As I moderate a few yoga groups on Facebook, I often see new yoga teachers asking for help and guidance in regards to starting their new exciting teaching career. And by new teachers I mean anyone who just did their training or up to 2 years into their teaching journey.

Is that you? Then read further :)

There are a few things I would recommend you doing:

- Research

Find out about every yoga class in your desired area: studios, gyms, community & outdoors classes.

Go and check them out to see whether you resonate with the company, clientelle and the teachers. Find out who are senior / head teachers / decision makers in hiring new teachers and what they care about in regards to teaching.

Take their classes, ask questions, understand their values and mission. You need to feel aligned with these their ethics & beliefs, else things won’t roll smooth.

- Apply for jobs

You can apply for specific jobs or send an open application emails to places that you resonated with. Or when taking a class chat to a teacher and mention that you are looking for teaching opportunities in this area.

Be ready when applying. The following is a must for many places:

- CV (tailor-make it for each application)
- Teacher training certificates
- First Aid / CPR certificate (for Australia)
- Liability Insurance

I also recommend to always get Reference letters from places where you previously taught. If you’ve got a mentor - ask a reference letter from them as well.

Your cover letter should be confident and positive. Use active language and think how you could contribute to the team you want to be part of.

Join my Mentoring Mailing list and receive a check-list by Tara Mohr, the author of ”Playing Big” - a book for women that helped me in communicating with confidence.

- Put your foot in the door

Teach community classes, always say ”yes” to covers. When doing covers, first do the same class with the permanent teacher to get the feel of the group.

However do not try to copy anyone, just be aware of the overall level and the type of students you will be getting. Be you and do your best.

- Keep in touch

Without pushing for it too much, remind the head teacher about your availability and desire to teach.

When a permanent class comes free you want to be number one candidate she/he will think of. So the hiring person needs to remember you.

Catch up, chat after classes, participate in studio’s social events, challenges etc.

- Do your daily practice and keep learning

Your 200 hr training is just a first stepping stone in your teaching career. Always keep Svadhyaya close to heart. Google this word if you don’t know it and get yourself a copy of Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Find a teacher/mentor you resonate with and continue being a student. This year I celebrated 12 years of teaching and I can honestly say that I only now start understanding the many teachings I received from different realised masters. This should not discourage you though. Keep going, it is a process and it takes practice, patience, diligence and clarity to get better at it.

About the author: Madina is a yoga teacher mentor from Sydney. Please check her Mentoring Program details as well as Sequencing Made Easy online course.