Three seconds to make a first impression? That’s how the saying goes. This means the first impression you make starts right at the beginning. As soon as you hit send on the application for your dream job.

If this is true then why would you choose to submit a CV that is 14 pages long, lists your employment right back to the last decade and is typed up in font 16? Or why would you turn up to an interview in jeans and a t shirt? Yes we are the fitness industry but that doesn’t mean we should be any less professional than we would if it was the IT industry. If you are hoping to go out there as a Personal Trainer and charge $80 a session, then it is imperative that professional presentation is held in high regard.

From my experience in both fitness management and recruitment here are a couple of tips

1. Before you even apply, ask for a position description. That way you can tailor your CV and cover letter to that position. There is nothing wrong with having a foundation CV but never ever send in the same CV for different roles!
2. It all starts with the CV. General rules, no size 16 font; keep it simple, Arial 10 is a good professional font (if you need a suggestion). No cover page, what’s the point? Ideally 2-3 pages max, of relevant and current information. As a manager and in recruitment all I want to know is what you have done, how qualified you are and what achievements you can claim in your last three roles?
3. Work experience; only list your past three relevant roles (within the last 5 years). Under the heading give bullet points of three achievements you accomplished in those roles.
4. Now onto the interview. I’m not sure if you have heard the saying “Never assume as it makes an ass out of u and me” so based on this, what I would suggest is always turn up to the interview extremely well presented. Clean shaven, hair tidy and clean shoes and formal dress.
5. Turn up to the interview prepared. Make sure you have completed some research on the company and also who will be interviewing you. Google is great as is mystery shopping! It is a great start to shake hands and make eye contact at the same time (even as a female this is something my Papa installed in me from a young age).
6. Having done your research it is just as important to have at least three questions that you would like to know about the role as well as the company.
7.  At the end of the interview thank them for their time; let them know that it was a pleasure and that you look forward to hearing from them soon.

In my role I meet a lot of job applicants and there is a huge variety in the quality of the first impressions they make.  This blog is to help you avoid some of the common pitfalls. Hopefully it will increase your chance of getting the job you want. If anyone has any other suggestions or tips feel free to add them.