Home » Personal Training » Enhance Your Personal Trainer Resume (Even With No Experience)

In this video, Tyler Valencia gives you tips for putting together your personal trainer resume and provides you with a free template to use the next time you apply for a new gym. To get the best real-world advice, managers from 24 Hour Fitness, Equinox, Fitness 1440, Super Fitness Toledo, EoS Fitness, and Body Xchange Health Clubs were polled for their top tips for personal trainers with no experience seeking employment.

Tip 1: The No Experience Dilemma

How do you get experience without having any experience? This is a common question for new trainers. If you have minimal experience in a gym setting, emphasize your customer service skills and your ability to work collaboratively with a team.

• Customer Experience: Personal training is a front-facing customer service profession, meaning you work with clients and consistently try to attract new clients. Jen Tufts, GM of Super Fitness Toledo, notes that customer service experience is desirable because trainers work so intimately with people, and having people skills is very important.
• Be a Team Player: The fitness industry is known for being cutthroat, and often, trainers are overprotective of leads and potential clients. Stating your willingness to help other departments and be part of the “gym team” brings a different approach that any hiring manager would love to invest their time cultivating

Tip 2: A Professional One-Page Resume

A professional one-page resume is crucial for hiring managers, as it provides a concise summary of a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience. Rick Dennis, President of Body XChange, stated, “No – however, a detailed and professional ONE-Page resume is important.”

When it comes to cover letters, hiring managers have a mixed response and preference.

• Kate Milburn, GM of Fitness 1440, states she doesn’t care much about a cover letter and is more focused on experience, certifications, and in-person interviews.
• Jen Tufts believes cover letters are great because it gives a sense of your style and shows that you take the extra step.
• A major takeaway for your resume: do not use AI to write it. Put the effort into the task to ensure you feel confident.

Tip 3: Master the Follow-Up

The follow-up is a step that can make an impression, and is often skipped.

• Deliver your resume in person, if able, because it shows that you are taking this opportunity seriously.
• Smile, shake the manager’s hand, and dress professionally. A collared golf-style shirt and some slacks go a long way.
• Follow up within a week to show initiative, but watch for being too pushy.
• Network with staff or members, or do a day pass or trial to get a feel for the facility.

Tip 4: What to Do While You Wait

If you’re watching this video, you’re most likely proactive and eager to get hired.

• Be prepared for an interview by learning about the company you applied for and aligning yourself with the company’s core values.
• Role-play interviewing skills with a professional person. Engaging in mock interviews allows you to practice articulating your qualifications, experiences, and passion for fitness in a comfortable setting.

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