Sealing the Deal

[kuri]

I'm making a jump from the music business to training and have been interviewing at a few gyms in the area, however I'm finding landing the job to be more difficult than anticipated.

I had a third interview at one place but no further word from them and the PT Manager hasn't returned my call for two days now (which seems quite inconsiderate).

Though I have no previous experience employed as a PT at a gym, I do have a CSCS and have done some privates. I've taught martial arts and have worked full-time as a teacher, and do enjoy working with people - skills I would think gyms value (am I wrong?).

I also make it clear I value continuing education; attending conferences, classes etc... in other words am looking to improve upon my knowledge and skill as a trainer.

It's strange as I've never had problems previously with landing jobs once I've gotten to the interview stage. I dress well, speak clearly, am positive etc... the usual protocol.

Might any of you offer some advice on ways in which to better appeal to PT Managers that I'm missing?

Might it be a turnoff that I state someday I'd like to run my own facility (instead of becoming their director of operations)?

Thanks in advance,

Chris

[Bill2380]

Chris, could it be that the decision makers are looking for sales ability as a piority? Might you stress your skills in that area as well?

[Buk]

Who really cares if you can train people well, can you bring in money. Do they want you to continue your education, or use their in house protocol for training clients? Talk to trainers before you interview to see how things work at the particular gym.

And good luck man, I hope it works out well for you.

[kuri]

Thanks guys.

Yes selling skills are a big factor for sure, and has been discussed in interviews. I made them aware of my background in sales & marketing as well as people skills. I know they may not be looking for the best trainer but rather someone that can attract $$$. The PT manager at one of these chains started as a trainer there less than two years ago, so... it's not hard to see how that works.

One of the gyms has templates they like trainers to work off (though I know many of the trainers don't) and made it clear I'm open to learning their way.

Just trying to figure out if it's something on my end or simply not hitting the right places at the right time, or some combination of the above.

We'll see how the next one goes later this afternoon.

[Keith S.]

Kuri:

As someone (as you know) who works for one of those chains, it is hard. I personally think I got hired because I have the 'look' to be a trainer, not necessarily to sell or even the knowledge (taking NSCA-CPT this month). Anyway, someday I'd like to open up my own facility and I'va made it clear, but personally I dont see the chain (I know which one you're looking at--as we;ve discussed via PM) as my future. I am using it for what it is, a foot in the door in the fitness industry. While at my current job I've met a great trainer, who I'm planning on writing a book/doing a DVD with but I can honestly say that if you don't get a job at the specific chain, dont get down because it's not always what you know...I have a ton of people on my staff who aren't even cert'd....PM me if u need more info.

[John Izzo]

Kuri,
PM me with any questions you have. I'll let you in on what us f*cking gym managers think.

[kuri]

Thanks Keith & John (PM'd you John).

Yesterday I had an interview at a place that focuses more on training athletes, which I thought went pretty well. We'll see.

Keith, yeah I'm not depending on getting hired at that one place, especially after how they've handled it. I just wanna get my foot in the door and expand my knowledge and skills from there.

Since you bring up the look issue, I'm wondering....I'm in shape, have a shaved head, and look like I've touched the weights so maybe it's my age (34) as a new trainer?

I'm aware managers may think it strange a 30-something guy working in music wants to be a trainer but I've been careful to address that.

[Lost Dog]

Originally Posted by kuri

Thanks Keith & John (PM'd you John).

Yesterday I had an interview at a place that focuses more on training athletes, which I thought went pretty well. We'll see.

Keith, yeah I'm not depending on getting hired at that one place, especially after how they've handled it. I just wanna get my foot in the door and expand my knowledge and skills from there.

Since you bring up the look issue, I'm wondering....I'm in shape, have a shaved head, and look like I've touched the weights so maybe it's my age (34) as a new trainer?

I'm aware managers may think it strange a 30-something guy working in music wants to be a trainer but I've been careful to address that.

You definately look the part.

However, your working in music may throw them off. Try telling them that you're really an actor or a screenwriter. They are more familiar with those roles, as most of the servers and valets in your area are in those professions, already.

[kuri]

Thanks Roland.

I don't think my head is big enough, nor am I short enough to pass as an actor though

[Jean-Paul]

Chris, I have the perfect answer. Move to Little Rock. You will be employed immediately!

When you're not training, you can jam on one of my cool guitars (I rotate the guitar that stays in my office monthly).

Yeah, you can't surf, but then again, we have a lot less traffic and smog.

You're very employable... Do you have some letters of recommendation? Maybe you just need to be a bit more "squeeky" so you can get more oil.

I may try to connect you to some friends I have out there to see if they can help. Weren't you training at Alwyn's gym a couple of months ago?

[kuri]

Thanks JP. If it weren't for my wife's educational ambitions here I'd jump at your offer. I wouldn't mind leaving L.A..

Nope, never worked at Alwyn's.

Any help would be appreciated if you do know anyone in this area.

[kuri]

suprise - the gen manager of the first gym I interviewed twice at called back to set up another interview. Guess the first 2 didn't go bad afterall.

[Lisa~]

Good for you! Wishing you all the best.

[George Grigoryan]

At least it looks like these gyms are selective.

My interview consisted of one question: 'So, why do you want to train?'

And then I was hired. It's a typical commercial facility. This week I have a recieved a few text messages from my boss about how we need another $12,000 and that in order to reach this goal we 'should be hustlin'

[Isaac Wilkins]

Originally Posted by gx3

At least it looks like these gyms are selective.

My interview consisted of one question: 'So, why do you want to train?'

And then I was hired. It's a typical commercial facility. This week I have a recieved a few text messages from my boss about how we need another $12,000 and that in order to reach this goal we 'should be hustlin'

LMAO.

That sounds like the place I just left.

My interview was a joke. He was shocked that I brought in a resume. He didn't know what a CSCS was, but thought that "...it must be important since you have a Master's, too".

Then he told me to start using clen and doing two hours of cardio a day so that I could drop 20 lbs and "look like a trainer".

[Keith S.]

Originally Posted by gx3

At least it looks like these gyms are selective.

My interview consisted of one question: 'So, why do you want to train?'

And then I was hired. It's a typical commercial facility. This week I have a recieved a few text messages from my boss about how we need another $12,000 and that in order to reach this goal we 'should be hustlin'

HAHAHA! I totally hear you.

[kuri]

Another interview at the first place apparently went well as I am officially in the door. Thanks for the advice everyone, I kept all of it in mind during the process.

Chris

[Buk]

Congratulations, best of luck

[Bill2380]

Good deal Chris. Are you making the change full time, or keeping some of your music work.