Recently, I agreed to have a yoga student cut my hair in her home salon. I recalled a prior experience with another stylist and my expectations were low. Years ago, I had my hair cut in a home salon. In a cluttered kitchen, the stylist washed my hair in her kitchen sink and cut my hair as I held a tiny mirror. I never returned.
This time, I arrived at my student’s home and, to my delight, entered a salon. There was a waiting area with fashion magazines, a rack of hair dye swatches, a full-length mirror, a salon chair and a shampoo bowl. The room even smelled like a salon. I never once felt like I was in someone’s home but, instead, was whisked away to a pampering palace.
Be professional.
As a yoga teacher, you are your business, and how you present yourself to studios and students is of the utmost importance. Yoga teachers are often stereotyped as airy and flakey. A huge part of studio survival is the quality of its teachers, and you want to demonstrate that you are a professional yogi. Instead of being just another yoga teacher, be like my student, who provides an entire salon experience. Present yourself as a reliable, knowledgeable and dependable teacher.
Prepare a portfolio.
The first way to advertise your competence is to put together a portfolio and drop it off in person. Do some research and identify the owner or studio manager; then attend their classes, introduce yourself, and give them your portfolio. In your portfolio, include a cover letter, resume, list of references, copy of your insurance and CPR certification.
Cover letter and resume
In any job, you need a cover letter (especially if emailing studios) and a resume. In your resume, include where you completed your yoga teacher training, other trainings you have attended, and any relevant work experience, including work outside of the yoga world.
References
If you are new to teaching, ask your yoga teachers, trainers or friends you have taught to be references. If you have been teaching awhile, ask a few regular students, or ask your studio manager.
Yoga Insurance
Many people teach without yoga liability insurance and this is irresponsible. Often a studio or gym’s insurance does not cover teacher’s liability, and you need to have insurance in case a student does bring a claim against you. In order to protect yourself, insurance is a MUST. Be cautious about teaching at a place that will hire you without your proof of insurance.
CPR certification
Although it is not required by every studio or gym, CPR certification is important to have. It will not only make you look professional but also prepare you in case CPR is needed in your class.
If you are unable to come in person, send the owner or manager an email. Use your cover letter as the body of the email, and include a date range when you are able to visit. Be sure to attach your resume and references, too.
Like my student with her home salon, you are your business. Present yourself professionally when applying for yoga teaching jobs and, once you are hired, the most important thing you can do you is show up for your students.
