How to Include Military Service on Your Resume
Loren Kelly

As a former student-athlete, I know the challenge of balancing sports and career planning. That’s why I’m here to help you bridge the gap and translate your athletic experience to employers in a relevant way during a professional job interview!

The student-athletes I work with all have one thing in common: they feel like their athletic experience isn’t valuable to employers. Before we go any further, know this belief is false! Your athletic experience has helped you develop unique and valuable employability skills that are highly sought after by employers.

The key to communicating athletic experience in a job interview is thoughtfully preparing interview stories that speak to the skills employers are seeking. Let’s take a closer look at the employability skills employers seek, how to prepare good interview stories, and

Understanding the Value of Your Athletic Experience

Employers are struggling to find employees who have basic employability skills. Employability skills are personal attributes that are essential for good performance in the workplace.

Here are a few skills employers seek that student-athletes typically have mastered:

1. Teamwork – you understand the importance of collaboration and work well with others to accomplish more.
2. Coachability – you can take constructive criticism and use it to improve performance.
3. Interpersonal skills—you have been a teammate to people with many different personalities and have learned to build relationships and work with them.
4. Conflict management – you have learned to resolve conflict with coaches and teammates and put differences aside so the team can move forward toward a common goal.
5. Work Ethic – you know the meaning of hard work, have demonstrated strong commitment, and have worked tirelessly to accomplish goals.
6. Time management – you managed being a full-time student, games, practices, weight training, study hall, etc.
7. Grit – you learned to press on despite an injury, setback, etc.
8. Goal Setting & Progress Monitoring – you set individual and team goals, monitor your progress, make adjustments, and keep pushing toward your goals!
9. Communication Skills – you have learned to communicate well with coaches, teammates, trainers, and the media.
10. Leadership—You have developed leadership skills by taking charge in situations, mentoring younger athletes, helping with sports camps, and recruits. Additionally, you have learned how to leverage each teammate’s strengths for the team’s success!

And the list goes on! My list above is certainly not exhaustive, but it is a great start and has likely made you realize just how many valuable skills you have to offer your future employers!

Understanding Situational and Behavioral Interview Questions

Situational and behavioral interview questions are two of the most common types of interview questions. Situational interview questions are focused on the future. They ask hypothetical questions so an employer can better understand how you might handle situations. Along with your explanation of what you would do in the situation and why, it helps to tell a story about a past experience related to the situational question/scenario.

Behavioral interview questions look at the past and help employers know more about you, your character, etc. Similar to a situational interview question, they are trying to gauge who you are, how you operate, and what they can expect of you as a colleague. Again, stories about past experiences are the best way to approach a behavioral interview question!

Explaining Your Skills through STAR Interview Stories

Since both behavioral and situational interview questions require more lengthy responses and stories to help illustrate, it is best to have five to seven interview stories prepared and rehearsed before the interview. The STAR method is a great framework for ensuring your stories provide enough detail to adequately answer the questions and ace the interview!

• Situation – Provide background information for the audience. What was happening? Who was involved? What was your role, participation, etc.?
• Task – Describe the challenges and problems. What were the issues? What made the situation difficult? What factors contributed to the situation?
• Action – Explain what you did and how. What steps did you take and why? What resources did you leverage? Who helped?
• Results – Provide the outcome or resolution in a tangible way. How was the situation resolved? What was significant about it? What did you learn? How would you do things next time?

The STAR method ensures you provide enough context and explanation to the interviewers and give them insight as to why and how you make decisions.

Examples of Communicating Athletic Experience in a Job Interview

Question 1: Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership. (Behavioral Question)

My athletic career as a softball pitcher afforded me many opportunities to develop and demonstrate leadership skills. One particular leadership experience I am really proud of came at the end of the season my sophomore year of college. We traveled four hours for an away game. Typically, we would have at least a few fans and parents in attendance at our games, but at this particular doubleheader, the stands were empty. Our head coach, assistant coach, and the team were the only ones in attendance for our college. The game was tied 2-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning. Both teams were competing hard for the win. I delivered a pitch, and a baserunner began to steal third base. Our catcher threw to third, and our shortstop tagged her as she was sliding into the base.

