Hiring employees is one of, if not the, most important endeavor for any independent health club owner or manager. The approaching new year means that it is time to shore up your staff for the rush of new members (even if that rush is expected closer to February, according to many industry insiders.) 
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Interviewers can take these tips and tricks with them to the interview room to ensure only the best people become part of the fitness club's team.
Perhaps the most important thing for any interviewer to remember is that the key to a good interview is good follow-up questions.
Very often it is the second response that is the real answer. As many experts have pointed out, the first response that a job candidate gives to your interview question is likely rehearsed, as should be your questions as well. Rehearsed answers do not provide much insight into the candidate. The follow-up question forces the candidate to think on their feet, and can help you dig beneath the surface. As a result, candidates tell you their real story.
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But, a hiring manager can only determine whether or not the candidate is right for the job by asking the right questions.
While the questions will differ from one gym from another, and there will, of course, be job and company specific questions, a hiring manager will want to learn several traits about a candidate during the interview process:
Gauge the Candidate’s Self-Awareness Level
Does the candidate really understand where he or she is in the career track? Does he or she know what they can bring to the company? Again, follow-up questions will help you delve deeper into the candidate's understanding.
“If I were to call up your [most recent supervisor, best friend, older sister],what would he or she say about you?”
Understand the Candidate’s Ability to Adapt, Learn, and Innovate
Most health clubs operate at a quick pace with new members, programs, and innovations - or are at least regularly making changes. It is vital to know that everyone working on the team not only keeps up, but is the type of person that wants to keep up.
“How has your current position evolved over the past year and how have you acquired the skills to adapt to the changes?”
How Does He or She Fit In?
Hiring the job applicant who, in addition to the required job skills and qualifications, exhibits the best fit within your organization's culture, is the best way to ensure long-term happiness and productivity for both the employee and the health club.
“How do you feel about becoming friends with your coworkers?”
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John Agoglia has spent nearly two decades either working in health clubs or writing about them. He currently writes for several digital and print publications and provides marketing strategy and content services to companies in and out of the fitness industry.
