Review the evidence signals before interviewing. Then use the anchored descriptions—not instinct alone—to choose the score that best matches each answer.
01
Evaluation factor
Subject and technical command
30% weight
Check certification (NASM, ACE, ISSA, NSCA-CPT) plus depth on periodisation, RPE and 1RM percentage loading, contraindications for hypertension clients, and screening tools like PAR-Q or FMS.
Evidence to listen for
Knows the material or discipline well beyond the level they teach
Holds the qualifications, licences, or certifications required, and they are current
Can answer an unexpected question honestly rather than bluffing
Keeps learning in their own field
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Knowledge barely ahead of the learners; bluffs when asked something unexpected.
2
Needs Improvement
Adequate on the syllabus only; gaps show under questioning.
3
Satisfactory
Solid command of the material for the level taught.
4
Very Good
Depth well beyond the taught level; comfortable being asked anything.
5
Excellent
Holds a current accredited cert and CPR/AED, and explains block periodisation, deload timing and regression choices without hedging.
02
Evaluation factor
How they actually teach
30% weight
Probe how they coach a first hinge or squat pattern: cueing vocabulary, tactile versus verbal correction, and how they scale a session when a client arrives sore or sleep deprived.
Evidence to listen for
Describes how they teach a specific thing, not their philosophy of teaching
Adapts when the first explanation does not land
Checks understanding rather than assuming it
Differentiates for varying ability within one group
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Only philosophy, no method; one explanation and no plan B.
2
Needs Improvement
Delivers content but cannot adapt when learners are lost.
3
Satisfactory
Sound instruction; differentiation is limited.
4
Very Good
Multiple routes to the same concept, with real checks for understanding.
5
Excellent
Describes specific cues and drills they use, plus real cases where they regressed a lift and rebuilt the pattern over weeks.
03
Evaluation factor
Group management and safeguarding
25% weight
Assess handling of small-group or bootcamp settings, injury disclosure, scope-of-practice limits around nutrition advice, referral to physio or GP, and any minor or postnatal client safeguarding.
Evidence to listen for
Has a concrete approach to a disruptive individual and a whole group losing focus
Knows the safeguarding or duty-of-care obligations for this age group and setting
Escalates a concern through the right channel
Sets boundaries without becoming punitive
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
No behaviour strategy; unaware of safeguarding obligations.
2
Needs Improvement
Struggles with disruption; vague on duty of care.
3
Satisfactory
Manages a normal group; less confident with serious disruption.
4
Very Good
Confident group management with clear safeguarding awareness.
5
Excellent
Names their referral threshold, keeps intake and consent records, and cites a time they stopped a session or declined a client.
04
Evaluation factor
Progress and communication
15% weight
Look for tracking habits: TrueCoach or Trainerize logs, girth and body composition data, adherence rates, retention and rebooking numbers, and how they reset goals when progress stalls.
Evidence to listen for
Measures whether learners actually improved, not just attended
Gives feedback that changes what someone does next
Communicates with parents, clients, or managers about difficult progress honestly
Records progress usefully
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
No sense of whether anyone improved.
2
Needs Improvement
Tracks attendance rather than progress; avoids hard conversations.
3
Satisfactory
Monitors progress; feedback is general.
4
Very Good
Measures progress concretely and handles difficult conversations well.
5
Excellent
Quotes retention or session-package renewal figures and shows a client journey with measured strength or body composition change over months.
Put this rubric to work
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