Athletes possess a unique set of skills and experiences that can benefit them in their professional careers. Whether you’re transitioning from the field to the boardroom or seeking to advance in your current profession, promoting your sports background in interviews can be a strategic move.
As I got closer to graduation, a lot of folks would tell me “when you interview, tell hiring managers that you played DI ball!” At first, I didn’t feel comfortable mentioning my athletic background during interviews. After a while, I realized that many of the skills I developed came from my experience as an athlete. If I could share my accomplishments in a tasteful way, I was comfortable highlighting my athletic achievements without overshadowing my qualifications for the job. Here are ten reasons why athletes should tastefully promote their sports backgrounds in interviews:
The Importance of Highlighting Athletics Experience in Job Interviews
Demonstrates Discipline and Work Ethic: Athletics require dedication, discipline, and hard work. By showcasing your athletic background, you can demonstrate to employers that you possess the drive and determination to excel in any endeavor. This came in super handy when I applied for my first job working for the NBA. The team I interviewed with wasn’t doing so well, so hiring managers were looking for hardworking people who could make hundreds of cold calls each week, work game nights, and contribute to the mission of the department. My background at the collegiate level made me a great candidate.
Highlights Teamwork and Collaboration Skills: Team sports teach invaluable lessons in teamwork, collaboration, and leadership. Employers value candidates who can effectively work in teams and contribute to a collective goal, making your experience as an athlete highly relevant and appealing. While certain jobs require you to excel personally (sales, fundraising, certain trades, etc.) hiring managers want to work with people who will help others and contribute to the greater goal of the organization. In my first job I mainly made cold calls, but that didn’t stop me from raising my hand to help with other tasks. Covering ticket booths during games, and signing up to cover shifts for others on game nights was a lot of work, but the kind of teamwork many hiring managers appreciate.
Showcases Time Management and Goal Setting Abilities: Balancing academics, training, and competitions as an athlete requires excellent time management and goal-setting skills. Employers admire individuals who can prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and strive for continuous improvement—all qualities cultivated through sports.
Illustrates Resilience and Adaptability: Sports often involve facing adversity, setbacks, and challenges. Your ability to bounce back from defeats, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain composure under pressure speaks volumes about your resilience and adaptability in the workplace. Over the years, I’ve also noticed that employers like working with people who can take constructive criticism well and use it to better themselves. So, believe it or not, all of those times you’ve been yelled at by a coach comes in handy when it’s time to process feedback.
Exemplifies Leadership and Communication Skills: Whether you were a team captain or served as a mentor to younger players, your experience in sports likely honed your leadership and communication abilities. These skills are highly transferable to various professional settings and are valued by employers across industries. Being an athlete also means you learn how different people communicate. Some athletes prefer to learn, communicate and process information differently. Having the ability to identify communications preferences amongst your peers is a very valuable trait to possess.
Emphasizes Health and Wellness Commitment: Athletes prioritize physical fitness and well-being as integral components of their lifestyle. Employers increasingly recognize the importance of promoting a healthy work-life balance and may view your commitment to health and wellness as a positive attribute in the workplace culture.
Differentiates You from Other Candidates: In a competitive job market, it’s essential to stand out from the crowd. Your sports background provides a unique selling point that sets you apart from other candidates and captures the attention of hiring managers.
Fosters a Competitive Edge: Athletes thrive in competitive environments and are driven to succeed. Your competitive spirit and desire to win can translate into a strong work ethic, motivation, and a willingness to go above and beyond to achieve results in your professional endeavors.
Provides You With Examples for Behavioral Interviews: Behavioral interviews often require candidates to provide specific examples of past experiences to demonstrate their skills and competencies. Your sports background offers a treasure trove of anecdotes and stories that can be leveraged to answer interview questions and showcase your abilities in action.
Builds Confidence and Self-Assurance: Successfully navigating the challenges and triumphs of athletics instills a sense of confidence and self-assurance that can positively impact your performance in interviews and beyond. By embracing your sports background with pride, you exude confidence and convey to employers that you possess the qualities needed to excel in the role. This comes in super handy if or when you have less formal work experience than your peers.
Athletes have much to gain from tastefully promoting their sports backgrounds in interviews. By highlighting the transferable skills, values, and experiences gained through sports, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate with a competitive edge. Remember to strike a balance between showcasing your athletic achievements and demonstrating your qualifications for the job, ensuring that your sports background enhances (vs. overshadows) your candidacy. With thoughtful preparation and strategic presentation, your athletic journey can serve as a compelling asset in propelling your career to new heights