5 questions to ask before hiring a new pole instructor

Are you a studio owner looking to hire a new pole instructor for your studio? Check out these open-ended questions below and add them to your hiring process!

Are these the only questions you should ask? Nope! But they are a great way to see if someone is a good fit for your studio. Every one and every studio is different, so choosing the best instructor for your business is important to creating a successful long-term relationship for you while also providing the best service to your students/customers!

Why did you choose to become a pole instructor?

This is great question and can help give you insight into what kind of person your candidate is. This can also help you determine if this person has the right “vibe” for your studio and will represent your studio in the way that you want.

What certifications or relevant experience do you have?

While having certifications is not currently required in most studios, it can provide insight into how a person will teach and what methodology and terms they will use. Understanding if someone is a self-taught teacher and/or where they learned to pole can help you understand what kind of teaching style they’ll use and if they’ll be a good fit. For instance, if your studio is focused on competitions, you likely want someone with experience in competitions and training athletes.

How long have you been working as a pole instructor?

Having an experienced pole teacher (with or without certifications) is often the best way to go. However, if you have a certain way that you want them to teach, make sure that you provide that training. You can also follow up with previous studios they’ve taught at to get recommendations from other studio owners. Expect to pay someone with more experience more money.

What is your style of teaching pole?

Since there are so many ways to pole, this is likely the most critical question to ask potential new instructors. While some studios offer students a little bit of everything, other studios have a very defined style. If your potential new instructor already teaches in your style, this may be the best fit for your studio. If they are an established instructor, they may also bring students with them.

Can you share some of your previous students’ or previous studios’ contact information?

Recommendations and word-of-mouth are often the best way to see if someone is going to work out well at your studio. Of course, people should provide references that are likely to give them a good recommendation! If, however, your candidate has only one they would list as a reference, that is a red flag. Talking to both students and previous studio owners (or managers) can give you a well-rounded understanding of what kind of teacher, and what kind of employee, your potential new instructor is.

What other questions would you add? Let us know!