TSR members conducted a study during the week of September 26 – September 30, 2011. The focus of our study was to analyze whether technological innovations could possibly eliminate some employment positions within the sports industry, specifically the Ticket Sales position (Ex. Pacolian and StubHub).

We noticed a significant increase in Technology-Specific positions provided by Sports Industry employers. We usually post many of these positions during the Daily Job Blitzes on the Facebook page. This trend in tech-specific positions appeared to increase daily. This trend is what moved the TSR staff to conduct this research. As a company, we want to make sure all clients and inquirers are adequately prepared for the next generation of employment opportunities.

Here are the results, names of participating employers and employment websites:

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, Adidas, NCAA, Madison Square Garden, StubHub, ESPN, TeamWorkOnline.com, Sports Recruitment International and Global Sports Jobs [IMPORTANT: Over 90% of the positions listed by StubHub were technology focused,no surprise].

September 26: Tech Jobs (4) Other (45)
September 27: Tech Jobs (8) Other (63)
September 28: Tech Jobs (10) Other (56)
September 29: Tech Jobs (15) Other (74)
September 30: Tech Jobs (10) Other (69)

This research shows a slight increase in the number of Technology-Focused employment positions posted daily. As a candidate, especially students, consider seeking a Minor is some Science/Technical discipline. This may strengthen your candidacy when applying for Sports Industry employment opportunities and definitely within other employment sectors.

TSR’s next research project will produce more detailed results, highlighting the frequency of “specific” employment positions.

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)

Sports-Industry employment opportunities receive a large amount of inquiries. A safe estimate (including Coach positions) would be 200 + candidate submissions per position.

This presents a dilemma for all Hiring Managers, those who have the burden of sorting through hundreds of resumés looking for the most qualified candidate(s). It would be safe to assume that this is also the reason most Sports-Industry positions are not filled for months after their posting.

To place your candidacy at the top of a HR manager’s interview list, address HOW you meet each of the Job Requirements listed in the employment description within your Cover Letter. You should address this information within the body of the Cover Letter, directly after the opening paragraph.

Listed below are two employment opportunities from the San Diego Padres  (Inside Sales Representative) and ESPN  (Account Services Representative). We highlight the Job Requirements and Required Qualifications sections to illustrate what specific information needs to be addressed in every candidate’s Cover Letter.

San Diego Padres:

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must possess a strong desire to start a career with a team that has ample opportunity for growth
• Must possess a strong commitment to the sports industry, a passion for sales, a strong work ethic, competitiveness, a positive team first attitude, and a thirst to learn
• Must be a self-starter and be comfortable making cold calls
• Proficient computer skills and experience working with MS Office products
• Strong sense of teamwork; able to create and maintain positive relationships within organization with a wide variety of co-workers
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Consistent, punctual and regular attendance

ESPN:

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent work experience

• Related business experience

• Has some sales administration subject matter expertise and some competence in sales program administration and implementation

• Has some understanding of the sales positioning and sales tactics for assigned clients

• Must have strong communication and problem solving skills

• Must be able to multi-task and organize in a fast paced environment.

• Supports one or several sales teams at all levels during the sales and selling cycle and supports assigned accounts on a day-to-day basis after the close of a sale.

Many have criticized the method, but the LeBron James ESPN announcement was good for the NBA. The pre-announcement fan and media anticipation and attention was like no other seen by this league since the playing days of Michael Jordan.

You had public officials (NY City Mayor Michael Bloomberg included) lobbying for the services of Mr. James. Some cities even posted billboards with LeBron featured wearing the local teams’ jersey.

However, the entire spectacle generated a lot of attention for the league itself. I don’t recall a time in history where the NBA generated as much attention immediately after its championship series.

When NBA training camps open in mid-October, do not be surprised if more South Florida football fans start to tune in to the NBA(Dolphin fans switching their attention to the HEAT maybe?) in large numbers. Maybe the production of this event can narrow the $400 million in losses the league is set to experience this season (According to published sources).

NOTE: Reported that the Miami Heat has just fired its entire ticket-sales staff.