what to do/expect at trainer job interview??

ichbinba · 10-10-2005, 11:22 AM

alright, I've been certified (NSCA-CPT) since April, but have been too busy to go out looking for jobs... I finally sent out a bunch of resumes and got a call back today.

I have never "formally" trained someone, although have trained a lot of family and friends, also I have never had a job in the fitness field before (I set up tents and expo shows while going to PT school... hooorra for me..)

I was looking for some insight from the trainers in here what to expect at an interview for a training position, and what, if anything in particular I should do. I gotta admit, I'm kinda nervous, regardless of whether, or whether not I know my stuff.

To make things worse, I haven't applied for a job in over 6 years and this is the first one that actually had skills or "prerequisits" nessessary to get it... not entry level, you know?

Sorry for the long post, but any advise would be appreciated, I go in Wednesday at noon!!

BA

myr11 · 10-10-2005, 04:54 PM

A couple of key points...
1.)Look The Role
2.)Act the Role(be very energetic and personable)
3.)Make sure you know how to use the machines properly and can articulate how to use them!(i was asked to demonstrate on various machines)
4.)Also Dont take the job to quickly, ask as many questions as you can, because a lot of pt jobs arent as good as you might think. Also did you go to PT school(physical therapy) or Personl trainer school? because PT school is not personal training, its physical therapy.

myr11 · 10-10-2005, 04:55 PM

A couple of key points...
1.)Look The Role
2.)Act the Role(be very energetic and personable)
3.)Make sure you know how to use the machines properly and can articulate how to use them!(i was asked to demonstrate on various machines)
4.)Also Dont take the job to quickly, ask as many questions as you can, because a lot of pt jobs arent as good as you might think. Also did you go to PT school(physical therapy) or Personl trainer school? because PT school is not personal training, its physical therapy.

myr11 · 10-10-2005, 04:57 PM

Oh and if you think that personal training is anything like training yourself, or your family or a friend, you will quickly learn it is not anything like that. They will most likely want you to train using their philosophy, a way which keeps business and suits their needs.

ichbinba · 10-10-2005, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by myr11:
Also did you go to PT school(physical therapy) or Personl trainer school? because PT school is not personal training, its physical therapy.

I'm aware. I am a first year grad student in a DPT (doctor of physical therapy) program. I already completed my undergrad in kineseology, with a pre-pt emphasis and a minor in nutrition and strength and conditioning. I have a NSCA-CPT cert. and probably will sit for the CSCS within year or two. I just decided it's time to put this knowledge to action!

thanks for the reply,
BA

bipennate · 10-10-2005, 10:48 PM

That's a good resume, I'm sure that you shouldn't have a problem...as myr11 said, be relaxed but energetic and outgoing. Where are you interviewing?

ichbinba · 10-11-2005, 12:17 PM

thanks, I do need to brush up on some stuff... although I'm fairly well read (not nearly as half the people on here!) I haven't even though of training stuff since april (80 hr weeks setting up tents across the country all summer doesn't free up a whole lot of time...)

the place is fitness together. I know it's a fanchise place. it's not a gym, it's a personal trainging studio where it's just you and a client in your own workout space, so I like that idea a lot.

BA