Application tips to help you get that next job

For many advertised fitness industry jobs there are large number of similarly qualified and experienced candidates. Even if you're not the most qualified or experienced among them, it's still possible to make a lasting impression. Following are tips provided by fitness industry employers across Australia that, if used, will greatly improve your chance of landing that next job.

YOUR WRITTEN APPLICATION (that is, your CV and Cover Letter)

  • Remember this is your first introduction to many employers
  • No matter who you are or what you’ve done, this is the first step in selling yourself

THE COVER LETTER

  • Especially important when applying for positions that might be considered a ‘stretch’. If your qualifications or experience are ‘borderline’, your Cover Letter may get you through. Likewise if there are a number of similarly qualified applicants.
  • For the best impact, your Cover Letter MUST BE addressed to the relevant person and must relate to the available position
  • Use the Cover Letter to introduce yourself. Inform the employer of what you are currently doing and how your experience in this position will relate to the available position. Be sure and address relevant criteria from the job ad or position description.
  • Keep your cover letter short, enthusiastic and to the point

YOUR CV (or Résumé)

  • This should also be tailored to highlight your professional and personal experience that is most relevant to the available position.
  • Qualifications should be listed first, with the most relevant at the top of your list. Don’t make the employer search your CV to justify getting you in for an interview. With your qualifications, include any additional certifications and registrations that relate to the position. In the fitness industry this would include OHS, Sales, Customer Service and Personal Development. And include dates.
  • Believe me, no one cares where you went to Primary School and High School or what subjects you did there. What you have done outside of school (clubs, community groups, etc.) will have greater relevance. When you list your previous experience PUT THE MOST CURRENT POSITIONS FIRST. Don’t make the employer search for the reasons to get you in, it should be obvious.
  • Each position listed should include a date that you began and finished, what your key responsibilities were and what your key achievements were. This is the part that really needs to take into account the position you are applying for. That is, if you are applying for a rehab position, you would be sure to highlight your experience in this area and what you achieved with your previous clients.
  • Any awards, professional or sporting achievements could be included. Another good idea is to include your goals if relevant (‘to be the greatest pastry chef’ is not one of the better examples I’ve seen in a PT application).
  • References are not required on your CV. At the bottom of the CV include the term ‘References available on request’. And remember, professional references only. Family members and friends are not a good look. Make sure you confirm things with your reference(s) ahead of time.
  • All of this should be kept within two pages.

SO YOU’VE BEEN ASKED TO COME TO AN INTERVIEW

This is your chance to shine, and it all starts before you get there.

THE PREPARATION

  • Do some research on the company, and at the very least, understand what services they provide.
  • Head in for a look around the facility prior to your interview (a casual workout?). The more familiar you are with the surrounds, the less daunting the interview will be.
  • Confirm your appointment ahead of time. It may or may not be noticed by all employers, but those that do notice will appreciate your professionalism.

ON THE DAY

  • Make sure that you are well presented. All employers I’ve spoken to singled out the need to look smart. You must be well groomed. You must smell nice. And while you don’t have to be wearing a shirt and tie, you do need to look like you are trying to impress (that means no sneakers and no tracksuits).
  • TURN OFF YOUR MOBILE PHONE
  • Arrive early for your interview. About 7 to 10 minutes ahead of time will do.
  • In the introduction provide a firm handshake and speak clearly. First impressions count.
  • Be prepared for questions about how your previous experience will benefit the position. You may be asked to demonstrate times when you showed initiative; times when you lead a group; times when you had to work under pressure; instances where you had to deal with conflict. Ideally you will have real life examples. If not, the interviewer may be satisfied with your explanation of what you would do if the situation presented itself.
  • The employer is also going to be interested in your enthusiasm for the position and your knowledge of, and passion for, the health and fitness industry as a whole. For many fitness positions (e.g. instructor, personal trainer), the interviewer may also be looking for evidence as to whether you ‘practice what you preach’.

When applying for any positions remember that it’s not always the most qualified person that gets the job. The successful applicant is often the one that best sold their enthusiasm for the position, their passion for the industry, their skills and their experience. There may well be a lot of applicants for many positions, but for those that focus on making a good impression, there is not necessarily a lot of competition.

I wish everyone all the best in their future applications.

Dennis Hosking.