Brumby started this discussion ·
Hey guys. Instructors: can you please describe what an interview is like for a teaching job? Did you wear business dress and bring pole clothes? Were you asked to dance at all, or maybe teach a simple move? Thanks for your responses!
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Veena ·
Hopefully someone will have experience with this and weigh in..... I can tell you, I would be far more impressed with a future employee dressing well than if someone shows up in pole gear, or jeans. When I was interviewing for personal training jobs I always dressed up. I would bring some pole clothes with you and leave them in the car, so if you need them your covered. 🌸
I don't have experience in dance instruction interviews, but I have been to a bunch of interviews in a variety of fields: office, biotech, retail. For every single one I was dressed up professionally. I PERSONALLY think it is important to look nice and professional for an interview. It gives the interviewer the idea that you are serious about the job and that you do have a professinal side to you. It doesn't really matter what you will be wearing in the job in the end. In biotech I was wearing a lab coat all day, but I didn't show up to my interview in one (that would have been a little odd...) 😕 Like Veena said though, if you need to do a dance, having an extra set of dance clothes on hand is a good idea. I know some people who would disagree and who went to all their retail interviews in jeans. Not me. No way.
There is not a huge pool of instructors here in Cleveland so this is a non-issue. I want to say a lot of other studios have just been word of mouth...someone knows someone or knows of a student that would be a good teacher. I have been contacted a few times asking if I know anyone who would be interested in teaching. Sorry I could not be of more help. Now, if I were a studio owner looking for an instructor I would ask the person to teach a basic class to me and a few friends. Just because someone can dance or perform a move does not mean they can teach it.
amy ·
when i had my instructor interview for pole instruction, we told we were teaching a mock class and were expected to come ready to teach, with a playlist, one move that we were ready to break down and givecorrections and modifications for, and a warmup/cooldown. it was a group audition, so there were 12-14 interviewees there, we split in two groups, and each person taught the rest of their group.
Would you be able to ask before as to whether or not you will need to demonstrate your floor/pole moves during the interview? This way, you will be prepared if you need your pole clothes. If it's just a regular interview, I would show up in business casual (no jeans though). For my "interview", we had to demonstrate our floor and move poles first, so pole clothing it is. If we demonstratted competence, then we would get a follow up phone interview. Good luck!
litlbit ·
Even though my instructors were my students, they still had to properly prepare for an interview. Then they had to do a mock class wirh me. Professional is always best...NO JEANS, and have pole clothes with just un case!
I showed up for my interview in professional dress. We spent the first 30 minutes or so discussing aspects of a pole curriculum and general fitness class procedure (warm-up, cool down, stretching, timing, etc). They were asking my opinions on these topics to make sure I had a good understanding of them. I had brought my pole clothes and had them in my large handbag. They did ask for a demonstration and asked me to break down three moves of my choice. I chose a fireman spin, basic invert, and gemini. It was a little nerve-wracking, but all went well. I agree that professional dress is a must for first impressions. Good luck! :)
Professional dress is very important. Look nice, arrive early (very important) do not chew gum. Brush your hair, your teeth, and for god sake...eat something before you see me so that your brain is working. Bring a basic resume...dont lie or over exagerate! I know it and I check. Also....at least read my website and try to figure something out about this business. I only accept certain trainers with certain certifications. If you want to get one of those, then I am a little more open. Dont try to be a superstar. ( sorry all you princess out there...I want someone who is going to be more concerned with the client then how great you are.. You are also a pain in my buttee when it comes to other things!) I want to hear what you are passionate about and what you would like to learn more of. If you are new say it. new is not always bad...that means you are moldable, fresh, and motivated. I intern all my intructors, pay them badly at first, and see if they can stick it out for a month or so. Then it gets a lot easier after that, and a lot more profitable. Believe me...I put a HUGE amount of time into my trainers. YOU are MY reputation. Bring Pole clothes...Dont start in heels. If I like you I might have you teach me a couple things. If we dont get to that part..I'm not interested. Good luck...Happy Poling. Also, I hate emails that are two sentences long, saying how fabulous you. I'm not going to call you or email you. If you send me an email, then call, then come by..that shows good protocall. Best to email first, Leave a message saying you will drop by with a "resume" then come back in a couple of weeks if I haven't called you. I like determination.
One other thing I will point out that many don't think about when they interview...if you are a smoker DO NOT smoke on your way to the interview and make sure your clothes do not smell of cigarette smoke. I don't think most smokers realize how much they smell and how your hair and clothes trap the odor.
Very good points ladies! All studios I have taught at I just showed up in a track suit with pole gear and was prepared to demonstrate and teach. Shame on me I suppose! All I was asked to do was to put on some music and whip out my best tricks though, and hardly got asked any questions about my syllabus. Hmmmm...
Every place I've taught (small studios which taught only pole) I came looking nice and neat but wearing workout clothing with pole gear underneath, and I have ALWAYS had to dance. It would have been very awkward if I had showed up in my regular interview gear (suit, heels, nylons, etc). I've also never needed a formal resume. I can see wearing business dress to interview for personal training at a large gym -- the kind of place that has secretaries and an HR department -- but not for example at a small yoga studio, or a small pole studio. Hope that helps!
Interviews and audition processes will vary widely from studio to studio. But almost all will expect some sort of demonstration, whether it's showing your own moves, teaching something, or both. You'll need pole clothes for that. Showing up to a teaching interview without poling clothes would be like showing up to an office interview without your resume. Unless of course they specifically say you won't be expected to do anything physical. But even then, don't forget what they always say about an interview being a two-way street. If you feel comfortable asking, you might want to ask if you can try out their poles. Different studios use different equipment, and you want to make sure you feel comfortable and safe on their apparatuses. (And it's just fun to play around on a new jungle gym!)
I expect my prospects to dress professionally, be prepared to demo AND bring confirmable references. Don't just expect to be hired based on your word. Either have references that can be verified or be able to prove your worth. If they are willing to hire you without either of the above, then they are not worth working for. Remember, if the studio doesn't have high standards when it comes to hiring an employee then their standards for running a business and how they treat their employees will affect you later.
Well said
Create a dance resume that reflects all your dance and relevant experience (ie leadership or teaching experience.) List all workshops attended. Dress appropriate meaning what they would want their instructor to look like when they come to class. I wear my nicest workout clothes- lululemon pants, nice top, and my nicest pole gear underneath. Come prepared to dance to at least 2 songs. I usually have to do a warm up and show my moves. I currently teach at 4 different dance studios, and my bf is the GM at a gym. Professional clothing may not hurt you, but what they want to see is a sharp, prepared and confident instructor. Dress the part.
Charley ·
RESUME! Resume is super important! I won't work any place now that doesn't want to see my resume because that tells me that they aren't looking for quality but flash. Anyone can walk in and make CLAIMS that they are the best - anyonce can SAY anything they want a resume puts you above the rest and tells your story. Even if this is going to be your first gig - the fact that you sat down and totaled up your experience speaks volumes about your work ethic. A resume is a very, very good idea. Even for a first job in pole you should detail other experiences you have had - give them a real resume of your work experience - things like being at a job a long time or jobs where you have managed or served people are applicable jobs :) Good luck!
Yes, bring your resume. For all my interviews, I brought my professional resume as well as my dance resume. I also brought a list of references that included both professional references as well as dance references. On your dance resume, also list competitions you have participated in, performances and troup experience. When you are done, send a thank you email for the interview. It may not hurt to include links to any submission videos you may have done.
