Sports Management
Sally Perkins provides some advice on preparing for a career in Sports Management.
Jobs as a sports coach can be hard to come by, so it's essential to prepare as thoroughly as possible to maximise your chances against the competition. Research suggests that the market for UK coaching jobs is expanding, which means that more coaches will be vying for professional careers in sports coaching and management. Jobs as a sports coach can be hard to come by, so it's essential to prepare as thoroughly as possible to maximise your chances against the competition. After reviewing the legal responsibilities of sports coaching, you can make some key moves to boost your odds of securing a coaching job.
Polish Your Credentials
Your first step on the job market should be to polish your CV and cover letter to look professional and up-to-date with your current career accomplishments.
If there is one thing that will prevent your CV from landing in the discard pile, it is turning in a well-tailored application. If you found a dream job, sports management job posting, first off, carefully read the advertisement. Highlight any words indicative of what the recruiter requires of a candidate. In the end, you will end up with a convenient list of necessary skills and experience that should land in your CV will to fit the post's requirements. The next step is to make sure your CV looks clean and polished by using a professional CV template. Want to see what this looks like in practice? Have a look at these CV templates."
For a cover letter, draft and revise a preliminary version of your letter that stresses your coaching experience, and then tailor it to the specifics of each job you apply for. It's also worthwhile to browse the entry requirements for coaching jobs in the UK to ensure you meet the standard qualifications.
Highlight Your Versatility
Sometimes primary schools and universities will look for a coach who can fill a various positions, whether it be to coach different sports, age levels, male/female teams, etc. To prepare for this, try to stress your versatility as a coach and ability to perform multiple possible roles for your prospective employer.
If you speak another language, add that to your CV, because it may set you aside from other applicants. During the job search, it's also a good idea to do your homework, research the school/institution to which you are applying, and reference those details in your application materials. The more you can familiarise yourself with the everyday demands of your dream coaching job, the better odds you stand.
Practice Conflict Avoidance
During the interview stage for sports coaching jobs many employers will pose hypothetical questions to test your judgement: What if one of your players gets seriously injured? What do you say to your team on the first day of practice? Brainstorm answers to these hypotheticals, and other could-be scenarios, to show your future employer that you can smoothly mitigate conflict.
Finally, remember to follow up on your interview with a note thanking the selection committee for their consideration. Small details like these can add a lot to your credibility regarding the final stages of a job selection.
Ultimately, the most successful applicants in sports coaching are the ones who make themselves out to be an asset on and off the playing field. Showcasing your strengths and versatility will hugely boost your chances of securing a job in a demanding market.
Page Reference
If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:
- PERKINS, S. (2018) Sports Management [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article361.htm [Accessed
About the Author
Sally Perkins is a professional freelance writer with years' experience across many different areas. She moved to freelance from a stressful corporate job and loved the work-life balance it offers her. When not at work, Sally enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family, and travelling as much as possible.