Your resume is such a powerful tool. Crafting an effective resume is crucial in today’s competitive job market, especially for athletes. A well-written resume can be the key to unlocking doors to new opportunities. When I graduated from school, I didn’t want to assume my experience as a DI athlete would help bring my resume to the top. With very little job and internship experience, I had to be very specific with the type of information I included to get the attention of hiring managers and companies. Below are a few of the components of great resumes, helping job seekers at any level find a way to get the providing valuable insights to help you stand out from the crowd.
What To Include on Your Resume
Clear Contact Information. Your resume should start with your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). Make sure this information is clear and easy to find. I have always put my contact informaiton at the top of my resume.
Professional Summary. Include a concise professional summary highlights your career goals, relevant skills, and achievements. This brief section at the beginning of your resume can capture the recruiter’s attention and give them a quick overview of your qualifications. This cna alos help you if you don’t have a ton of job experience.
*As I’ve progressed throughout my career, I was able to repmove this section to make space for more professinal experience. If you have experience competing as an athlete at the collegiate level, this is a great section to include the skills you obtained as a student-athlete, especially when you can apply them to your current job.
Tailored Objective Statement. An objective statement is a short, position-centered statment that describes the value you can bring to a company or organization. Here you can includeyour skills or qualifications, and other information to draw a recruiters interest. An example of an objective statement I might’ve used in the past might be:
- “Motivated and results-oriented professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing seeking a challenging role in sports and entertainment.”
- “Aiming to leverage my strong creative skills to drive brand recognition and contribute to the success of a dynamic marketing team.”
- “Looking for opportunities in a fast-pace, growth-oriented company where I can further develop my expertise in online marketing strategies.”
Customize your objective statement for each job application, and try to word it in a way that benefits them. This shows employers that you’ve taken the time to understand their needs and can tailor your skills to match.
Key Skills Section. Create a section that lists your key skills relevant to the position. This could include technical skills, soft skills, and industry-specific skills. Use keywords from the job description to pass through applicant tracking systems.
Professional Experience. Detail your work experience in reverse chronological order. Focus on achievements and quantifiable results rather than just listing job duties. So again Use action verbs and be specific about your contributions to previous roles.
Education History. Provide details about your educational background, including degrees earned, institutions attended, and graduation dates. If you’re a recent grad or have limited work experience, this is an opportunity to emphasize your academic achievements.
Certifications and Training. Include any relevant certifications or training programs you’ve completed. This demonstrates your commitment to professional development and adds credibility to your resume.
Projects and Achievements. If you’ve worked on specific projects or have notable achievements, create a section to showcase them. This could include process improvements wihti your workplace, or any recognition you’ve received. As a recent grad with only summer camp and a few months of internship experience, I highlighted how I was a three-year captain and the skills that came with this achievement: leading by example, positive attitiude towards coaches and teammates, trustworthiness, honesty and more.
Quantifiable Metrics. Whenever possible, use metrics to quantify your achievements. This could be in the form of percentages, numbers, or time frames. Quantifiable data adds credibility and gives employers a clearer understanding of your impact.
Volunteer Work and Extracurricular Activities. Include any relevant volunteer work or extracurricular activities. This can demonstrate your commitment to community involvement and showcase additional skills that might be valuable in the workplace. If you’ve been an active member on your school campus, it’s very likely you’ve gathered volunteer experience through your team, clubs on campus, or affinity groups.
Professional Memberships. If you are a member of any professional organizations related to your industry, include this information. It signals to employers that you are actively engaged in your field.
Clean Formatting and Consistency. Make sure your resume has a clean, professional appearance. Use a consistent format for headings, bullet points, and fonts. A well-organized document is easier for recruiters to read and digest, which makes a huge difference when it comes time to separate your resume from hundreds of other of resumes.
Relevant Keywords. Tailor your resume to the specific job by incorporating relevant keywords from the job description. This not only helps you pass through applicant tracking systems but also shows that you have a good understanding of the role.
Also, keep in mind the following items not to include on your resume:
- Personal Information: Avoid including sensitive personal information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or marital status. This information is typically not relevant to job applications and could lead to privacy concerns.
- Irrelevant Work Experience: Focus on including work experiences that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. Omit jobs that are not related to the position or industry.
- Unrelated Hobbies and Interests: While some personal interests can be included to showcase your personality, avoid listing hobbies that are unrelated to the job or might be considered controversial.
- References: It’s not necessary to include references on your resume. Employers typically request references separately during the hiring process.
- Unprofessional Email Addresses: Ensure that your contact information is professional. Avoid using outdated or unprofessional email addresses.
- Inconsistent Formatting: Maintain a consistent and professional format throughout your resume. Inconsistent fonts, colors, or formatting can make your resume look unpolished.
- Too Much Information: Keep your resume concise and focused. Avoid providing excessive details or listing every job duty. Highlight key accomplishments and skills that you want recruiters to focus on.
A great resume is a combination of clear communication, tailored content, and a focus on achievements. By paying attention to these key components, you can create a compelling resume that opens doors to exciting career opportunities.