Personal Trainer job description template

Personal trainers design workouts, coach clients through them safely and keep them motivated enough to show up. At a small gym or studio, trainers also help sell sessions and memberships, so the best posts explain how clients are assigned, whether trainers are expected to build their own client list, and which certifications you accept.

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Personal Trainer

Part-time
Your Company is looking for a certified personal trainer who genuinely enjoys helping people get stronger and feel more confident. You'll assess new clients, build programs around their goals, coach proper form and track their progress over time. We'll help fill your schedule with members who want coaching, and support you as you build a loyal client base. If you're a patient teacher who adapts to every fitness level, we'd like to meet you.

What you’ll do

  • Conduct fitness assessments and goal-setting sessions with new clients
  • Design individualized training programs based on goals, experience and any limitations
  • Coach one-on-one and small-group sessions with clear cues and safe technique
  • Modify exercises for injuries, mobility limits and different fitness levels
  • Track client progress and update programs as clients get stronger
  • Introduce yourself to members on the gym floor and offer complimentary intro sessions
  • Wipe down, organize and check equipment so it stays in safe working order
  • Refer clients to a medical professional when a concern falls outside your scope

What we’re looking for

  • Current personal trainer certification from NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA or a similar accredited organization
  • Current CPR/AED certification
  • Solid knowledge of exercise technique, program design and progression
  • Able to demonstrate exercises and spot clients safely
  • Encouraging, clear communicator who can motivate people at any fitness level

Nice to have

  • Experience leading small-group or bootcamp-style classes
  • Specialty certifications in corrective exercise, strength and conditioning or nutrition coaching
  • Experience with Mindbody or a training app for scheduling and client tracking
  • A degree in exercise science, kinesiology or a related field

Schedule

Part-time, with early morning, evening and Saturday sessions when clients are most available. You'll have input on your hours as your client list grows.

What we offer

  • Free gym membership and use of the facility on your own time
  • Steady leads from new members and front desk referrals
  • Support for continuing education to keep your certification current
  • Staff discounts on classes and gear

Add your pay, location and schedule when you post. Jobs that show pay get noticeably more applicants.

Screening questions for a personal trainer

Ask these on the application form to sort applicants quickly. They’re added automatically when you post this template.

  • Do you hold a current personal trainer certification and a current CPR/AED certification?Yes / No · required
  • Which organization issued your personal trainer certification?Short answer · required
  • Describe how you'd structure the first month of training for a brand-new client.Paragraph

Personal Trainer interview questions

  1. Walk me through your first session with a new client who hasn't exercised in years.
  2. A client says their knee hurts during squats. What do you do?
  3. How do you keep clients motivated when their progress stalls?
  4. How would you adjust a program for a client with low back pain or limited mobility?
  5. How do you approach selling training packages without being pushy?
  6. Coach me through a goblet squat as if I were a brand-new client.
  7. What do you say when a client asks you to write them a specific diet plan?

Tips for hiring a personal trainer

  • Have each finalist coach you or a staff member through a short session. Watch how they cue, correct form and adjust on the fly.
  • Ask for copies of the personal trainer certification and CPR/AED card, and confirm both are current.
  • Be clear about how pay works, whether per session, hourly or a mix, and whether you supply clients or trainers find their own.
  • Look among your own members and class regulars. Some already hold certifications and know how your gym runs.