Ace Your Health Coach Resume: Skills That Get You Hired

Landing a health coach position requires more than just a certification. It’s about showcasing the specific skills that demonstrate your ability to drive results. This guide provides you with the tools to transform your resume from a list of qualifications to a compelling narrative of your impact.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a resume skills section that speaks directly to hiring managers. You’ll walk away with:

• A copy-paste framework for writing impactful skills bullets, focusing on outcomes and quantifiable results.
• A checklist to identify your key skills and translate them into resume-ready language.
• A list of commonly misunderstood skills and how to present them effectively.
• A strategy for showcasing your soft skills with concrete examples.
• A plan to highlight your technical skills and certifications.
• A method for tailoring your skills section to specific job descriptions.
• A list of action verbs to use in your skills section.
• A list of skills to avoid.

This isn’t a generic resume guide; it’s specifically tailored for health coaches to highlight the skills that matter most to employers in the health and wellness industry.

What you’ll walk away with

• A skills audit checklist to identify your most marketable skills and quantify your impact.
• A copy-paste template for skill descriptions that highlights your achievements and quantifiable results.
• A list of action verbs to use in your skills section to make it more impactful.
• A list of skills to avoid in your skills section to avoid being filtered out by ATS.
• A framework for showcasing your soft skills with concrete examples.
• A script for discussing your skills in interviews, highlighting your strengths and addressing any gaps.

What this is / What this isn’t

• This is: About showcasing the specific skills that make you a highly effective health coach.
• This isn’t: A general resume writing guide.
• This is: Providing frameworks and examples tailored to the health and wellness industry.
• This isn’t: A one-size-fits-all approach to resume writing.

What a hiring manager scans for in 15 seconds

Hiring managers quickly scan your skills section for keywords and evidence of your abilities. They’re looking for a match between your skills and the requirements of the job.

• Keywords: Look for industry-specific terms like behavior change, motivational interviewing, nutrition counseling.
• Certifications: Check for relevant certifications like Certified Health Coach (CHC) or National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).
• Quantifiable results: Look for numbers like client retention rates, weight loss percentages, or improvements in health markers.
• Action verbs: Scan for strong verbs like “developed,” “implemented,” or “managed.”

The mistake that quietly kills candidates

Listing generic skills without providing context or evidence can be a fatal mistake. Vague statements like “excellent communication skills” or “strong interpersonal skills” don’t impress hiring managers.

Instead, provide specific examples of how you’ve used these skills to achieve results.

Use this when you need to show how you are a good communicator:

“Facilitated group coaching sessions for 20+ clients, resulting in a 15% increase in client engagement.”

Skills audit checklist

Before writing your skills section, take a skills audit to identify your key strengths and accomplishments. This will help you focus on the skills that matter most to employers.

1. Review your past experience: List all the tasks and responsibilities you’ve had in previous roles.
2. Identify your skills: For each task, identify the skills you used to perform it.
3. Quantify your results: For each skill, quantify the results you achieved.
4. Prioritize your skills: Focus on the skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Copy-paste template for skill descriptions

Use this template to write impactful skills bullets that highlight your achievements and quantifiable results. This will help you stand out from other candidates.

Use this template for your resume:

“[Action verb] [Task] resulting in [Quantifiable result] for [Client/Organization].”

Example:

• Developed personalized wellness plans for 50+ clients, resulting in a 10% average weight loss.
• Implemented a behavior change program, resulting in a 20% increase in client adherence.

Action verbs to use in your skills section

Use strong action verbs to make your skills section more impactful. This will help you showcase your abilities and accomplishments.

• Developed
• Implemented
• Managed
• Facilitated
• Coached
• Counseled
• Educated
• Motivated
• Empowered
• Guided
• Assessed
• Evaluated
• Analyzed
• Created
• Designed

Skills to avoid in your skills section

Avoid listing generic skills that don’t provide context or evidence of your abilities. These skills are often overused and don’t impress hiring managers.

• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Time management skills
• Teamwork skills

Showcasing your soft skills with concrete examples

Soft skills are essential for health coaches, but they can be difficult to showcase on a resume. Provide specific examples of how you’ve used these skills to achieve results.

