Search the latest and greatest job opportunities in sport
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The job application process is evolving and shifting away from the traditional CV that has for so long played a central role in the hiring process. Today, new technologies and a focus on the candidates 'suitability' are revolutionising the way companies are selecting and hiring new talent. Here we explore how the job application process is changing and what this means for those currently looking to progress their sporting career.
The sports industry today is thriving and packed with opportunities, making it an exciting time to explore a career in this field. Globally, the industry is expanding rapidly, with key trends like the growth of women’s sports, increased globalisation, and innovative ventures such as real estate projects shaping its future.
For job seekers, this environment is full of possibilities. The sporting job sector is booming. Many organisations in the sports industry are broadening their approach to hiring, focusing more on transferable skills rather than requiring direct experience. This is great news if you're looking to transition from another sector. Whether you bring expertise in analytics, digital transformation, or simply a fresh perspective, there's room to make a real impact.
What’s more, the demand for talent means candidates are in a strong position to choose roles and organisations that truly align with their passions. It’s also a great time to negotiate salaries, benefits, and career development opportunities. Employers know they need to attract and retain skilled professionals to keep pace with the industry’s growth, and they’re willing to invest in the right people.
Ultimately, the sports industry isn’t just looking for professionals; it’s looking for innovators. If you’re passionate about contributing to the future of sport and have the right skills to offer, now is your moment to step in and make your mark.
Whilst CVs are still a valuable aspect of the application process, we are starting to see recruiters question whether they should be the main focus. From unconscious bias leading to stereotyping in the hiring process to a lack of ability to convey candidate personality or cultural fit, CVs are arguably becoming somewhat outdated. There is more demand for authenticity in applications, placing greater emphasis on communicating your holistic background and personality and increasingly technology is being used to deliver a more rounded “skills-based” assessment of candidates during recruitment.
"Candidates may need to change how they approach the application process and be prepared for 'new' job application methods going forward."
As a result, companies are changing the digital tools and platforms they use, with some no longer requiring a CV, meaning candidates may need to change how they approach the application process and be prepared for 'new' job application methods going forward. If a cover letter is required, use this to stand out from other applicants and really demonstrate why you’re passionate about working for that sports company in particular. Think about why you think your specific skills and experience make you the right fit, and how you could add value by joining their team. Furthermore, the use of video interviews has increased by 57%, and pre-interview assessments are now often a requirement. If these methods are used, make sure you’re prepared and practice beforehand. There is a range of online resources that can help you do this and will make sure you’re better placed to successfully complete them and secure the job you want.
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape recruitment processes, making it crucial for candidates to understand how these systems work and how to navigate them effectively. Today, around 98% of Fortune 500 companies and a growing number of smaller organisations rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline hiring. These systems use natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to scan applications for keywords, qualifications, and content aligned with job descriptions.
AI-powered recruitment platforms like Applied are also becoming increasingly popular. These platforms not only help streamline candidate evaluation but often anonymise applications, focusing on skills-based assessments to reduce unconscious bias and promote fairer hiring practices. While this is a positive step for inclusivity, it also means that tailoring your application to the specific job description is more important than ever.
AI tools are improving efficiency and fairness in recruitment, but they also place a greater responsibility on candidates to create thoughtful, well-tailored applications. By understanding how these systems work and adapting your approach, you can increase your chances of standing out in this highly competitive job market.
With 76% of candidates explicitly looking for what makes a company attractive and 55% of job seekers abandoning applications after reading negative reviews, employer branding is becoming an increasingly popular aspect of today’s recruitment process as companies compete for candidates’ attention. Mission, values and culture are being increasingly showcased as companies are understanding the importance of creating a positive first impression for potential job applicants. Therefore, if you’re currently going through the job application process, make sure to leverage this to your advantage.
Take time to research potential employers you’re interested in applying to so you can decide whether they’re aligned to the values and culture you are looking for in an employer. When looking to pursue your sports industry career, think about the things that are most important to you. For example:
Whatever it is, build an understanding as to what it would be like at the company and if it's somewhere you would likely thrive and ultimately achieve success. Identifying the right company for the right reasons will strengthen your application as the alignment will be evident and valued from both sides.
Find more great articles to prepare for your new role in sport on our Prepare: Knowledge Hub
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