This article tells you what to expect at your next job interview for Personal Training and a lot more.
Also, you should really look into which personal trainer certification will help you reach your career goals.
Over the course of my 10+ years in the fitness industry, I’ve attended and aced countless interviews easily.
I think you’ll agree with me when I say that job interviews can be nerve-racking experiences.
Well, as it turns out, a personal trainer interview doesn’t have to be scary or grueling.
In fact, you can train for it – just like you’d train for a 5k race.
This article is like having YOUR own personal trainer. I will help you get ready for your next job interview so you can get the job of your dreams.
By the time we’re finished, instead of dreading personal trainer interview questions, you’ll look forward to them instead.
Interviewing for a personal trainer position can be nerve-wracking. You want to impress the interviewer and land the job, but it’s normal to feel anxious about being in the hot seat. The good news is that with the right preparation, you can absolutely crush that fitness interview.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll walk through everything you need to know to ace your personal training interview. We’ll cover
- How to prepare for the big day
- Common interview questions and how to answer them
- Questions to ask the interviewer
- Tips for nailing the interview
How to Prepare for a Personal Trainer Interview
Success starts with preparation. Here are some key things you can do in the weeks and days leading up to your interview:
Research the company/gym – Learn about their training philosophy, credentials they require, client demographics, workout spaces, etc. This will help you tailor your answers.
Practice responding to common questions – Draft your answers to expected questions ahead of time. Get feedback from colleagues. Practicing builds confidence.
Prepare specific examples and stories – Have 5-10 stories that highlight your skills ready to go. Examples bring your answers to life.
Review your credentials – Brush up on the specifics of your certifications, training style, experience, etc. You want this fresh in your mind.
Plan your outfit – Dress professionally. Look sharp and well put-together. You want to make a great first impression.
Get your scheduling availability in order – Know your ideal schedule and flexibility. They may ask about your availability.
Common Personal Trainer Interview Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most common personal trainer interview questions you’re likely to face:
Why do you want to be a personal trainer?
- Focus your answer on your passion for health/fitness, helping people, and guiding clients to success. Share what excites you about training.
What is your training style?
- Explain your approach to training clients. Do you prefer high-intensity training? Functional movements? Corrective exercise? Tailor it to their training philosophy.
How do you motivate clients?
- Share strategies like goal-setting, accountability, incentives, mixing up workouts, leading by example, and understanding client motivations. Give examples if you have them.
How would you handle a client who wants to cancel sessions?
- Emphasize listening to understand their reasons, being empathetic, having an open dialogue, and working together to find solutions. Dedication is key.
How do you deal with difficult clients?
- Stay calm, listen closely, communicate clearly, set expectations up front, compromise when needed, and enlist support from management if issues persist.
Tell me about your previous fitness experience.
- Share your background highlights – prior roles, responsibilities, accomplishments, unique experiences, what you enjoyed, and how it prepares you for this role.
What are your strengths as a trainer?
- Play to your top strengths like motivating clients, exercise technique, adaptability, programming for goals, etc. Back them up with quick examples.
What personal development goals do you have?
- Demonstrate you are eager to keep learning – specializations like corrective exercise, workshops, mentorships, teaching classes, etc.
Why should we hire you?
- Circle back to why you’re an excellent fit – share your relevant strengths, enthusiasm, work ethic, and passion for their mission.
Do you have any questions for me?
- Have 2-3 thoughtful questions ready that show your interest in the company. For example:
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- How would you describe the culture here?
- What qualities make someone successful in this role?
Tips for Acing the Personal Training Interview
Beyond preparing answers to common questions, keep these tips in mind:
- Dress professionally – You want to look sharp and make a great first impression
- Arrive 10 minutes early – Punctuality is key
- Have copies of your resume/certifications – In a professional folder to reference easily
- Make eye contact and have good body language – Sit upright and look engaged
- Ask thoughtful questions – To show your interest in the company
- Get the interviewer’s business card – So you can send a thank you note afterward
- Follow up – Send a thank you email reiterating your interest in the role
With the right mindset and preparation, you can absolutely crush your fitness interview. You’ve got this! Show them how passionate you are about health, fitness and helping clients succeed.
