Top 10 ways to stand out in the job market!
Hi, my name is Molly! I work at Love Recruitment as an Account Manager, for the UK’s Number 1 fitness recruitment agency. I love helping candidates find their dream jobs, it’s the most rewarding part of my role!
The importance of this blog is to help people in their search finding a new role in the fitness industry and finding ways of being able to stand out in such a candidate driven market. I find especially for personal trainer or fitness instructor roles there is 100’s of candidates going for one position so taking the time to improve your CV and employability skills is key. I have listed the 10 ways to stand out in the job market!
1.) Build a strong personal brand: Establishing a personal brand that highlights your unique skills and experience can make you more memorable and attractive to potential employers.
2.) Show a strong online presence: Utilise social media: Connect with other fitness professionals and influencers on social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Comment on their posts and engage with them to build relationships and potentially collaborate on projects or events.
3.) Customise your CV and cover letter: How do you stand out in such a saturated industry? Well, a clear, well laid out CV and profile is key, it doesn’t take long to do. A tip is to personalise the CV so if you are going for a yoga role, there’s no point having a job from 10 years ago with no connection to the role you’re going for now. If you have a quirky achievement or won a big competition, put that in. I really like looking at what people put as their personal interests because it tells us more about what they do for fun.
4.) Demonstrate your passion and be personable: In addition to having the right skills and experience, employers want to hire people who are easy to work with. Be friendly, engaging, and personable during interviews and other interactions. Showing enthusiasm and passion for the job or industry you're applying for can set you apart from other candidates and show that you're truly invested in the work.
5.) Stay up to date with industry trends- Keeping up with the latest trends and developments in your industry can demonstrate your commitment to your field and your ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
6.) Be flexible: Showing a willingness to be flexible and adapt to new situations can demonstrate your versatility and make you a more attractive candidate.
7.) Showcase your achievements: Highlighting your accomplishments and successes in your previous roles can show potential employers what you're capable of and why you'd be a valuable addition to their team.
8.) Keep learning: Expand your knowledge in business and marketing, read specialised books and programmes. These are easy to get hold of and rather affordable. Having your own fitness business has more to it than just getting qualified. You must market yourself into a brand, social media is perfect for this, after lockdown and there being so many online coaches it is a powerful tool to share your knowledge. Even from the beginning of your journey get yourself an account and start posting, you must start from somewhere then the more experience you get you will naturally and purposefully build yourself an image. You have probably heard this before but once you get certified your training does not stop there, you can never stop learning from colleagues, clients, training days and new courses.
9.) Network- Building a professional network can help you learn about job opportunities that may not be advertised publicly. Some ideas to help you start networking are to attend fitness conferences: Conferences are a great way to meet new people, learn about industry trends, and get inspired. Look for conferences that are relevant to your interests, such as those focused on personal training, yoga, or nutrition. Join a professional association: There are many professional associations in the fitness industry, such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). One of the biggest tips would be to get your foot in the door and work in a gym or studio: Working in a gym or studio can provide opportunities to meet and connect with other fitness professionals. You may be able to attend staff meetings or events, and you can also network with members who have similar interests.
Remember, networking is all about building relationships and making connections. Be genuine and authentic in your interactions, and always look for ways to add value to others.
10.) Follow up: After applying or completing an interview, follow up with the recruiter or hiring manager to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the position and ask about next steps. This shows that you're serious about the opportunity and eager to move forward.