Creating a yoga resume with little experience might seem challenging, but you can still highlight your skills, passion, and training in a way that appeals to potential employers. Here’s how to build a strong yoga resume even if you’re just starting out:
1. Start with a Strong Header
Include your name, contact information, and any relevant certifications. For example:
- Name: Jane Doe
- Phone Number: (555) 555-5555
- Email: janedoe@gmail.com
- Location: City, State
- Certifications: 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (RYT-200)
2. Add a Short Objective Statement
Since you have limited experience, use this section to communicate your passion for yoga and what you hope to achieve as an instructor.
Example:
Objective: A certified yoga instructor passionate about helping others develop mindfulness and wellness. Seeking to create a supportive environment for students of all levels while continuing to grow and refine my skills as an instructor.
3. Highlight Your Education and Training
If you’ve completed yoga teacher training (YTT), this should be front and center on your resume. Even if you haven’t taught many classes, the certification demonstrates that you’re qualified to teach.
Education/Training:
- 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training – [Name of Yoga School], Location (Date completed)
- Additional Certifications (e.g., First Aid/CPR, if relevant)
4. Emphasize Relevant Skills
Even if you don’t have much teaching experience, you likely have transferable skills that can be valuable as a yoga instructor. These might include:
- Knowledge of yoga poses and sequencing
- Understanding of anatomy and physiology
- Patience and communication skills
- Group facilitation or leadership experience
- Meditation and mindfulness practices
- Customer service experience (if you’ve worked in client-facing roles)
Example: Skills:
- Strong understanding of Hatha and Vinyasa yoga techniques
- Ability to create beginner and intermediate yoga sequences
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of basic anatomy and injury prevention
5. List Any Teaching Experience (Even Volunteer or Practice Classes)
If you’ve taught practice classes during your YTT or volunteered at a local gym or community center, include that experience. Be specific about what you taught, even if it was informal or unpaid.
Teaching Experience:
- Yoga Teacher Trainee – Practice Classes during YTT, [Name of School], (Month, Year)
- Led beginner yoga classes for fellow students during training
- Focused on Hatha and restorative sequences
- Volunteer Yoga Instructor – [Community Center], City, State (Month, Year)
- Offered free beginner classes to community members to promote wellness
- Helped students with pose adjustments and modifications
6. Include Other Relevant Experience
If you’ve worked in other fields, especially fitness, health, or customer service, include that experience to show your professional background and how it applies to yoga instruction.
Additional Experience:
- Front Desk Receptionist – [Gym/Fitness Center], City, State (Year – Year)
- Assisted with scheduling and member inquiries
- Gained exposure to the fitness and wellness community
- Group Leader – [Local Volunteer Organization], City, State (Year – Year)
- Facilitated small group discussions and managed community wellness events
7. Showcase Personal Practice or Continuing Education
If you’re regularly attending yoga workshops or engaging in self-practice, mention that. It demonstrates your commitment to growth in yoga, even if you’re not teaching regularly yet.
Continuing Education:
- Attended [Yoga Workshop Name] on [Specialization], (Month, Year)
- Regularly participate in online and in-person yoga classes with a focus on deepening my understanding of Vinyasa flow
8. Add References (Optional)
If you’ve had mentors, instructors, or colleagues during your training who can vouch for your abilities, include them as references or mention that they are available upon request.
By focusing on your passion for yoga, relevant training, and transferable skills, you can create a yoga resume that stands out—even with limited experience. Tailor it to the studio or gym you’re applying to, and don’t be afraid to start small by offering to volunteer or assist in classes to gain more hands-on experience.