Applicant Tracking System – a software application that enables the electronic handling of recruitment needs.

Sports Industry candidates are up against a large number of competitors when applying for employment positions. As mentioned on multiple occasions, it is not unusual for an employer to receive over 100 applicants per position, which includes entry-level ticket sales positions.

There is now a new competitor facing today’s job seekers, a competitor which is invisible to the eye and does not attend Sports Industry Career Fairs.

The invisible competitor is called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS): see definition above. Any candidate applying for a position with a large sports organization (Pro-Sports Franchises, ESPN, FoxSports, SKY, etc…NOTE: An ESPN recruiter personally told me they use ATS software for their department) will have their Résumé/CV and Cover Letter immediately forwarded to an electronic database [NOTE: Small Companies are taking advantage of ATS Software as well].

Once in the database, HR managers and hiring personnel use various methods (Depends on the features of their unique ATS system) to “screen” potential candidates. Features for tracking candidates include location, experience, level of education, academic achievements, and years of employment within an individual sector. The ATS systems main purpose is to provide an easier method of finding “qualified” employees. Long gone are the days of sorting through hundreds of Résumés and CV’s of unqualified candidates.

As a candidate, your job is to figure out the best method in having your application materials appear visible. Going forward, it is probably best to have your Résumé and CV designed for a specific position. Each employer will have certain criteria they look for when selecting candidates for an interview. Most of the criteria will be contained within the job description. Therefore, tailor your Résumé/CV for each individual position you apply for. If the ATS system allows the submission of one Résumé/CV, then design for a “specific department” (Ex. Sales, TV Production, New Media, etc….).

Be prepared for the new era in Human Resource Recruitment! -TSR Staff

Employment Position: Account Executive
Employer: National Football League (NFL)

For those on the bubble as to whether an investment in Career Planning is worth the money.

-TSR staff

This message is for those Sports-Industry candidates that are hesitant to invest resources necessary to help realize their goals (Disclaimer: This is part sales pitch as well).

Securing employment in the Sports Industry is very difficult. The difficulty is in competing with the number of available candidates per position (In some cases, 500/position).

Pro-Sports Franchise(s)
Those seeking an opportunity with professional sports franchises will “probably” start in the ticket sales department. These positions usually have a starting salary of between $20,000 – $25,000 annually.
1% of $20,000, the lowest starting salary, is $200 (Which does not include bonuses. Do the Math). Our lowest Résumé/CV development price is $100, which is part of The Student Package and includes a Cover Letter. The average development price is $145.

Be smart in your approach. Your initial investment will be recouped within the first two months on the job. Don’t waste time and money applying to multiple positions over and over again. This is similar to “rolling the dice,” hoping you hit a lucky number (In this case, being granted an interview by applying to as many positions as possible). Using this method will eventually land your candidacy in the “Unqualified Candidate” submission pile.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Cincinnati Reds, Inside Sales Representative

Excessive use of the letter I. -TSR Staff

This statement is the most frequently used when responding to candidate submissions for FREE Résumé and Cover Letter analysis service requests ([email protected]).

The Cover Letter is an important part of the career planning process. This document is the 1st point of contact between the candidate and the employer.

When writing the Cover Letter, document HOW you meet all of the “minimum requirements” listed in the job description. This will remove your candidacy from the “unqualified candidate” submissions.

Next, reduce the number of times you use the letter “I” at the beginning of sentences. Excessive use of the letter I not only displays bad writing skills, but can portray you as self-centered.

You should use the letter I no more than 4 occasions within your Cover Letter, which includes use within sentences. Excessive use of the letter I can also mean a lack of emphasis placed on the NEEDS of the employer by the candidate (Ex. I also……, I believe……, etc….). The goal of your Cover Letter is to tell the employer how you intend to ADD value to the position. Don’t address how the position will help you achieve any personal goals you are seeking in career development.

There is no perfect method to developing a Cover Letter. However, do not reduce you ability to secure an interview by providing a poorly written Cover Letter.

NOTE: Submit your Cover Letter to [email protected] for a free analysis.