5 Tips To Land A Job In Sports

Five Tips To Help You Land A Job In Sports

By now I am assuming you already had a few jobs that pretty much confirmed what you do not want to do for the next 5, 10, 15 years of your life.

Well here is the secret sauce...you need relevant experience.

Here's the good news, relevant experience is transferable skills which you may have already gained at your previous job.

I can tell you that the market is extremely competative and no industry employer wants to hear you say "I'm a huge fan".

Become a fan of the industry and leave your emotional connection for the team at the door.

So what are the skills and relevant experience that will help you land that dream job?

Number One: Sales

Have you ever worked in retail?

Everyone, and I don't care who you are unless you are a bit demented and love to crank call complete strangers, probably hate making cold calls. This is normal, as it's uncomfortable, not glamorous and good luck getting anyone to answer.

But if you have had any type of sales experience: cold calling, B2B, B2C or even worked a call center for a fundraiser, political campaign, etc, this experience is a HUGE plus.

If you consider yourself a bit socially shy there are plenty of areas that might be a better fit rather than direct sales. The following are a few.

Number Two: Graphic Design / Content Development / Video Editing

Can you graphically design professional looking social media posts, Ad's, snap filters, presentations, promotional collateral, edit short form video? Do you have a blog and can you write copy? All very valuable skills.

Number Three: Social Media Advertising

Are you experienced with Facebook/Instagram Ad's, SEO, Google Ad Works, Sales Funnels, Utilizing Constant Contact, Email Campaigns and reading digital media Analytics?

If so, this will make you stand apart.

Number Four: Social Media Strategy

How many followers do you have on your channels, are you an influencer?

Do you have a blog or vlog audience?

All of these skills are transferable and will be looked upon as relevant experience.

Ok, so you have a few of these skills and experience in some form...now how do you get a job?

If and when you get an interview, bring examples, case studies, presentations, videos, of everything you have done regardless if it was for a hair salon, summer camp or lawn care service. It's not theory, it's practical experience that will help you stand out with the interviewer.

So, you landed an interview but sadly you weren't offered the job. Now what do you do?

Number Five...Volunteer

You should call the person who interviewed you, politely ask what you need to do to get the job next time and any advice they can offer.

Thank them for the opportunity and before you hang up, offer to volunteer in any areas they may need help at any upcoming events.

This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and at the same time keep the door open for future opportunities.

So if they except your offer to volunteer, be prepared to miss the parties, beach or that music festival with your friends. You show up, smile and know that you are one step closer to landing your dream job.

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Rob Thompson is the host of a weekly podcast "Interview With Influencers in Sports & Entertainment" and a former executive with the NFL and The Walt Disney Company. For more blogs and interviews, you can visit www.RobThompsonLive.com