by Dana Roxas
You took the plunge, got certified in group exercise and/or a specialty certification. So, what happens
now? Well, you need a job, right? That certification won’t pay for itself, so time to start making money.
First things first: Most gyms, studios, and fitness centers require that you audition in order to get
hired as an instructor. Talk about stepping out of your comfort zone! Oh, you thought you were doing
that by taking the certification? WRONG. Time to start the audition process to find a job!
Okay, take a deep breath. Here are 8 ways to nail your audition!
1. Be on time; better yet, be early.
2. Make sure you are prepared! Is it a full class audition, a 15-minute audition, a group audition?
Find out what is expected before you ever enter the room so that you are not caught off-guard by
some readily available detail of your addition.
3. Dress the part, and keep your attire appropriately professional. If you are auditioning for a
Zumba class, wear Zumba clothes. Likewise, if you’re auditioning for a Bootcamp style class, dress
for Bootcamp Do the “stretch test” on your pants to ensure that they move as easily as you do without
becoming sheer or drooping too low in the back.
4. As an instructor, many things can and will happen during class, and that remains true during an
audition. Your stereo may malfunction, your microphone may not work, or your music might skip or
stop unexpectedly. The true test of your professionalism will be how you respond to these situations.
Although it’s impossible to prepare for everything, stay calm and think on your feet; if possible, have
several solutions available. For example, music should be stored on your phone, an iPod, and a CD
with appropriate ways to play each.
5. Be approachable, humble, and smile! A smile goes a LONG way. No facility wants to deal with that
diva who thinks she is the best instructor to ever grace their studio with her presence.
6. Most facilities are looking for exciting instructors who can motivate their classes, so show your
enthusiasm, motivation, and passion. Use intonation to your advantage: Change the pitch in your
voice as you cue. Think of motivational words and phrases and use them throughout your auditi