What do I wear to my interview? - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[portlandGymRat]

I have an interview tomorrow and not sure what to wear?
Button collar shirt with tie and slacks?
Gym work out cloths?
Business Casual?

Anybody??

[Christina]

I have never interviewed with a gym but I personally would wear business casual. Definitely not gym clothes. (That's just me.) Maybe someone else will chime in.

Good luck!

Christina

[Dinah]

Hi portlandGymRat,

I can't tell from your post but I'll guess that it's a gym you're interviewing with. If that's the case, I would go with business casual. Button down oxford or polo shirt and nice pants -- something like khakis (not jeans). It's a happy medium between the tie, which is too formal (or just not the right environment) and wearing gym clothes (you're not there to workout, you're there to be interviewed).

Good luck and let us know how it goes!


Dinah

[portlandGymRat]

Had my interview this morning. Went with nice collar shirt and slacks. Felt a little over dressed but not sure what kind of impression that made (Good or Bad?).
Interview went well but didn't get hired because I have not obtained my Certification yet. Said to call him as soon as i do to schedule a further interview, so we will see.
Thanks for chiming in!!

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

wear something casual but tasteful. they will ask you many questions. when it comes to the time when you ask them questions, ask this
"what are your emergency procedures". Nobody ever asked me that question. if they did, I would put them on the short list of people to hire. most trainers and health clubs are not well prepared for emergencies. You will probably be the only person to ask that question so you will stand out to management
Joe

[Dave, ElevationFit.com]

I interviewed at a very high end gym a few years ago and dressed to impress. Shirt, tie, slacks and most importantly my best dress shoes. Interview went great until they asked me to roll play and teach one of the staff how to properly complete a squat with a physioball against a wall. Slick dress shoes + linoleum floor almost sent me flat on my butt.

I would let my interviewee trainers know what we would be asking of them in an interview so they could come prepared. It wouldn't hurt to do the same with prospective employers.

[ptjustinbowers]

I interviewed at a very high end gym a few years ago and dressed to impress. Shirt, tie, slacks and most importantly my best dress shoes. Interview went great until they asked me to roll play and teach one of the staff how to properly complete a squat with a physioball against a wall. Slick dress shoes + linoleum floor almost sent me flat on my butt.

I would let my interviewee trainers know what we would be asking of them in an interview so they could come prepared. It wouldn't hurt to do the same with prospective employers.

Please forgive me for laughing at this!

[My Business Is Fitness]

Had my interview this morning. Went with nice collar shirt and slacks. Felt a little over dressed but not sure what kind of impression that made (Good or Bad?).
Interview went well but didn't get hired because I have not obtained my Certification yet. Said to call him as soon as i do to schedule a further interview, so we will see.
Thanks for chiming in!!

That's too bad that you missed out on the job. I find it unusual that the manager had you in for an interview for a personal training position if you were not yet certified?

All the same, I agree with the attire of shirt and pants...perhaps for future reference, ask when you are invited for the interview what will be expected of you and what to wear.

[healthbuff]

Yes, I guess it would be more practical to ask the interviewee if the interview would involve you to demonstrate. At least one can be prepared. I'm glad you did well on your first interview, portlandGymRat! I'm sure you were just dressed right...

[portlandGymRat]

I have been to three more interviews since the first one.
The first I wore a sweater vest, collar button up shirt, khakis and casual dress shoes-No job
The second I wore a tie, dress shirt, dress slacks and dress shoes, much better impression-No JOB
The third again tie, dress shirt/slacks/shoes- great interview- declined job

I decided to go back to school, finish my bachelors and possibly go to grad school. They wanted me to work way to many hours for too little pay and didn't work around my school schedule.

My advice to anyone else, "Dress to Impress".

btw didn't see the reply about asking about the emergency procedures, should have done that on the first interview!! Thanks