Over the past 50+ years working in sports, I have interviewed thousands of aspiring professionals. One thing has never changed.

Everyone has a resume.

When hiring managers post a job in sports today, they may receive hundreds or even thousands of applications. Many of them look almost identical. Same degrees. Similar internships. Similar wording.

So the question becomes simple.

How do you stand out?

Your Resume Gets You Considered. Your Story Gets You Remembered.

A resume is important. It shows your education, experience, and skills. But what really separates candidates is the story behind the resume.

When I talk with students and alumni, I often start with a simple question: "Tell me about yourself.” This is where most people miss an opportunity. They repeat their resume line by line. Instead, this is your moment to explain why you belong in sports. What drives you? What have you sacrificed to pursue this career? What have you done that others haven’t?

Hiring managers remember passion and persistence far more than bullet points.

Show That You’re Already in the Industry

One of the biggest mistakes young professionals make is waiting to be hired before getting involved.

The people who stand out are already doing the work. They volunteer at events. They help with local teams. They start podcasts. They analyze games and publish insights. They create content around the sport they love.

When a hiring manager sees this, they think: "This person isn't waiting for permission." They’re already contributing to the industry.

Relationships Still Matter Most

The sports industry has always been relationship-driven.

That’s why networking is not just a buzzword. It is a career strategy.

Some of the best opportunities come from people who know your work ethic, your attitude, and your reliability. When someone inside the organization says, "You should talk to this person," your resume suddenly rises to the top of the stack. This is why I often encourage students to develop what I call their “two-minute drill.”

Be ready to clearly explain who you are, what you want to do in sports, and how you can add value.

Be the Person People Want to Work With

Skills matter.

Experience matters.

But attitude matters just as much.

In sports, long hours, tight deadlines, and pressure are part of the job. Hiring managers are constantly asking themselves one question: "Would I want to work with this person every day?" If you are dependable, adaptable, and eager to learn, you will stand out quickly.

Final Thought

The sports industry is competitive. That will never change.

But here is the good news.

Most people blend into the pile of resumes because they follow the same path as everyone else. If you build relationships, create opportunities, and tell your story well, you will separate yourself from the crowd.

And when that happens, the resume becomes just the starting point.

The real opportunity begins.