Be an Elite Coach, Build Elite Athletes

Things to develop your coaching and have a greater impact on your athletes. You define what your “elite” is!

By Isaac Leung, Athletic Skills

Hey reader,

CV is the first point that someone will learn more about you when applying for a coaching role!

I have seen many mistakes made when reading CVs that have been sent to me.

So here is how you can make an impact and start in front of the rest!

11 Ways to Revamp Your CV and Break into Pro Sport

Breaking into professional sport is tough, and the competition for S&C and coaching roles can be fierce. But a well-structured, thoughtful CV can set you apart from the crowd. Here’s how to build a CV that catches a coach’s eye and showcases your potential to make an impact.

1. Highlight Relevant, Hands-On Experience

Showcase experience that has real application in the sports world. Did you assist with athlete recovery, manage a team’s training plans, or work on improving specific performance metrics? Outline the practical skills you’ve developed and how they translate to results on the field or court. Remember, the impact of your experience counts more than simply listing responsibilities.

2. Show Measurable Outcomes

Demonstrate the impact of your work by quantifying it. Did you help an athlete shave time off a sprint or increase strength levels by a certain percentage? Adding metrics wherever possible is essential—it proves your work had an effect and shows coaches your contributions in real terms.

3. Tailor Your CV for Each Role

Sending out the same CV to multiple employers? Every role is unique, and your CV should be, too. Tailor each application by emphasising skills and experiences that match the specific job description. A customised CV stands out as it directly relates to the role at hand.

4. Focus on Transferable Skills

Even if you don’t yet have experience at the professional level, highlight the skills you’ve honed in other settings. This might be from internships, volunteer placements, or even academic projects. Skills like leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving go a long way, and many are transferable into professional sport.

5. Demonstrate Your Commitment to Learning

Pro sport is constantly evolving, and coaches value those who invest in continuous improvement. Mention any recent courses, certifications, or workshops relevant to the role you’re applying for. It shows that you’re serious about growing in your profession and staying on top of new methods.

6. Network Your Way In

Pro sports is as much about connections as it is about skills. If you’ve been introduced to a coach or had the chance to shadow someone in the field, consider mentioning it briefly in your CV. Networking shows initiative and a dedication to learning, two qualities coaches value highly.

7. Include Internships and Volunteering

Especially early on, experience in any capacity is valuable. Volunteer work, internships, or shadowing hours can be powerful additions to your CV. Make it clear how these roles helped you develop critical skills for the sport industry.

8. Start with a Impacting Opening Paragraph

Make your CV dynamic by using strong, active language from the start! Make the reader want to read more!

9. Demonstrate An Interesting Passion

A genuine interest in something different is a great talking point? Play an instrument? Visited an interesting place? Speak a language? Let them know as its shows your unique.

10. Emphasise Key Soft Skills Valued in Pro Teams

Pro sport is intense, and coaches value skills like communication, resilience, and the ability to work under pressure. Emphasise these abilities and provide a quick example to demonstrate where you’ve shown them in action. These traits will help you stand out as a professional fit for the environment.

11. Check for Spelling and Grammar Mistakes

It may seem basic, but small errors can signal a lack of attention to detail, which is critical in sports roles. Double-check every word, ask a friend to proofread, and make sure your CV is polished to perfection. Clear and correct writing reflects professionalism.

Ready to break into pro sport?
If you’d like expert feedback on your CV or to learn more about mentorship opportunities, reply to this email “MENTOR” to find out about our upcoming mentoring programmes and networking events.

Speak soon!

Isaac 🙂 

Need help? Reply to this email and tell me your story...

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