position, qualifications and anything you are currently studying, anything else that the potential employer would be interested in (Eg. a link to your blog), and 2 references. Keep your resume to 2 pages and review it at least twice before submitting your application!

Make it easy for a potential employer to find the information they are looking for (contact details, industry-relevant qualifications and experience). Potential employers don’t care if you won first place at Little Athletics when you were 12 years old, or that you love chocolate, can deadlift 200kg or have 10k+ followers on Instagram. Keep the information relevant to the job/industry you are applying for and ensure it is current.

Keep in mind, not all opportunities are advertised on recruitment sites. Be proactive and contact the employer you wish to work for. Ask if there are any current or upcoming opportunities, even if it is just work experience. Work experience is a great way to get your foot in the door and to get noticed! Many employers also google potential recruits or search social media. Before sending an application, ensure you Google yourself (including Google images) and have a look at what image you are portraying on your social media platforms.

Dress to impress

Should you wear business attire or workout gear to a fitness industry interview? For a first interview, always dress to impress! Wearing business attire shows that you are serious about the role and you’re bound to earn brownie points. Always ask what your interview will involve ensuring you are thoroughly prepared. Often a second interview will involve something physical, so ensure you wear your best activewear (clean, modest, hole free, sweat free and ironed if required).

Know what we’re looking for

In the Fitness Industry, we can teach you how to train clients, but there are just some things we can’t teach. These include ethics, morals, values, personality, people skills, emotional intelligence, etiquette, passion and a will to succeed. This is usually what we are looking for in an interview! First impressions are crucial. Always arrive early, make eye contact, have a firm handshake (confidence) and smile. It's also important to practice what you preach. Train regularly, eat well and live a healthy lifestyle.

Do your research

Before even submitting an application, do your research on the company and the role you are applying for. Start by visiting their website, follow them on social media and ensure you visit the facility in person. Be familiar with their brand, their products, their programs and services. This will give you a significant advantage in the recruitment process.