It seemed obvious to our team that the opponent was tagged out before she reached the base; however, the umpire called her safe. This was a big call as it put the runner in scoring position. While I held my composure and returned to the mound, our coach handled the situation differently. He stormed the field and exchanged words with the umpire. Unfortunately, he lost his cool and was ejected from the game.

Our coach’s actions left my team and me with an inexperienced assistant coach in a very tight game. In that moment, I calmly asked the umpire for a timeout and called a team huddle on the mound. I was not a team captain, but I was a team leader as the pitcher. I gave a great, positive talk to the team and explained that we had this under control! We were an exceptional team, we knew how to play ball, and we were great teammates. I explained we had two outs and were going to focus on getting the batter while being mindful of the leadoff of the runner on third. I am happy to report that we got the third out, played two extra innings without a coach, and won that game! It felt incredible to take leadership in a difficult situation, display confidence in our plan, and lead my team to victory! All of us learned a lot that day about leadership. We had a good example and a bad example, unfortunately, to learn from. I know how important it is to keep our emotions in check in difficult situations, remain positive, and rally a team for a common goal!

Question 2: This position requires exceptional time management. You may have three to four projects to manage simultaneously. How would you handle this workload? (Situational Question)

Great project management involves planning in advance, setting benchmarks, monitoring progress, and making adjustments as needed. I am a visual person and prefer to have a project management board that I can use to set project benchmarks, make notes and updates, and mark progress toward completion. This approach helps me manage time, resources, and expectations. It also allows my team and supervisors to see project progress at a glance.

Regarding time management and the ability to manage multiple projects, I am confident I have exceptional time management skills and work well under pressure. My time as a student-athlete taught me the importance of managing my time well and how to work under pressure. Every semester, I carried a full-time student load of 15 units, managed a practice schedule, weight room workouts, games, and study hall. During season, my typical week brought me 15 hours in class, 15 hours of practice, at least five hours in the weight room, 10 hours of study hall, and an average of 20 hours traveling to and competing in games. Managing all of my commitments required careful planning and attention to my progress and goals. My 3.8 GPA and honors at graduate are evidence of my ability to manage my time well and work under pressure to meet deadlines, expectations, and goals.

Practicing Your Delivery & Choosing Versatile Stories

It is very important to have five to seven interview stories and illustrations prepared and rehearsed for each interview. The more you practice telling the stories, the more confident you will feel. It is more important to practice your stories than it is to have them linked to specific interview questions.

Take my first example above about demonstrating leadership during that tough game. That story would have also worked as a response to these interview prompts:

1. Tell me about a time you disagreed with a supervisor’s decision.
2. Tell me about a time you overcame an obstacle.

Good interview stories highlight your skills and character and can also be used for a few different questions. Having at least five stories prepared will help ensure you have a story for almost any behavioral or situational question!

Additional Interview Preparation

I am passionate about helping student-athletes get a great start professionally because I was a student-athlete myself! As a professional interview and career coach, I can help you prepare for your interview, craft interview stories, and get the job offer you deserve! Let’s connect so I can help you get your dream job out of college!

More Helpful Content for Student Athletes

• Winning Strategies: How to Write a College Athlete Resume
• Case Study Examples of Student-Athlete Resumes
• How to Write a Standout Cover Letter as a Student Athlete
• How to Write a LinkedIn Profile for Student Athletes

About Loren

I am a passionate career coach with over ten years of experience helping student-athletes and students with job searches! I specialize in highlighting your best skills and accomplishments in relevant and valuable ways! It is hard to write about yourself without feeling like you are bragging. Conversely, it can be difficult to connect your athletic accomplishments to what the employer seeks! Leave the strategizing and writing to me! Let’s chat today to see how I can help you land your dream job!

Communicating Athletic Experience in a Job Interview
Loren Kelly

As a former student-athlete, I know the challenge of balancing sports and career planning. That’s why I’m here to share what I’ve learned about making LinkedIn work for you.

LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool and can be invaluable in a job search, especially for busy student-athletes!

You spend countless hours in the weight room, at practice, games, meets, etc. Spending time creating a student-athlete LinkedIn profile that highlights transferrable employability skills is an excellent investment of your time. The goal is to get LinkedIn working for you in your job search while you are competing, doing homework, or sleeping!

