Summer is an excellent time of year to search for sports jobs. While some job seekers might think employers slow their hiring from July 4 to Labor Day, employers are actually keeping an eye out for talent all summer long.
This summer, the competition is expected to heat up for job seekers.
Instead of letting your summer days drift away, it’s time to buckle down and create a plan for your sports job search. Try one of these six ideas to stay motivated and focused all summer long:
1. Find Rewards That Motivate You.
Staying focused and keeping a positive attitude are key to a successful job search. Keep the momentum going by rewarding yourself with activities or treats that motivate you.
For example, tell yourself that after an hour of job searching that you can go for a bike ride, meet a friend for coffee, or head to a workout class. Breaking up your job search throughout the day will help you stay focused in the long run.
2. Dress to Impress.
When searching for jobs at home, it’s tempting to stay in athletic clothes or pajamas all day. But if you want to find a sports job, you need to dress for the part.
No matter what, get dressed for the day and treat your search like you’re going to work. Find a shirt and pants combination you can feel comfortable in all day. This way, if you schedule an impromptu coffee meeting, you can feel ready and confident heading out the door.
3. Remove Your Distractions.
Is your Facebook feed calling you? Are you constantly refreshing your email? Put away your phone and use apps such as Offtime or Cold Turkey to block access to it.
Eliminating distractions is tough, but you’ll be surprised at how much you accomplish after you put social media, email, and your phone away.
4. Put Your Wellness First.
Athletes like Michael Phelps know how important sleep and wellness are to having a successful career.
Experts say adults need at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Go to bed early so you can feel refreshed in the morning and get a jumpstart on your day. Eat a healthy breakfast, such as boiled eggs and greek yogurt. Next, hit up the gym or go for an easy run around the neighborhood.
After you’re awake and energized, spend 30 minutes journaling about your goals for the day. Once you have a clear plan, get to work on your job search.
5. Make New Connections.
Stay motivated during your job search by connecting with folks in the sports industry. Summer is a social season filled with barbecues and golf outings, so use the nice weather to your advantage to meet new people.
For example, if you’re looking for sports marketing jobs, connect with the social media manager of your local baseball team and schedule a coffee meeting. Ask them about how they got started, what they enjoy about their job, and tips for standing out in the sports industry.
After the meeting, send a thank you note or email. It’s also important to write down their advice in a journal so you can apply their tips to your job search.
6. Make The Most of Your Free Time.
Rather than using your free time this summer scrolling social media or watching TV, use this valuable time to research sports jobs. Even if it’s just an hour before you head to the pool, make sure your job search is your top priority for the day.
Not feeling like hitting your job search hard? Why not dive into a good sports book or practice a new skill? Even if you’re not job searching, these productive activities will help you develop new skills and expand your knowledge, making you an even more marketable candidate for sports jobs.
These are just a few ways you can ramp up your job search this summer. By staying focused and determined, you’ll stand out from the competition and land the job you truly want.
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Searching for a sports job this summer? What are some ways you are staying focused and motivated during your search?
