Writing a sports resume is similar to most other industries. When constructing a sport industry resume, it is important to hone in on your strengths and to consider the various ways you serve your community. Creating a personal portfolio helps to craft a resume and cover letter that is compelling, and that will stand out from the crowd. It will resonate with sports management employers and will display the value you can bring to an organization. This, in addition to the following practical tips on writing a sports resume, will help position you for success as you navigate new opportunities!
Write a Resume with Simple Formatting
The main formatting tip for writing a sports resume? Keep it simple!
Your resume should not exceed one page.
Use a standard font, size 9-12, with black type.
Increase the font size for your name and companies you’ve worked for so these stand out.
Avoid adding borders or anything else that will distract recruiters from the actual content.
List your experiences in reverse chronological order so that your present job is seen first.
Include a Header and Summary or Objective
In addition to keeping it simple, adding a header and summary or objective to your sports resume will help hiring managers take notice of your resume and application because they can easily access your information.
For the header, include:
Name
Address (or at least city and state)
Phone number
Email address
Just below the header, add your summary or objective. The summary should be 1-3 sentences or bullet points that briefly but adequately describe your skills and experience. The objective should be 1-2 sentences or bullet points that briefly but adequately describe your goal for your career and the fresh perspective you would bring to the company or organization.
Customize your Sports Resume
For a stand-out sports resume, tailor it to reflect your experience in the sports industry, and be sure you thoroughly understand what the prospective employee is hiring for. Not all positions are created equal. Just as all of your experiences are unique, each position is unique and requires its own resume tailored to that company/organization’s individual needs.
Examples of Resume Customization
You apply for a Student-Athlete Development Coordinator position at College A and University B. The positions have the same title, but College A only embodies planning and executing community outreach, whereas University B focuses more on career and leadership development. Create custom resumes for each position, highlighting accomplishments and experiences that align specifically with each role and responsibility.
Do not include photos in your Sport Industry Resume
This may seem obvious, but there are still individuals who include photos in their resumes. Executives have said this is insulting! They are putting their reputations on the line as they actively seek the best of the best, not the most good-looking or best dressed! Highlight your accomplishments and experiences on your sports resume – not your smile.
A sports job cover letter is your Secret Weapon
Here is your opportunity to tell a story. Rather than rehash your resume, tell a story of a specific accomplishment or how you served a team and added value to a sports organization. Share – in detail – your passion and excitement in your cover letter to appeal to the emotion and personal experience of the hiring managers.
Contact Uncommon Sports Group or visit our website to learn more professional development tips – like how to discern job offers after crafting your successful resume – and how to lead a faithful life in the sports industry. We can’t wait to partner with you!