There are many things to consider when looking for a job. Ideally, you will work in a place that you find enjoyable, that fits your philosophy of personal training, and that provides desirable hours and compensation. However, bear in mind that if this is your first job, you may have to take what you can get for a while. Just as in any career, you will need to pay your dues. Therefore, try to be realistic, and find a job where you can gain as much experience as possible so you can develop your skills. If your dream job falls in your lap then take it, but be reasonable with your expectations and demands.

Where Do You Want to Work?

Before you start looking for a job, you must decide where you want to work. You should now be familiar with the basic differences between working in a health club, a studio, and in corporate fitness. Which, if any, do you find appealing? A major consideration is whether or not you need benefits. If you do need benefits, your options of where to apply will likely be limited to a large health club or corporate fitness. It is also helpful at this point to consider where you want to be in five years. What are your short- and long-term professional goals? Your goals will help dictate the types of businesses to which you apply. If you are hoping to open your own studio in the future, then it makes sense to gain experience working in a studio. If you simply want to be a trainer for a few years while you work toward doing something else, then you can work pretty much anywhere that pays what you are looking for. If you want to gain the most experience you can in the shortest amount of time, a health club is a good place to start, because you come in contact with large numbers of potential clients daily.

Locating Job Opportunities

There are many ways to find a job as a personal trainer. If you had a shadowing experience or performed some type of internship that you enjoyed, you might inquire about whether that facility is hiring. You can also use the person you shadowed as a resource. Because that person has been in the business, chances are he knows more people and places that may be looking for a trainer. Another wise place to look for job opportunities is the organization through which you obtained your certification. Many of these organizations now have jobs posted on their Web sites. If you attended a college or university, you may be able to find leads there through your former professors or the career services department. An online search and the newspaper classifieds may also provide you with leads. Finally, you might consider going directly to businesses in your area to see if they are hiring.

Once you have decided where you will apply, send out your resume. Include a cover letter explaining what job you are applying for and why you feel you should be hired for the position. About a week later, follow up with a phone call. Confirm that your resume has been received and inquire about when they will begin interviewing.

Preparing for an Interview

There is quite a bit of preparation required for job interviews. Start out by researching the business where you will interview. Learn how long it has been in business and if it is corporately or privately owned. Other important facts to research are the costs of memberships, the number of full- and part-time trainers, and how much of a role personal training plays in their business. If possible, obtain a complete job description well before your interview. Practice your answers to some typical interview questions: How would you describe yourself? What are your career goals? What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses? Why did you choose this career?

Go into the interview prepared to ask thoughtful questions, such as: How have you improved the facility in the past and what improvements do you have planned for the future? How many members do you have? What percentage of your members hires personal trainers? How do you compensate your trainers? On average, how many clients do the trainers work with? Are there different levels of trainers? Do you give bonuses? What type of training do you give your trainers? Do you pay for continuing education? Do trainers have to work desk hours? Learning this information will give you a feel for your potential to be successful as a trainer in that establishment.

Proper dress for an interview is an important factor in making a good impression. While you may be working in sneakers and exercise clothes, they are inappropriate for an interview. At a minimum, men should wear a shirt and tie and women a blouse and dress pants or a skirt. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed for an interview.