Sports recruitment – career dos and don’ts
Sports recruitment…
Getting a job is simple, right? Well, it’s easier when you follow sports recruitment expert Dan Reeves’s advice. A sports recruiter for The Executives in Sport Group, he knows his stuff!
Apply for a job for the right reasons
In sports recruitment don’t apply for a role because you like a particular sport, or because you support a particular team. If you don’t think you’ll enjoy the role, the novelty will soon wear off. Don’t devalue your own experience.
Don’t just hit ‘submit’
Sending a CV isn’t enough. Writing a personalised cover letter explaining why you want the job shows effort. Be sure you’ve addressed it to the right person. We’ve heard of one letter, sent for a job at Manchester United, addressed to Manchester City. Guess what happened to that application…
Research the company
In sports recruitment it is so important to do your background research and get to know your interviewees, and the organisation itself. They’ll be doing the same with you, so find people on LinkedIn, or on social media, and read up on the company.
Edit your social media account
Prospective employers will look at social media pages, so keep certain things private if you don’t want them aired to the public. We’ve seen people lose jobs because of social media. It doesn’t always have to be lewd or drunken photos, if you like to vent your opinions about the sports you love, consider how an employer might view them.
Don’t waste people’s time
It’s amazing how many people apply for jobs without considering all the ramifications. Some people apply for jobs simply for the bargaining tool when it comes to getting a pay rise in their current role. Others don’t consider the details of the role itself, or the consequences of, say, having to move. A lot of people tell us they want to move into or closer to London without realizing how expensive it is. Others don’t consider the cost of the commute, or the effects of having to move away from family and friends. There’s a personal element to every job, so consider the finer details.
Know your CV
Don’t lie in your CV, obviously, but also familiarize yourself with what you’ve written. If you’re asked about anything you’ve said, you need to know the answer.
Don’t waffle!
Consider your strengths and weaknesses. You will be asked, so be prepared.
First impressions count
Many decisions are made in the first 30 seconds of an interview. Dress smart, but consider the small details. It might sound silly, but even wearing the wrong colour can end your application before you’ve even had a chance to sing your own praises. If the club has a particular colour, don’t turn up in those of their main rivals.
Ask questions
Show your interest! Show your interviewer you want the job and prepare questions to ask.
Sports recruitment can be a challenging environment. It can seem glamorous working in sport, but it can involve unsociable hours and unique situations. Think long and hard if you’re prepared to work hard.
For more careers and CV guidance visit the dedicated section on the Careers in Sport website.
For more information on the Executives in Sports Group visit their website.