​How Not to Apply for Jobs in Sports… or Any Field

Photo via blog.gettinghired.com

J-O-B. One of the most stressful words and topics in society, yet most people aren’t taught the most effective way to obtain a job, especially one they are passionate about.
 
This is what most people think is necessary to land the job they want.

• Visit job site.
• Send in the same resume / cover letter 100 times.
• Feel like they invested time applying for jobs.
• Wait for a call.
• No response.
• Get discouraged and say no one will hire me.

 
Yeah, we’ve all been there. A lot of sites and people make it seem like all you have to do is apply online to a bunch of jobs and eventually you’ll get a response and get hired. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
 
While these online platforms are absolutely fantastic resources, they shouldn’t be your entire job searching strategy.

If you like this post and want to learn more about how to break into sports, click here and receive your FREE guide titled “A Quick and Powerful Guide to Breaking Into the Sports Industry.”  

Here’s what I mean…
 
Teamwork Online and Work In Sports are two of the most reputable career websites in sports and they post hundreds of thousands of jobs. These are fantastic websites and can definitely help you on your career search, but they should not be the only approach you take.
 
If you’re reading this and you got a job by sending in a bunch of online apps, then MAZEL TOV! Please buy me my next lotto ticket…
 
All jokes aside, when you apply for a job, especially in sports, you are competing against hundreds and sometimes thousands of other people. Sending in a single online application does nothing to help you stand out from the crowd. Searching for a job is a PROCESS and you need to have a strategy to implement to make the process quicker and more effective.
 
Here is one way to approach the job searching process.

• Visit Teamwork Online or Work In Sports to see what types of jobs are out there.
• Identify several that you like.
• Research the team, organization or company.
• Connect with people in the department or who have the role you want via LinkedIn or email.
• Set up an informational interview and begin building a real relationship.
• Ask if there are any opportunities / bring up the current opening and see where they are at in the process.
• Apply for the job.
• Continue to stay in touch and be persistent.

 
WOW Jake, this seems like a ton of work.
 
Guess what, you’re right!!!!
 
No one said getting a job was easy.
 
No one said getting a job was hard, either.
 
You just have to know what to do and how to approach the process.
 
If you liked this post and want to learn more about how to break into sports, click here and receive your FREE guide titled “A Quick and Powerful Guide to Breaking Into the Sports Industry.”  

Jake Kelfer is a bestselling author, high energy inspirational speaker and founder of the Professional Basketball Combine. He aims to inspire millions of people on their journey to achieving their own definition of success. His first book, Elevate Beyond, provides a framework for gaining an advantage in school, work and life. You can connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn or by emailing him at [email protected]. ​​

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