Become an Instructor
Applying for Jobs
At Studio Pilates, a lot of people ask us how realistic it is to get a job as a Pilates instructor and how many jobs are actually available. Having trained thousands of Pilates instructors across Australia, it is extremely rare for us to hear of any instructors struggling to find work. Pilates is an incredibly popular form of fitness and as we have previously discussed, the sky is the limit when it comes to what you can do with your Pilates education. In fact, not a week goes by that we are not approached by multiple businesses who are looking for Pilates instructors.
So how can you find and apply for jobs once you are a qualified Pilates instructor? Well, there are a couple of different options available to you. The first is searching for jobs on employment websites like Seek and Career One (in AUS/NZ), Indeed (in UK), and Monster (in USA). To do this, simply visit an employment website and type in keywords like “Pilates instructor” or even just “Pilates”. And then filter the results by city. However it is important to note that many Pilates studios and gyms may need instructors or be looking to hire, but do not have a current job ad listed on popular employment websites.
Because of this, it is always a great idea to research the businesses in your local area that offer Pilates classes. This may include local Pilates studios, gyms, or halls. From here, research each of these businesses, and look at the types of classes that they currently offer. Then, create a cover letter specific to each business, detailing how your Pilates classes could help their clients. In the cover letter, also outline why you wanted to become a Pilates instructor and what you want to help their clients with. This can make you memorable and really set you apart from other applicants, especially if your goals and aim as an instructor line up with the mission and beliefs of the business that you are approaching. We also recommend creating a resume specific to you as a Pilates instructor which outlines any relevant previous experience or qualifications and the types of Pilates courses that you have completed. If becoming an instructor is a new career move for you, definitely don’t just use your previous resume. Instead, update your resume to be more specific to your work as a Pilates instructor and pick and choose which information from your old resume you wish to include on the new resume. For example, if you previously had lots of sales experience on your resume, you could explain how this experience translates to working as a Pilates instructor and how this means that you are great at speaking with and relating to clients.
It is also a good idea for your resume to outline what type of training you have completed as a Pilates instructor. For example, if you have completed Matwork and Reformer training. If you are a brand new Pilates instructor, focus more on what content was covered in your course and what skills you have mastered in your training, such as learning about common peripheral injuries and their implications for Pilates, practising writing class programs, having a comprehensive knowledge of over 80 beginner to intermediate Matwork Pilates exercises and knowing how to effectively modify each of these for specific levels and injuries.
You can also film a video of yourself instructing a class or teaching Pilates to an individual and send this through to a potential employer with your resume. This can be particularly effective if you are new to instructing and don’t have as much experience on your resume. It is a great way to show that you are a great instructor and showcase your instructing skills.
Other tips would be to make sure that your resume features professional touches such as a professional email address. For example, you don’t want to use sarahlovesjustinbieber@gmail.com on your resume! To make the best impression, make sure that your email address is simply your name or your Pilates business name. This small factor can make a big difference in how professional you appear to potential employers.
When you approach local businesses regarding job opportunities, it is always a good idea to do this in person. Simply introduce yourself and express interest in any upcoming job opportunities. If no job opportunities currently exist, ask if you can leave your resume so that it can be kept on file in the event of future openings.
When visiting local businesses, sometimes the person you need to speak to may not be available. As such, you may prefer to email your resume and cover letter through to the business.
Finally, to find work as a Pilates instructor, it can be a good idea to utilise social media groups. For example, at Studio Pilates International, we have a Facebook page called “Studio Pilates Instructor Certification” where we list any job opportunities that we have been notified about. There are also a range of other networking groups on Facebook and other social media which promote a range of job opportunities. To find these search on Facebook groups for terms like “Pilates instructors Sydney”
For students completing the Platinum Course specifically to work in a Studio Pilates boutique studio, once you complete your course, you gain access to the network and most graduates of this course gain employment in a studio quickly.