3 Job Interview Tips for a Successful Sports Career

Do you dream of working in the sports industry? If so, it’s important to know there are steps you can take to make yourself a more attractive candidate to potential employers. One of the most crucial steps is making a strong impression during the interview process. 

Getting your foot in the door is huge. You’ve probably worked tirelessly building your resume and filling out online applications. It’s tiring work. The interview is your time to shine. To show what makes you the best candidate for the job and stand out among your competition.

#1: Prove You Have Essential Skills

Sure, you’d be more comfortable if you knew exactly what to expect during the interview process. If you had the test questions ahead of time, you’re sure to get the answers right. But let’s face it, that’s just not going to happen. The interview questions will vary based on factors such as the type of sports job you are pursuing or the company that will be interviewing you. 

However, one thing is certain. Knowing what you bring to the table is crucial. When you head into a job interview, be clear on your skills and how they will benefit not only you in your new career path but how they will benefit the company who is interviewing you. Maybe it’s your level of education, your years of sports internships, or your ability to network and communicate well. 

Have examples ready. Real-life scenarios where you’ve utilized your skills to grow and succeed. Also, think of times when you may have lost the fight but learned something that helped you grow. Show you’re able to get the job done and learn from your mistakes.

At the end of the day, don’t let not knowing what you will be asked keep you from interviewing. Build your confidence and walk in ready to take on their questions. Understand what you bring to the table and know you’re worth the investment. 

Try It: As you’re building your resume, start preparing for the interview. Make a list of all of your strengths – and weaknesses – from education to internships and your ability to catch on quickly. Think of what you’ve learned during your experiences and what you’d do differently now that you’ve gained more knowledge. 

#2: Show You Have Ambition

A sports career is ideal for an ambitious person. It’s a fast-growing industry. Even if you start low on the ladder, if you’re willing to put in hard work, you can rise to significant career heights.

Employers in the sports industry seek out employees who aspire to climb the ladder. They want to ensure they hire people who will remain committed during challenging times. Turnover is costly for any organization in any industry. By hiring ambitious people with clearly defined career goals, they guard against high turnover rates.

With this in mind, consider where you see yourself in five years. The odds are good a hiring manager will ask about this during a sports industry job interview. That said, it’s completely acceptable to be flexible here. You don’t need to have one vision for your career’s future. You could envision multiple paths you may take. However, all those paths should indicate you’re an ambitious person who takes this line of work seriously. Proving to hiring managers that you have significant career plans helps you stand out among other applicants who may not be as demonstrably passionate.

While you may not get every question right during the interview, showing ambition and the drive to succeed goes a long way with future employers. 

#3: Remember the Essentials

A sports career is often unique when compared to other jobs. A career in this industry can frequently involve travel. It may involve working directly with star athletes and coaches. As organizations shift, the nature of your role could change dramatically over the years.

However, you should once again remember that there are many ways in which a sports career is just like any other career. This is particularly important to keep in mind when considering what to expect in a job interview.

All skilled hiring managers pay close attention to the appearance, behavior, and demeanor of anyone they’re interviewing. That means you need to: 

• show up to your interviews dressed professionally
• actively listen when asked questions 
• provide thorough answers 
• avoid any behaviors that could make you look unprofessional, such as checking your phone, slouching in your chair, or using vulgar language

This may seem obvious, but many people overlook the fact that they are closely watched and evaluated during job interviews. If you are actively texting and looking at your phone during your interview, don’t walk away thinking you’ve landed it. In fact, the odds are pretty good you didn’t get the job.

If an interviewer asks you why you wish to work for their particular organization, along with listening closely and answering thoroughly, you should also use this opportunity to demonstrate your passion. While behaving naturally, modify your body language and tone of voice to express genuine excitement. Look around the office actively, showing you’re truly interested in the organization’s culture. Express yourself with both confidence and gratitude.

Get the Sports Job You Want

At the end of the day, hiring managers are looking for confident, ambitious candidates who are willing to work hard and get the job done. They review resumes all of the time. If they’ve selected you to interview, they’ve seen something they like, and they want to know more. Now it’s your time to turn on the charm and let them know why you’re the right person for the job.