How to Get a Job as a Personal Trainer

Personal training is one of the fastest growing occupations.

Personal training can be a dynamic and lucrative career in a fast-growing field. For outgoing people who love to workout and stay active, a job as a personal trainer is a dream come true: an opportunity to get paid to stay fit and to help others do the same. As you might imagine, a job as a personal trainer appeals to many people, so competition for these jobs can be stiff. Open up more job opportunities for yourself by proving to employers that you're a qualified professional.

Things You'll Need

• Personal trainer certification
• CPR certification

Instructions

1. Earn your CPR and first aid training certification. These certifications are a necessity for employment in gyms and health clubs, and accredited personal trainer education programs stipulate that candidates show proof of CPR certification prior to registering for the certification exam. Contact your local chapter of the Red Cross to find out when CPR and first aid classes are offered in your city.

2. Choose a personal trainer certification program. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, most fitness workers will need to be certified. There are a number of certifications available, and some employers prefer one over organization over another. Call potential employers in your area and inquire whether they look for job candidates who possess certain certifications.

   Askthetrainer.com lists the top 5 personal trainer certifications: National Academy of Sports Medicine; National Strength & Conditioning Association; American College of Sports Medicine; International Sports Sciences Association; American Council on Exercise.

3. Enroll in and complete the training workshops, classes or home-study courses required by your chosen organization. Review the provided study materials to prepare for your certification exam.

4. Pass the certification exam administered by your organization. These exams are generally multiple choice, sometimes with written components or a practical physical component. You may have to take the exam at a proctored testing site. Some organizations will allow you to take the exam at home via the internet.

5. Visit local gyms and wellness centers and find out whether they hire personal trainers. If so, inquire about current or future job availability and learn more about the application process.

6. Look at other options. Personal trainers aren't limited to working in gyms or health clubs--resorts, cruises, spas and corporate fitness programs all hire personal trainers.

7. Write a professional looking resume that emphasizes the skills and training you have had that relate to personal training. Sometimes a personal training resume might differ in a standard resume in the education section, since educational requirements for the career are not well-defined.

   If you don't have a bachelor's degree in a fitness-related field, it might be a better idea to list individual courses in classes like anatomy or physiology that you took in college. Or you might just want to leave this section out completely. On the other hand, if you do have a degree in a major like exercise science, feature the education section at the top of your resume--this sets you apart from other applicants and makes you more valuable in the eyes of many employers.

8. Show your skills during job interviews. Personality is a key factor to success as a personal trainer--you need to be energetic, motivating and a people person. Demonstrate your leadership skills and charisma during your interview.

9. Market yourself. Once you get started in the business, grow your client base by posting flyers, setting up a website, handing out business cards and offering free consultations to potential clients.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider choosing a specialty. This can help you find more job opportunities in a competitive market. You can choose from a variety of specialties. Consider a specific discipline, for example Pilates or martial arts conditioning, or a specific group of clients, for example seniors, kids or athletes.

References

• US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Fitness Workers
• Ask the Trainer: Top 5 Personal Training Certifications
• Ask The Trainer: Becoming A Personal Trainer
• Starting A Personal Training Business: Get The Job