Getting a job in the fitness industry can be tricky. You need the right credentials, training, and experience, plus a genuine passion for the work. On top of that, you have to tackle things like creating a great resume and acing the interview.
The interview part can be especially nerve-wracking for many people. But here’s a tip: practice is key. Think about the questions you might be asked and practice your answers. This will help you stand out from the competition.
Do Some Research Before the Job Interview
Getting a personal trainer job interview is just the beginning. To make sure you nail it and increase your chances of landing the job, you need to do some prep work. Start by researching the gym or employer you’re interviewing with.
Knowing key details about the gym will help you shine in your interview. By understanding their culture, client base, and services, you can tailor your answers to show that you’re the perfect fit for the role.
Check out their website and social media pages for useful info. If you can, visit the gym before your interview to get a sense of the place.
Just got certified? Here are some tips to help you get started on your search for your first personal trainer job.
Personal Trainer Interview Questions to Practice
Here are some common questions you might get in a personal trainer interview. Chat with other trainers about their interview experiences and think of any extra questions that might come up. Then, practice your answers to be well-prepared.
General Questions
Here are some questions you might get about yourself, your fitness journey, and your career choice:
- Why did you decide to become a personal trainer?
- What’s your personal fitness experience?
- What are your career goals in the fitness industry?
- Do you follow any fitness influencers?
- What’s your philosophy on personal training or working out?
- Can you share some positive and negative experiences you’ve had at the gym or with a trainer?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Experience Questions
The main part of the interview will focus on your experience in personal training and fitness. Here are some questions you might face:
- What relevant certifications do you have?
- Do you have a college degree? If so, what did you study?
- Have you worked as a fitness trainer before?
- If not, what experience do you have helping people with their training?
- Why did you leave your last fitness job?
- Do you have experience bringing in new clients?
In-Depth Questions
Don’t be surprised if the interviewer throws in some deeper questions that ask for practical examples. They might ask things like:
- How do you assess a new client?
- What does a typical workout plan look like for your clients?
- Can you describe a challenging client you’ve worked with and how you handled the situation?
- What are your strategies for keeping clients motivated?
- Share a success story or achievement in fitness that you’re proud of.
- Have you ever received a negative review from a client? What happened and how did you deal with it?
- How do you build strong but professional relationships with your clients?
- What makes you a great personal trainer?
Questions Specific to the Job
This is where your research really pays off. The interviewer will likely ask questions about the job and the gym. You might hear:
- Why do you want to work here?
- What makes you a good fit for this job?
- Do you think you’d fit in with our gym culture?
- What can you bring to our team?
Also Read: Skinny to Muscular: Transformative Stories
Come up With Your Own Questions to Ask
“Do you have any questions for us?” is a common final question in job interviews. After answering their questions, you should have a few of your own ready. Asking questions shows you’re genuinely interested in the job and serious about it.
At the end of the interview, you might feel overwhelmed and blank out. To avoid this, prepare some questions ahead of time that reflect your interest in the role. You might ask about the gym’s culture and philosophy, the types of clients they have, or how they support new trainers.
You can also ask specific questions, like how many clients you might start with or whether you’d be teaching classes or just doing one-on-one training.
Once you land the personal trainer job, do you know what it takes to succeed? These tips will help you out.
Additional Tips for Interview Success
Certifications and experience are important, but if you don’t do well in the interview, they won’t mean much. It’s really worth spending time preparing to nail the interview every time. Here are some extra tips to help you beyond just thinking about the questions you might be asked.
Do Mock Interviews
Find someone to help you with at least one practice interview. This can help calm your nerves before the real thing. Try practicing a few times with friends or family, and you’ll start getting better at interviews.
Give your helper a list of questions, so they can ask you randomly. Treat it like a real interview to get used to the process and work on giving clear answers.
This kind of practice is really helpful. Just thinking of answers or writing them down isn’t the same as actually saying them out loud.
Line up Your Credentials
Don’t wait for the hiring manager to ask for proof of your certifications. Be ready to show them during the interview. Have all the necessary paperwork or online links handy to prove you have the qualifications needed for the job.
Have Examples or Testimonials to Share
It’s tough to show what you can do as a brand-new personal trainer. Bring anything to the interview that showcases your skills. If you’ve worked with friends or family members, ask them to write a quick testimonial about how you helped them, even if they weren’t paying clients.
Also, bring any coursework that demonstrates practical skills, like a sample training program you wrote for a fictional client or a practice fitness assessment. You can also show off any videos you made of workout routines or guided training sessions with friends.
Dress for Success
It’s never a good idea to dress too casually for a job interview, even if it’s for the fitness industry. Instead, wear smart business attire to show you’ve made an effort. Also, bring your gym bag with a change of clothes. The interviewer might ask you to do some demonstrations, and even if they don’t, it shows you’re prepared.