How to Write a Resume for an Entry-Level Fitness Counselor

A fitness counselor seeking an entry-level position needs a resume that highlights knowledge of the industry.

Writing a resume for any entry-level position requires you to highlight your knowledge and skills. If you want a job as a fitness counselor, you may be interested in securing a job at a fitness gym, country club or health and wellness clinic. Whatever the case may be, you will need to follow a basic outline for your resume. It should communicate to a prospective employer that you would be an asset to their team of fitness counselors.

Instructions

1. Place your full name in the header section. Since you are seeking an entry-level fitness counselor position, follow a functional resume format style (that is, emphasize your skills and knowledge instead of your past employment, which may be minimal). Set 1-inch margins on all sides of the page.

2. Write your address in the upper right corner of the page. Include your street address, city, state and ZIP code. Also include your phone number and valid email address.

3. Create a section and title it "Areas of Knowledge." Write statements that highlight your specific knowledge of the fitness industry. Using bullet points, list several strong statements. For example, "Knowledge of proper lifting techniques; knowledge of aortic-cardiac reflex exercises; familiarity with aerobic and weight loss strategies; skilled in proper food recommendations and healthy living."

4. Create another section and title it "Employment History." Start with your most recent employer. Type the company name and location. Include the start and end dates of your employment. Use bullet points to list your job responsibilities and accomplishments. Write clear, short sentences. Some example job responsibilities include "Worked with three clients on daily fitness activities," or "Taught class of eight in advanced aerobics and worked with physical therapy team on exercise recommendations." Place any internship information in this section as well.

5. Create a section and title it "Skills." Include soft skills. As a fitness counselor, you work directly with clients on fitness techniques and healthy lifestyle choices. Demonstrate to the prospective employer that you have skills that are useful for this type of job. For example, you might include: "Excellent customer service skills," or "Valuable exercise selection and customized mini-workout techniques."

6. Create a section and title it "Education." This section should be written in the following order: name of school, location and type of degree or fitness certification. Include the date of graduation.

Tips & Warnings

• Include a reference page with your resume. Use three professional references.

• You can choose to include a career objective statement. However, if your resume is tailored to the job you're seeking, your objective may be obvious, making an objective statement unnecessary.

References

• Duke University: Fitness Counselor
• Money Zine: Functional Resume
• Resume Resource: Sample Functional Resume

Resources

• Guide to Online Schools: Fitness Trainer Career Overview