• Empathy: “Demonstrated empathy by actively listening to client concerns and tailoring wellness plans to their individual needs.”
• Motivation: “Motivated clients to achieve their goals by providing encouragement, support, and accountability.”
• Communication: “Communicated effectively with clients by providing clear, concise, and actionable advice.”

Highlighting your technical skills and certifications

Technical skills and certifications are important for health coaches, especially in telehealth roles. Make sure to list them prominently on your resume.

• Telehealth platforms (e.g., Zoom, Skype)
• Electronic health records (EHR) systems
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Workspace
• Certified Health Coach (CHC)
• National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC)

Tailoring your skills section to specific job descriptions

Tailoring your skills section to specific job descriptions is crucial for getting past applicant tracking systems (ATS). Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications they’re looking for.

1. Identify keywords: Look for industry-specific terms, certifications, and software programs.
2. Match your skills: Make sure your skills section includes the keywords from the job description.
3. Quantify your results: Provide specific examples of how you’ve used these skills to achieve results.

Script for discussing your skills in interviews

Prepare a script for discussing your skills in interviews. This will help you highlight your strengths and address any gaps.

Use this script when discussing your skills in interviews:

“I have a strong background in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. For example, in my previous role at [Company], I [Action verb] [Task] resulting in [Quantifiable result].”

Quiet Red Flags

Watch out for these subtle mistakes that can disqualify you from a health coach position.

• Listing skills that are not relevant to the job.
• Overusing buzzwords and jargon.
• Failing to tailor your skills section to the job description.
• Providing vague or generic descriptions of your skills.

FAQ

What are the most important skills for a health coach?

The most important skills for a health coach include strong communication, empathy, motivational interviewing, behavior change techniques, and knowledge of nutrition and wellness principles. Technical skills, like proficiency in telehealth platforms and EHR systems, are also becoming increasingly important.

How can I showcase my skills if I don’t have a lot of experience?

If you don’t have a lot of experience, focus on highlighting your education, certifications, and any volunteer work or internships you’ve done. You can also showcase your skills by providing specific examples of how you’ve used them in your personal life or in academic projects.

Should I include soft skills on my resume?

Yes, you should include soft skills on your resume, but don’t just list them. Provide specific examples of how you’ve used these skills to achieve results. For example, instead of saying “excellent communication skills,” say “Communicated effectively with clients by providing clear, concise, and actionable advice.”

How many skills should I list on my resume?

Aim to list 6-10 skills on your resume. Focus on the skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for and provide specific examples of how you’ve used them to achieve results.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in the skills section?

Common mistakes to avoid in the skills section include listing generic skills without providing context, overusing buzzwords and jargon, failing to tailor your skills section to the job description, and providing vague or generic descriptions of your skills. Make sure to provide specific examples and quantifiable results whenever possible.

Should I include skills that I’m not very good at?

No, you should only include skills that you’re confident in and can demonstrate with specific examples. Don’t try to fake it, as this will likely be exposed in an interview.

How can I prove my skills in an interview?

You can prove your skills in an interview by providing specific examples of how you’ve used them to achieve results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and quantify your results whenever possible. Be prepared to discuss your skills in detail and answer follow-up questions.

Is it worth getting certified as a health coach?

Yes, getting certified as a health coach can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to employers. Certifications like Certified Health Coach (CHC) or National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) can help you stand out from other candidates.

How long should my skills section be?

Your skills section should be concise and easy to read. Aim to keep it to one or two lines per skill and focus on providing specific examples and quantifiable results.

What if the job description asks for skills I don’t have?

If the job description asks for skills you don’t have, consider taking a course or workshop to learn them. You can also highlight any transferable skills you have that are relevant to the job. Be honest about your skills and focus on demonstrating your willingness to learn.

Can I use the same skills section for every job application?

No, you should always tailor your skills section to the specific job description. This will help you get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate that you’re a good fit for the job.

How do I list skills if I am changing careers?

When changing careers, it’s important to highlight transferable skills that are relevant to your new field. Identify the skills you’ve used in your previous career that are also valuable in health coaching, and provide specific examples of how you’ve used them to achieve results.

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