This summary is provided courtesy of Kat Krull, Marketing Manager with Careerimp [Parent Company of Résunate].
Also, all candidates should register for a FREE Premium Account courtesy of Résunate and The Sports Résumé:
http://get.resunate.com/thesportsresume

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The sports industry is highly competitive. Your resume needs to be on target and stand out from the competition. How can you do that? Listed below are four tips designed to help get your a second look from your dream employer.

1. Make sure your resume includes relevant content. Employers in your desired industry receive many resumes a day that they only have time for a quick scan. It’s your job to provide relevant and focused information. If you are having a hard time editing, use Resunate to focus your resume for the specific job description.

2. Define what makes your resume unique. A lot of people want a job in the Sports Industry; Come up with a theme which makes your resume stand out. If possible, highlight any experiences and skills that show why you are the most qualified applicant. Comparing your resume against the job description also ensures that you show employers HOW you meet their specific criteria.

3. Display your passion for Sports Industry. While you might be super qualified for a position (and that’s great), other candidates may have similar experiences, making them just as qualified. If you showcase personal achievements and use words/terms that show your excitement for the job, your resume will make an impact.

4. Focus on the content and not format. Your resume will be run through an applicant tracking system (ATS) before it reaches the employer’s desk. If it doesn’t include the necessary keywords, experiences, and skills that the employer is looking for, your resume may never make it out of the system.

To combat the applicant tracking system, you should focus your resume to the job description. Also, pay close attention to the format — take control of how your resume will be processed by paying attention to detail. Stick to a simpler format, an employer’s ATS will be able to scan your resume accurately and completely.

How do you plan on setting yourself apart from the competition in this competitive industry?

TSR writers have been contacting and interviewing Athletic Directors of major college sports departments. Our intent was to seek input as to what criteria they use prior to hiring a candidate as a head coach in their athletic department. You will notice that the answers vary.

The TSR writers submitted four (4) questions for review. However, the answers below are in response to the following question:

Do you place a great deal of emphasis on the structure
and format of the Resume/CV, Cover Letter and Portfolio?

Tom Osborne (University of Nebraska): “I certainly would look negatively upon a resume that was not grammatically correct or did not have references that would be of significance.”

Mike Holder (Oklahoma State):  ”I am more interested in talking to respected individuals in the profession that have personal knowledge about the candidate.  Lots of coaches look good on paper but I’m more interested in learning about the whole person.”

In summary, an athletic director will make the initial contact and inquiry for a candidates interests. When the time comes to put and submit your credentials in writing, no athletic director will hire someone to be the face of the university who cannot effectively express themselves on paper.