#1: Get Educated in Physical Fitness
While having a passion for the industry is important, the only way to obtain clients is to show them that you have the education to help them achieve their goals. Individuals often need to have a degree in anatomy and physical fitness. They often obtain a bachelor's degree or higher, with a focus on the area of expertise they wish to have.
#2: Know Nutrition
Those who want paid training jobs must demonstrate a working knowledge of healthy nutrition. Many will take courses as part of their college curriculum that includes a foundation in diet and nutrition. Most trainers do not recommend any type of fad diet, but rather will provide education on how to fuel the body for successful workouts and to achieve the goals of the individual.
#3: Get Herbal Wise
Many of the top trainer jobs and training program instructors will have a solid knowledge of supplements and herbs. These are often used in conjunction with nutrition and physical activity to obtain goals. The trainer will educate their client on which supplements to take to help them to gain muscle mass or which herbal products are beneficial to weight loss, for example.
#4: Be Fit
To get a fitness job, you need to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and processes. This often means being a fit, active individual. Most gyms, program centers and other hiring positions are looking for individuals that are able to represent what they offer. They want individuals that show that the client what they will look and feel like.
#5: Get Experience
If you do not have experience with fitness jobs and training others, you will want to work towards these goals as much as possible. Work for free or at a reduced fee whenever possible to show your skills and to gain valuable experience. Workout centers and others hiring in this industry expect their employees to be able to jump right in and help individuals. There is little to no time for a learning curve. If you do not have this level of experience, look for an internship with a qualified trainer to help with this.
#6: Have a Proper License
Many states require that personal trainers have a license to work with individuals. This may require proper course education and sitting for an exam. In most cases, individuals will work towards this goal through their educational curriculum. Having a license shows the employer that you are able to perform the job because you have had the training required by law.
#7: Structure a Quality Resume
One of the things employers are looking for is a resume. For paid training jobs, you may have to show experience even in the non-paid gig. Do not use family and friends as proof of your skills. Rather, insure your resume covers specific goals you have achieved and the goals that those you have trained have achieved. Have a separate list of clients that can be used as references for the information that you provide in your resume. Be sure to outline thoroughly everything you have accomplished, even if it seems minor.
#8: Be Positive but Not a Show Off
Industries where you can be hired are varied, but throughout them all, individuals do not want to see that you are overconfident. They are looking for individuals that are able to meet physical goals and challenges of a variety of types. Do not promise what you have not accomplished in the past. In fact, many times the personal trainer's abilities are only as good as their ability to motivate their clients to achieve their personal goals.
#9: Offer Consultation Experience
One of the most overlooked yet important tools that a personal trainer can demonstrate to a potential employer about his or her ability to perform is their ability to consult with a client properly, thoroughly, professionally and effectively. A consultation is a period of sitting with the potential client, outlining concerns, nutrition and fitness goals, determining limitations, accessing current situations and planning goals to achieve by the individual. The process is intense. It should include an emotional as well as a physical consultation. Being able to demonstrate how to handle a variety of cases like this shows how valuable the trainer is to the group.
#10: Be Persistent and Think Out of the Box
To obtain personal trainer jobs, you must be able to show to the location you are working in that you can get them the sales you need. In short, you have to be a person that can draw in clients from other businesses, from other walks of life and to find a steady stream of business for the organization. Most organizations only pay a commission. If you do not work to bring in the clients you will train, you are likely not to get a large paycheck. Be sure to present to employers the ideas you have for bringing in clients, including how to approach and find potential clients, how to network with present clients and how to build strong community ties.
