3 Personal Trainer Resume Examples & Writing Tips

Personal Trainer Resume Template (Text Format)

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How to write a personal trainer resume

Looking for more guidance on writing your personal trainer resume? Here are four tips to optimize your resume and ultimately land more job interviews.

1. Include the keywords that gyms and fitness centers are looking for

If you’re wondering what employers are looking for in personal trainers, we did the hard work for you by analyzing hundreds of PT job ads.

Here are the most common phrases that cropped up in job listings for personal trainer positions across the US:

To ensure your resume makes it past applicant tracking systems and impress hiring managers, you should sprinkle these phrases throughout your resume.

Naturally incorporate them into your resume introduction, prior job descriptions, and your list of skills.

By using insights from real job ads, you’ll craft a resume that speaks the same language as hiring managers—giving you a huge advantage over the competition.

2. List any personal trainer certifications you have

The certifications section lists your credentials with the aim of impressing employers and clients, and is a central part of any good personal trainer resume.

There are currently no states that have laws requiring you to be certified in personal training, although California requires you to have a current CPR/AED certification.

Still, most gyms and fitness centers require their trainers to hold a personal trainer certification to ensure a standard of professionalism and knowledge, and to protect their clients.

Most employers prefer candidates with nationally recognized certifications, and the most commonly accepted ones include certifications from the following bodies:

• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CPT)
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

If you’re considering working as a freelance or private personal trainer, you should also consider getting covered for liability insurance in case of an accident during a session, and mention it on your resume.

3. List training techniques you’re familiar with

There’s no single way to train a client so showcase the training techniques you’re well-versed in to show you can cater to individual needs and goals. For example, you might specialize in any of these training techniques:

1. Resistance training
2. Cardiovascular training
3. High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
4. Circuit training
5. Functional training
6. Flexibility training
7. Plyometrics
8. Periodization
9. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching
10. Isometric holds
11. Unilateral training
12. Tempo training
13. Myofascial release

4. Add numbers to your bullet points

Adding numbers to each of your bullet points adds measurable detail to your job experience and will show employers exactly what you’re capable of.

To give you an idea of the types of things you can use numbers to describe, here are five bullet points strengthened with numerical data:

• Designed and implemented personalized training programs for over 50 clients, resulting in an average 15% increase in strength and 10% reduction in body fat
• Led group fitness classes with an average attendance of 20 participants, consistently receiving positive feedback for engaging and motivating instruction
• Conducted over 100 client assessments, utilizing body composition analysis and fitness testing to accurately track progress and adjust training plans
• Maintained a 95% client retention rate, demonstrating a strong ability to build rapport, establish trust, and deliver results
• Completed 20+ hours of continuing education annually, staying up-to-date with the latest fitness trends, research, and certifications

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Average personal trainer salaries in the US

After you’ve written your resume, make sure you use it to apply for jobs within a fair salary range.

The following table includes information from the most recent US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report (May 2024). Here are the ten states with the highest salaries for personal trainers, as well as the national average for your reference when applying for work.