The 2011 Career Fair and Coach Clinic season has arrived. These events generate over 500 + in attendance, requiring an attendance fee as well. Some participants attend for the learning experience but most are present to seek an advantage in securing a Sports-Industry employment position.

With so many in attendance, how would you be remembered by “decision makers?”

1st, get the contact information (including email) of those you communicate with. Generate a meaningful conversation, where you ask more about the company’s or departments needs rather than discussing what you have to offer. This approach will provide pertinent information  you will use with follow-up letters. These letters should discuss HOW you meet the entity’s needs.

2nd, at the conclusion of the event mail a form letter to your contact(s). The content of the letter should discuss the subject of the conversation (To refresh memories) and how your qualifications address the needs of the organization. Most important, attach a SportsResume mini with this letter (Yes, this is a sales pitch, but your goal is to secure employment and not build a library of unnecessary contacts).

3rd, attempt to find out who will be in attendance (Speakers, HR Managers). Prior to the event contact these individuals by sending an introduction letter. The contents of the letter should contain your contact information, list of specialities and areas of expertise. Conclude by asking for a phone conversation prior to the event. 

——–

Instead of a business card, use the SportsResume mini as a calling card or method of contact. The Business Card contact method is old and outdated. Business cards are too small to contain accomplishments and achievements and provided nothing more than fancy logos and contact addresses.

Remember, as a candidate your goal is to secure employment.

Below is a message from an attendee at one of the annual PBEO Career Fairs. 

Newbie Offline Posts: 3

Re: PBEO Baseball Job Fair « Reply #6 on: August 19, 2009, 07:09:55 PM »   If you want to attend for the sake of being a part of the Winter Meetings spectacle, that’s one reason to go.  But the PBEO Job Fair itself is not necessarily worth your money, factoring in the airfare, hotel, membership fee and entry fee.  Most MiLB teams post their openings online (for free) with their official job posting site TeamWorkOnline.com.  It is rare that PBEO.com will have a job listing that is not already on TeamWork.  (It’s not in the team’s best interest when seeking qualified candidates to limit their search to only those paying PBEO dues.) If you’ve got the money, here are some benefits of attending the fair: -Meeting others looking for jobs in the industry -You MIGHT get a face-to-face interview -Cal Ripken, Jr. may be eating lunch in the hotel next to you. -You can say you were there when a big trade or signing occurs Asside from that there’s little advantage to spending the money required to get there and attend.  But if you do go, don’t forget your resume and work samples.

TSR introduces a new product, the sportsresume MINI. The MINI is a 3×5 post-card sized version of a candidates Sports Resume/CV.

The writers at TSR will condense the information listed within a standard Sports Resume/CV. The MINI will contain the candidates contact information (Email address, phone number), areas of expertise, a brief summary of achievements, and the target position or industry area.

The proper use of the MINI include submitting with:

1.) post-interview thank you letters 

2.) pass out a Sports Career Fairs/Networking and Social events

3.) submit with “unsolicited” inquiry letters to Sports Executives.

The content and make-up of the MINI’s will be approved by the candidate prior to mailing. The cost of the MINI’s is $40, which includes a set of 45 MINI’s.