Treat Your Job Search Like a Project (February 3, 2026)

 

Systems Create Momentum: Treating Your Job Search Like a Season

In athletic communications, we live and die by our systems. Whether it’s a game-day checklist, a social media calendar, or a media credentialing process, we know that structure leads to success.

The most successful SID job searches follow that same blueprint. They aren’t chaotic or reactive—they are organized, tracked, and reviewed. If you want to move from a "job seeker" to a "job holder," you need to stop relying on memory and start building a system.

Why You Need a "Search Playbook"

Momentum in a career search does not happen by accident; it is built through structure. Candidates who manage their search professionally often feel calmer, more skilled in their interviews, and significantly more confident.

By creating a "Search Playbook," you ensure that no opportunity falls through the cracks and every follow-up is timed perfectly.

Building Your Simple System

You don't need complex software to do this—a simple spreadsheet or document will suffice. Your system should track:

• The Application Log: Which school, which position, and what date did you hit "submit"?

• The Deadlines: When does the posting close? When is the ideal date for a follow-up?

• The Contact List: Who are the key stakeholders? Note your conversations, LinkedIn connections, and any insights gained from informational interviews.

• The Version Tracker: Which version of your resume or portfolio did you send? (This is crucial if you are tailoring your materials for different divisions or roles).

The Weekly "Game Film" Review

Just as a coach reviews film, you should schedule a dedicated block of time each week to:

1. Review Progress: Where do you stand with your current "leads"?

2. Adjust Strategy: If you aren't getting hits, is it time to refresh your portfolio?

3. Send Follow-ups: Reach out to departments where the trail has gone cold.

4. Identify New Opportunities: Scout the latest postings on the CSC job board or NCAA Market.

The result? Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the process, you become the director of your own career.

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Reflection: Take an honest look at your process. Do you have a documented system—or are you relying on memory and "gut feeling"?

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Footnote: Organization is key to success in this industry. If you’d like to see an example of a search tracking template, I’m happy to share one that I developed. 

Building a Resume That Reflects Real SID Work (January 30, 2026)

To expand this post, we’ll lean into the concept of "The Resume Evolution." We’ll move from the "what" (tasks) to the "how" (impact) and the "why" (value). This version adds more context for the reader and provides a clear framework for auditing their current resume.

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Moving Beyond the Checklist: How to Build a Resume That Wins

Drawing from my dual perspective as a long-time professional in athletic communications and a persistent student of modern hiring trends, I’ve seen thousands of resumes. The biggest mistake most candidates make—from entry-level interns to seasoned SIDs—is treating their resume like a job description rather than a highlight reel.

The following framework isn't a "magic bullet," but it is a proven method to help you stand out in a crowded inbox, whether you’re looking to break into the industry or move up to a Director role.

1. Show Contribution, Not Just Participation

In a stack of 100 applications, almost everyone has "managed social media" or "written press releases." To a hiring manager, these are just tasks. Strong resumes, however, focus on impact.

When you list a bullet point, ask yourself: What was the result of this action?

• The Basic Task: “Assisted with game operations.”

• The Impactful Contribution: “Managed live statistics and postgame distribution for six home events, ensuring 100% on-time delivery to media outlets and conference offices.”

By shifting the focus, you aren't just saying you were there; you’re saying you were essential.

2. The Power of Specificity

Specificity builds confidence in the hiring manager's mind. They need to be able to "place" you in their department. To do this, your resume needs to address three key areas:

• Scale of Work: Did you manage one sport or 15? Was the crowd 50 people or 50,000?

• Volume of Events: Quantify your hustle. Mentioning "40+ home events per season" speaks to your stamina and organizational skills.

• Technical Stack: Don't just list "Computer Skills." Explicitly mention industry-standard tools like StatCrew/Genius Sports, SIDEARM/Presto Sports, Adobe Creative Cloud, and specific social media management platforms.

3. The "Hiring Manager" Lens

Your resume should be a mirror of the job description. If a department is looking for a "storyteller," your resume shouldn't just talk about stats; it should mention features written, engagement rates on long-form content, or video scripts produced.

