Pongo Resume

Today's post is written by Kirk Baumann (pictured), Director of Career Connections for SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise) World Headquarters in Springfield, MO, an organization that brings together the top leaders of today and tomorrow to create a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business. One of SIFE's visions is to become the leading source of effective, responsible business talent.  Many Fortune 500 companies have identified SIFE as a recruitment source for top talent. Kirk also works with students, alumni, and young professionals on career development. His blog, Campus to Career, is dedicated to job seekers of all kinds, with a particular focus on college students and preparation for their careers after graduation.

What sets you apart from the competition? How will your skills help an employer?

If you were an athlete in high school or college, you have several skills and attributes that would make a recruiter jump at the chance to hire you. But even if you weren't an athlete, you may have some of those traits and qualities that can help you in your job search and excel in the workforce.

Here are five that can help set you apart:

1. Teamwork — From day one, you're working as part of a team. You know how functional and dysfunctional teams operate, so use this knowledge to your advantage. In the job search, reach out and help others. After you land the job, continue that spirit of teamwork in your duties.
2. Leadership — As a member of a team, you may have the opportunity to serve as its leader or captain. This is your chance to work with senior leadership (or coaches), calling the right "plays" to succeed. Employers need people who will work with their bosses to achieve the organization's greater vision. Possessing the skills to call the play and function as part of a team can be mutually beneficial.
3. Communication — Whether you're the captain or not, you must be a good communicator in sports and business. If you have a great idea, speak up. Ask questions even if they may seem stupid, because they could help the team function more efficiently and effectively. And in the job interview, always ask questions.
4. Execution — Athletes work as a team, using leadership and communication to win. But that's just part of it. A great play requires flawless execution. This applies to both your job search and the time you spend working the job after you get it.
5. Dedication — You'll never hear athletes complain about working an 8-to-5 job. In most cases, they're used to getting up early, running drills, and preparing for the big game. The dedication athletes possess carries over into the professional workplace. Winning the big game is their (and your) success.

If you've been a student athlete and you're a recent graduate, highlight these skills and attributes on your resume. You may not have had traditional employment experience, but you've had a full-time job: your role on the team. List this as experience, quantify the results, and show you're more than just a jock.

Recruiters and HR managers: What are your thoughts on hiring athletes?

Job seekers: What challenges are you facing in your job search? Let us know how we can help!

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Hi Kirk, this is really great advice. I know with the current job market most employers are looking for experience...but for those who did a sport throughout highschool and college, there usually isn't much time left to get "experience." This post shows how you can make lemonade out of lemons! I would also like to share a resource that I feel your readers would find helpful in finding jobs, it's a job search engine and can be found on http://jobs.trovit.com

Zoe,

Thanks for your comments. I appreciate it very much and couldn't have said it any better than how you put it.

It's all about making lemonade... :) Thanks for reading!

Kirk

Hey Kirk,

I've been looking around the internet on some reasons why athletes make good employees. I had the opportunity to play in a highly competitive college basketball team. My issue is that I don't have experience in my field (finance). It wasn't because I didn't want to, rather college basketball was essentially a full-time job. What do you think I should focus on when interviewing? How can I prove to these companies that I am the right person, even without experience. Do you think it all depends on the company and its attitude / goals? In some of the interviews that I've done I feel like they just "don't get it." They don't understand what it took to compete in a high-pressure environment (maybe those companies aren't right for me?)

Thanks for your article.

Michael Johnson

Hi Michael,

Thanks for your comments. I think it will really depend on the employer as it relates to the experience needed. Some will see your athletic experience as leadership, teamwork, and communication. Others won't.

What I would suggest is simply being honest and upfront with the employer. Have these discussions (not having the experience needed) first, then you'll know if you're going down the right path. After all, you can't get experience if someone doesn't take a chance, right?

At the end of the day, you should look for a company that matches with your core values. Regardless of the glamour, the paycheck, or the perks, it all comes down to one thing: YOUR FIT.

Hope this advice helps! Best of luck to you.

Kirk Baumann Campus to Career www.campus-to-career.com