Athletic communications positions attract volume.
For many roles, especially at the assistant or entry level, hiring managers can receive dozens — sometimes hundreds — of applications.
Strong candidates get overlooked every year.
Not because they lack ability.
But because they look like everyone else.
If you want to stand out in a crowded applicant pool, you have to think strategically about differentiation — not just qualification.
Qualification Gets You Considered. Differentiation Gets You Remembered.
Most applicants meet the baseline:
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Writing experience
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Social media management
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Game day coverage
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Internship or GA background
The hiring manager expects that.
What they’re scanning for is something else:
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Clarity
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Professionalism
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Evidence of impact
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Fit
If your résumé and materials look interchangeable with 40 others, you’ve already made it harder for them to advocate for you in the room.
Your goal is not just to be “good.”
Your goal is to be memorable for the right reasons.
Customize or Compete at a Disadvantage
One of the fastest ways to blend in is sending the same résumé and cover letter everywhere.
If the job posting emphasizes:
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Digital growth
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Media relations leadership
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Creative storytelling
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Statistical expertise
Your materials should reflect that emphasis in structure and language.
Reorder bullet points.
Highlight relevant sports.
Adjust your summary.
Hiring managers should not have to search for your alignment.
Make it obvious.
A Tailored Cover Letter Still Matters
In athletic communications, writing is core to the role.
A generic cover letter signals one of two things:
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You rushed the application.
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Writing may not be your strength.
Neither helps you.
A strong cover letter:
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Mentions the institution specifically
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References a program, initiative, or strength
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Clearly explains why you fit their structure
It should feel written for that job — because it should be.
Show Initiative Beyond the Job Description
If you want to separate yourself, demonstrate value beyond listed responsibilities.
Examples:
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Link a portfolio with curated, relevant work
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Include analytics screenshots for social growth
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Reference creative campaigns you executed
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Share measurable impact
You’re applying for a communications role. Communicate your value.
Don’t make the committee assume it.
Professional Presentation Is a Differentiator
Details matter more than people realize.
Check:
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Formatting consistency
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Grammar and punctuation
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Clean layout
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File naming (e.g., LastName_Resume.pdf)
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Functional links
If you’re applying to produce professional content, your materials are the first test.
Sloppy execution quietly eliminates candidates.
Leverage Relationships Without Overplaying Them
If you’ve networked intentionally, this is where it helps.
A brief note to a contact saying:
“I applied for the Assistant AD for Communications role and wanted to share my materials directly. I appreciate your time.”
That’s not pressure.
It’s awareness.
Your name now moves from an anonymous PDF to a known professional.
That’s an advantage.
Follow-Up Separates the Serious from the Passive
Most applicants never follow up.
After applying, if appropriate and after a reasonable period, a short, professional check-in can reinforce interest:
“I wanted to reiterate my enthusiasm for the position and appreciation for your time reviewing applications.”
After interviews, follow-up is non-negotiable.
Thank-you messages that reference specific discussion points demonstrate attentiveness and professionalism.
Again, hiring managers notice.
Follow-up communicates maturity.
Control What You Can Control
You can’t control:
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Internal candidates
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Budget limitations
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Institutional politics
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Search timelines
You can control:
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Preparation
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Customization
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Presentation
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Professionalism
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Follow-up
When applicant pools are crowded, marginal advantages matter.
Small edges accumulate.
Final Thought
Standing out isn’t about being flashy.
It’s about being intentional.
It’s about aligning your materials, messaging, relationships, and follow-up in a way that makes it easy for someone to say:
“This candidate gets it.”
In crowded applicant pools, clarity beats noise.
Professionalism beats volume.
And consistency beats luck.
Keep refining. Keep aligning. Keep following up.
That’s how you separate yourself.
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