Make it easy for them to hire you. If they can't see your value within 10 seconds of scanning, you’ve lost the lead.

Networking 102 (August 6, 2025)

 Being strategic as a job seeker—especially when networking—means you're not just reaching out randomly or reacting to job postings. You're intentional, focused, and efficient with your time and energy. Here's what that really looks like in practice:

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🎯 1. You Know What You Want

You’ve clarified:

• The types of roles you’re pursuing.

• The industries or companies that interest you.

• Your top skills and what sets you apart.

💡 Strategic job seekers don’t cast a vague, wide net. They target with purpose.

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🧭 2. You Map Your Network Before You Use It

Start by identifying:

• First-degree connections in your field.

• Second-degree contacts who could intro you to someone.

• People at your target companies.

Use LinkedIn or even a spreadsheet to build a map—then prioritize who to reach out to based on relevance and strength of relationship.

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🧩 3. You Match Outreach to Goals

Strategic networking isn’t just "Let’s grab coffee." It's:

• Asking a hiring manager about team structure.

• Asking a peer what challenges their company is tackling.

• Asking a recruiter about the timeline for a role.

Each interaction moves you one step closer to a job—not just a chat.

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🛠️ 4. You Prepare Before Each Conversation

Before any networking call or email, know:

• Who they are.

• What they’ve done recently.

• Why you’re reaching out to them (not just anyone).

🚫 Strategic networking is not copy-pasting the same message to 50 people.

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⏳ 5. You Don’t Waste Time on Dead Ends

If someone:

• Doesn’t respond after 2 tries,

• Is clearly uninterested, or

• Can’t realistically help you…

You move on. Strategic job seekers protect their energy.

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🪜 6. You Treat Each Contact Like a Stepping Stone

Every networking conversation is a chance to:

• Ask for one new contact (“Is there anyone else you think I should speak with?”)

• Learn something you didn’t know.

• Build a reputation as someone thoughtful and serious.

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🔄 7. You Give Back, Even Before You Get

This is what makes you memorable and respected:

• Share relevant articles.

• Congratulate them on a new role or post.

• Mention someone you think they should meet.

This turns networking into relationship-building, which has long-term value.

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Bottom line:
Strategic job seekers don’t just hope to get lucky. They build a process, set goals, and treat people like people—not just leads.

Articles of Interest (August 4, 2025)

The last week had some articles of interest for job seekers from Business Insider, Kiplinger and Times of India).

This week, I wanted to explore the role of networking. Networking is essential because it opens doors to opportunities that aren’t always publicly advertised, allowing you to connect with decision-makers and industry insiders. Building genuine relationships helps you gain valuable insights, referrals, and support throughout your career journey. Ultimately, networking transforms your job search from a solo effort into a collaborative process.

📰 Biggest Red Flags in Job Posts and Applications (Business Insider, August 3, 2025)

• Readers overwhelmingly report frustration with:

  • Listings that omit salary info or feature vague compensation ranges

  • Buzzwords like “fast‑paced” or “sense of humor,” which signal unclear expectations or bias

  • Entry‑level roles requiring excessive experience or offering insufficient compensation

  • A lack of clarity around flexibility or work‑life balance, which many now consider non‑negotiable

📰 Six Winning Moves to Land a Job After 50 (Kiplinger, July 30, 2025)

This Kiplinger article offers actionable strategies tailored for job seekers over 50. Highlights include resumé age-proofing, leveraging networks, upskilling online, and pursuing flexible roles like part-time or freelancing.

 📰 One in Three U.S. Professionals Trusting ChatGPT for Career Counseling, but at What Cost? (Times of India, July 30, 2025)

• This Times of India piece documents the rising use of AI like ChatGPT for career advice. It also cautions against overreliance on automated tools, stressing the importance of human mentorship and nuanced judgment.

Using Social Media as a Job Seeker (July 23, 2025)

Using social media effectively as a job seeker can open doors to opportunities, build your professional reputation, and grow your network — if done intentionally. In the coming days, I'll do a further exploration of the various platforms with explorations on LinkedIn and Twitter (X) on Thursday, July 24, Facebook and Instagram on Friday, July 25 and TikTok on Monday, July 28.