Increase your confidence NOW by practicing with your friends or family
Now that you know what kinds of questions a personal trainer will ask, you should start practicing how to answer them.
Practice, after all, makes perfect!
Start by writing down your answers so you have a rough idea of what you want to say.
This is NOT a script. That would come off as too rehearsed and disingenuous.
Instead, write a general outline that you can then paraphrase.
Once your responses are outlined, practice answering each question, remembering to be honest, concise, and confident.
While you could do this silently, you’ll get more from saying your answers out loud.
Record yourself or, better still, sit down with friends or family and do some mock interviews.
If you have acquaintances with more experience than you, ask them to be your interviewer.
Here is a list of questions you think they might ask. Ask them to add some of their own to keep you guessing.
Ask any personal trainers you know about how they would answer your interview questions.
Their advice will be useful but remember not to repeat what they say.
The answers you give should be YOUR answers, reflecting your personality and abilities.
You can also do these practice questions via a video call app.
This may be more convenient for you and your volunteer interviewer.
How to make sure you are prepared for your interview
There are a few more things you can do before I talk about personal training interview questions that will help your meeting go as smoothly as possible.
After all, as the saying goes, prior preparation prevents piss-poor performance.
Start planning for your interval several days before the actual event.
That way, you’ll avoid many of the potential problems before they get a chance to arise.
1. Find the interview site. Many gyms have more than one location, and many have a main office.
Make sure you know where your meeting is going to take place.
You won’t make a good impression if you get to the gym and then realize you were supposed to be at headquarters!
While you COULD use Google Maps to do this, finding it in person is better.
The extra familiarity can help with pre-interview nerves.
2. Plan your route – ensure you know how to get to your interview.
The last thing you want to do is get lost and be late.
If you intend to drive, make sure you know where you’re going to park your car.
Planning to use public transport? Check what’s available.
Again, don’t rely on Google Maps if you can.
Pre-run around the time of your interview so you can make changes for things like traffic, detours, etc.
3. Get ready for the interview. What you wear says a lot about you, so make sure you have it ready a few days ahead of time.
Don’t leave it until the last minute.
You may discover that what you were planning to wear is dirty.
Instead, have a dress rehearsal and try on your interview outfit.
You’ll feel more comfortable if you do.
If it’s a formal interview, you should wear a suit and tie. If it’s a casual interview, you can wear your workout pants and a sweatshirt.
If you’re not sure what to wear, I would say to bring your workout clothes and nice clothes in case the interview is about something practical.
4. Put together your portfolio. You should bring a copy of your resume with you even if the interviewer already has it.
Also, ensure you have the originals of your fitness qualifications certificates and any other documentation you may need.
Put all your documents in a folder for easy access and better presentation.
This way, you’ll not only look neat, but you’ll also be able to find what the interviewer needs without having to dig through a mess of papers.
Personal Training Job Interview | Do THESE THINGS To Get The Job
FAQ
How to ace a personal trainer interview?
What should I bring to a personal training interview?
What questions should you ask a personal trainer during an interview?
However, hiring managers tend to ask personal trainers specific questions about their experience, education and practices during an interview that candidates can prepare for. In this article, provide some sample personal trainer interview questions and explain how you can answer them. Video: Top Common Interview Questions and Answers
What is the interview process like for a personal trainer?
Interview formats and questions vary depending on the job and industry, and personal trainers might find the interview process is much more action-based than question-based because of the demands of the position.
How do I prepare for a personal trainer interview?
Being prepared with typical personal trainer interview questions can help you ace the final stage. Knowing what to expect really takes the pressure off an interview situation. And prepping some answers in advance will help you perform well on the day.
What makes a good personal trainer interviewer?
Showcasing your distinct qualities and abilities will help the interviewer envision how you will contribute to their team and benefit their clientele. Example: “What sets me apart from other personal trainers is my ability to create highly personalized training programs that cater to each client’s unique needs and goals.
