Looking to teach yoga? A good resume can make all the difference. Think of it as your own story that shows why you’re the right fit for the job.
Here’s the thing: a yoga teacher’s resume shouldn’t look like everyone else’s. It should reflect your personal journey in yoga. Take your time, be true to your experience, and you’ll have a resume that shines brighter than the rest.
Reasons to Create an Effective Resume
A good yoga teacher resume is the key to securing your ideal job. It allows you to display your qualifications, skills, and experiences to prospective employers. A well-made resume can prove your ability to teach yoga sequences and create a positive environment.
Additionally, a strong resume can reflect your dedication to yoga practice and teaching. It can emphasize your unique teaching approach, knowledge of various yoga styles, and capacity to meet varied student requirements. Essentially, a great resume can lead to opportunities that match your yoga teaching goals.
What the Perfect Yoga Teacher Resume Should Include
To truly stand out, a resume goes beyond basics like contact information, summary or objective, and skills.
Studio owners value teachers who can build strong relationships with students. So, don’t shy away from detailing your ability to connect with yoga students.
Soft skills like communication, empathy, and patience often need to be inferred or ‘read between the lines’.
The idea is that you want something that sets you apart. Something that makes you different.
Resume Basics
Strike a balance between providing enough information to showcase your qualifications and maintaining a concise, easy-to-read format.
A well-structured resume is easy on the eyes and allows hiring managers to quickly identify the information they need. So, be sure to organize your sections logically and use a consistent format throughout. A neat, well-organized resume speaks volumes about your attention to detail and dedication to your craft.
Structure: How do you organize your resume?
The structure of your resume can be just as important as the content. Typically, you want to start with your contact information, followed by a short summary or objective. Next, list your skills and qualifications, then your work experience, and finally any additional relevant information, such as certifications or volunteer experiences.
Content: What information should be included?
Your resume should include key details about your yoga teaching experience, your skills and qualifications, and anything else that can highlight your suitability for the role.
Certifications and training are a big one, so don’t forget to add your 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) and any additional certifications. Lastly, include any relevant experience, such as the number of yoga sessions you’ve led, and details about your teaching style, to give potential employers a clear understanding of your capabilities.
Notice a common thread here? Everything you include should be relevant and targeted towards the job you’re applying for.
Length: How long should your resume be?
Contrary to what you might think, longer resumes aren’t necessarily better. Aim for a one-page resume if you have less than 10 years of experience. If you have more than that, a two-page resume can be justified.
Remember, the focus should be on quality rather than quantity. Highlight your most notable achievements, relevant skills, and experiences. Make every word count and ensure that you’re presenting yourself in the best possible light to potential employers.
Cover letter: Should you include a cover letter?
In most cases, yes, you should include a cover letter. It provides an opportunity to share your passion for yoga, explain why you’re interested in the specific role, and elaborate on your skills and experiences in a way that your resume doesn’t allow.
A cover letter can help establish a personal connection, which can make you stand out from the rest.
Even if it’s not explicitly required, including a cover letter can set you apart. Keep your cover letter concise, authentic, and engaging.
Skills and Qualifications
Your skills and qualifications section is where you shine as a yoga teacher. Highlight your teaching style, whether you specialize in Hatha, Vinyasa, or Restorative yoga. Emphasize your ability to create balanced and engaging yoga classes. If you have a yoga teacher certification, be sure to mention it, as it’s a significant advantage.
Also, don’t forget to list your non-teaching skills, such as your ability to connect with diverse groups, your organizational skills, and your adaptability. If you’ve led workshops or retreats, it’s worth mentioning, as it shows your versatility and leadership skills. This section is your chance to show potential employers why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
Teaching experience: How do you list teaching experience on your resume?
Teaching experience should list the styles of yoga you’ve taught, the duration of your teachings, and the types of clients you’ve worked with. Be specific about your experience, as this will give potential employers a better idea of your capabilities.
Also, if you’ve taught specific styles like hatha and vinyasa, be sure to mention it. Your knowledge in stress management, leading meditation groups, retreats, or workshops could also be a plus.
Volunteer experience: Should volunteer experience be included on a yoga teacher’s resume?
Yes, definitely! For instance, if you’ve volunteered at a retreat center, teaching yoga, or even if you were an assistant in a class making hands-on adjustments during an asana practice, be sure to include it. This demonstrates your commitment to yoga and your willingness to share your knowledge, even outside of a paid position.
Whether you’re an experienced yoga teacher or new to the field, volunteering can serve as a great way to gain experience.
Yoga techniques: Should you mention any background on yoga techniques?
Absolutely! Breathing, meditation, yoga nidra, inversions, ayurveda, or pranayama techniques are fundamental parts of yoga practice. If you have specific training, it’s worth mentioning. This helps to bring out a fuller picture of where you are at in your journey as both a student and a teacher.
Highlighting these skills can demonstrate your holistic approach to yoga teaching, making your application more appealing to potential employers.
Job Summary: Do you need to provide a job description in your yoga teacher’s resume?
Yes, providing a job summary or intro gives hiring managers a clear picture of your role and responsibilities in previous yoga studios. It’s mostly about tailoring your resume to the specific role, as it shows that you’ve actually read the opening and taken the time to reflect on what’s required.
Look at the job description and try to match your skills and experiences to the requirements. For instance, if the job requires skills in providing modifications and adjustments, ensure this is highlighted somewhere. Also, consider using an online resume builder to help structure your resume effectively, ensuring it meets the needs and goals of your potential clients.
That should do it, and if you don’t get the job after all this then just keep refining your process. It will happen, just need to trust the process!