career transition | Robin's Resumes (r)

Transitioning a Sports Career

Jun 05 2022

Sports have brightened my life—I was an avid bicyclist, for example—so I know some of the drive that brings people to sports as a career. Even though the Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted a steady increase in sports-related careers, it is not an easy profession to enter, and the physical demands can become too much over time. You may eventually need to consider transitioning a sports career to another field or industry.

Considering Alternative Careers

With the right experience, perhaps some additional education or certifications, you might move from a career in sports to any number of related fields. Inside or outside sports, you might look for careers in Event or Facilities Management, Public Relations, Marketing, Physical Therapy, or Statistics.

Many soft skills that have served you well in sports are very important in a wide range of fields, including communication skills, teamwork, leadership, sensitivity to diversity and inclusion, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment and make quick decisions.

Adding to Hard Skills

You may find opportunities to learn hard skills that apply to other careers even while you are working in sports. For example, public relations is a skill that many people in sports develop out of necessity.

The hard skills you need will vary depending on the industry and position you are targeting. You may want to major or minor in an alternate career path in college, earn certifications, or gain experience by working part-time or volunteering.

Preparing Your Resume

If you are ready to transition your sports career or degree, you need a resume writer who understands both your passion for sports and the art of creating a resume for someone transitioning a career. Your resume’s objective and the experience must educate future employers on how your soft and hard skills and experience apply to the role you want. Do not expect future employers to figure this out on their own.

If you have reached the stage when transitioning a sports career seems like a good idea, contact Robin’s Resumes® for a resume that shows how your passion for sports will benefit the company of your dreams.

Creating a Job Search Log

Mar 10 2012

You may have to apply to hundreds of job openings before an interview leads to a permanent position. A job search log helps you keep track of where you have applied, whom you contacted or spoke with, what position each company is offering and what materials you’ve sent them.

As a certified electronic career coach and a job and career transition coach, I have found that a job search log makes the job hunt more efficient and focused. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment; you have a record of what you achieved each day and an incentive to match each day’s efforts.

You can quickly create a log by printing an extra copy of each cover email or letter you send and keeping it in a folder, filed alphabetically by the company name. Make sure all cover emails and letters include:

(a) The name of the company where you are applying

(b) The name of the position you’re applying for

On your copy, make a note of any contact information for the company that doesn’t appear in the cover letter or email—for example, the company phone number. Update your notes each time you receive a communication from the company or send them more information.

If you have more than one resume, make sure you note which resume went to each company—or staple a copy of the resume to your copy of the cover email or letter.

Always print online applications before you hit the final send button. If you are invited in for an interview, you will want a reminder of what information the company has and what they might ask for.

If you have difficulty creating this log for yourself, Robin’s Resumes® has solutions. Contact us for affiliate links which may help you with tracking.

Your job search log can make your job search more targeted and efficient. For example, if you find that one segment of your industry responds most favorably to your resumes, you may want to focus your job search on that segment. If you find that your resume is not drawing the responses you hoped for, contact me right away. Together we can make sure that your resume and cover letter/email are doing you justice.

Best Advice on a Career Change

Feb 04 2012

If you’ve been out of work for a while, you may decide that what you need is a career change. The success of that approach depends on your answers to five important questions.

First, are you considering a change because you do not like your current work situation? It may make more sense to look for another work situation than to leave your career. As a Coach and Professional Resume Writer for more than 10 years, I have found many folks who confuse unhappiness with their current situation as unhappiness with their career choice. There is a difference. I can help you determine which change is right for you.

Second, if you have any doubts about a career change, are you sure you have exhausted every avenue to advance in your current career? As a Job and Career Transition Coach, I can guide you to job search techniques and resources you might have overlooked.

Third, if you are determined on a change, are you moving into a career you can feel passionate about? If you are depressed about the prospect of change—for example, if you are leaving behind the only work that gives you joy—you cannot present yourself well at interviews. Your lack of passion shows. That type of career change makes your job search harder, not easier.

Fourth are your skills transferrable? If you need help presenting your skills and achievements in their best light, call me. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, my job is to make sure companies understand the value you bring.

Fifth, if you do not have the current skills to make the final career change you want, do you know what steps to take to qualify for the career you want? Whether you need to return to school, build your portfolio, or take a transition job that moves you closer to your goal, I can provide guidance.

A career change should be exciting and fulfilling. Robin’s Resumes® is here to help.