The number one mistake job seekers make — especially experienced professionals — is failing to tailor their approach to each opportunity.
Here's what that looks like:
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Sending the same generic resume or cover letter to every job.
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Using vague language that doesn’t align with the specific needs or mission of the athletic department or institution.
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Not researching the culture, priorities, or challenges of the program they're applying to.
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Focusing too much on what they want, instead of how they can solve problems for the employer.
Why it hurts:
Hiring managers, especially in college athletics, are looking for people who understand their environment and can jump in with a purpose. If your application feels “copy-pasted,” it suggests you don’t fully understand (or care about) the role or institution.
What to do instead:
✅ Customize your resume and cover letter with the department’s mission or pain points in mind
✅ Mirror the language used in the job description
✅ Show specific value — e.g., “led a strategic comms plan that increased student-athlete media coverage by 45%”
✅ Do your homework on the school, division level, and conference
🔑 Tailored applications = interviews.
Generic applications = silence.
Want help tailoring a resume or message for a specific job? Just send it over — I can help.
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