Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Interviewing for a Yoga Teaching Position

Making the decision to become a yoga teacher is one that is right for many people, and there are many paths that may be followed in the achievement of this career shift to teaching. Preparing for an interview may seem daunting, but there are ways to decrease the stress felt about upcoming interviews and to better prepare for them. It is key to remember that yoga is a low-stress exercise and maintaining a relaxed attitude during an interview will show that the candidate has the right mentality for what they wish to teach. Preparation for the interview is essential.

Perhaps the most important thing that a candidate can do is practice what they want to say, even if it seems like it will be simple to answer on the spot. Many questions that will be asked of a candidate are those that are asked in most job settings, such as questions regarding personal strengths and weaknesses, job history, and the qualifications the applicant possesses for the job. Knowing these and having prepared answers can help lower the stress felt in the time leading up to an interview.

Researching the yoga studio that the interview is for will give the candidate a more personal approach to their interview. Interviewers appreciate when applicants are familiar with the studio and have questions about it prepared before the interview. Knowing the types of clients that will be attracted to the studio and the reputation of the studio and current teachers can make interviewing easier, as the yoga studio is not a looming entity. Instead, it is known and understood, and candidates who are familiar with a yoga studio often hold much more fruitful interviews.

To add distinction from other applicants, a candidate should also have in mind what they can provide specifically for the studio. Having individual appeal is important in drawing attention and, ultimately, being hired. This can be done through limitless means. A candidate may offer to teach a type of yoga that is not currently offered at the studio, or they may suggest more effective methods of dealing with class size and organization. If the studio being applied to has weak spots, these are good areas to focus on, though doing so subtly while offering personal solutions is better than simply suggesting that there are problems. This shows that a candidate has initiative and will do more than originally asked; they are a model employee.