The Value of Student Athletes Being on LinkedIn

Did you know the skills employers most desperately seek are hard work ethic, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills? As a student-athlete, you have organically honed those skills over the years to the point they are ingrained in you!

Employers are willing and ready to teach you the hard skills or technical skills required for your job; however, they can’t easily teach the soft skills or employability skills you have already mastered in your athletic career. Showing up on time, working hard, and being a great teammate and leader are invaluable skills you can highlight on your LinkedIn profile to stand out to employers and recruiters.

Once Your Profile is Set Up, LinkedIn Will Start Working for You!

That’s right. Recruiters are on LinkedIn daily, searching for the best-fit candidates who will, hopefully, become their company’s next employees.

As recruiters and employers search for keywords, your profile will appear based on matched keywords. As you draft your student athlete LinkedIn profile, there are some strategies to help optimize it and maximize your visibility!

Read on for more tips specific to creating each section of your profile.

Game Plan for Success: How to Set Up Your LinkedIn Profile

Your student-athlete LinkedIn profile will have these key sections:

• profile picture
• headline
• about
• featured
• experience
• education
• skills
• endorsements
• recommendations.

Before you begin working on each section of your LinkedIn profile, here are some things to remember.

Tell Your Story

Aa a student-athlete, a huge part of your story is your athletic career and accomplishments.

We want to highlight those well on your profile in a relevant way. While being a student-athlete has been a big part of your identity, we don’t want it to be the sole focus of your profile. There needs to be a nice balance.

Write in First-Person

By writing in first-person narrative, we humanize ourselves to readers. We become more approachable and can tell our story more compellingly. We want our profile to connect with visitors and inspire action.

Be Concise

Your profile is not your resume, but we still want to be concise. Visitors will skip over long paragraphs. Be brief, but be personable. It will help with readability and visibility!

How to Choose a Profile and Background Photo

When you choose photos for your student-athlete LinkedIn Profile, make sure you choose a high-quality headshot in professional clothing for the profile photo. Some student-athletes have a headshot in a college-branded athletic polo. Such photos make great profile photos!

Alternatively, you can choose a nice profile photo in business casual or business attire. The background photo that is a banner across the top of your profile could be a team photo, a photo relevant to the industry you are pursuing, etc. Using a team photo for your background photo is a subtle way to display the student-athlete part of your story while also demonstrating your experience working in teams!

How to Craft an Engaging Headline

Your LinkedIn Headline is visible practically everywhere. It will appear in searches (even on Google!), each time you comment, and it is one of the first components of your profile. As a result, it is important to get this right! Well-written headlines and great profile photos are what draw visitors to your profile for a closer look.

My most popular online resource is a blog about writing the best LinkedIn Headline! I provide two formulas to help students and recent graduates craft the most compelling headline to connect with recruiters, employers, and LinkedIn users.

When writing your student-athlete LinkedIn profile, use your headline to highlight your skills and goals rather than exclusively state that you are a student-athlete. If your headline only reads “Student-Athlete at XYZ University,” you will miss the opportunity to highlight key skills and keywords employers are searching for. Instead, we will highlight the student-athlete experience later in your profile.

How to Connect with Visitors in Your About Section

Remember that your profile should tell your story and establish your brand. As a result, your “About” section must impact your audience. If your About section is written effectively, visitors will read more. If it isn’t, they often leave your profile.

Components of a Good “About” Section

The About section should tell visitors:

1. Who you are and how you got to where you are
2. What you want to do professionally
3. Explain why this work is important to you
4. Provide the outcomes and evidence of your successes

You can assume visitors to your profile want to know what you can do for them. Focusing on why your work is essential and the outcomes you provide will help ensure the vital emotional connection that we have discussed in this guide is made with visitors.

The About section is where a student-athlete’s LinkedIn profile can shine compared to a college student with little involvement. Tell part of your athletic story here and help employers understand how the skills you have developed as an athlete will serve their team, organization, and customers/clients well!

How to Choose Content for Your “Featured” Section

The featured section of your LinkedIn profile is optional; however, this is an exceptional opportunity for student-athletes to highlight accomplishments!

Here, you can link news articles, leadership accomplishments, link websites and more! If you have been recognized for athletic accomplishments demonstrating hard work, named a leader on your time or across your campus, or featured in any other publications and websites, this is your chance to link that content!

How to Detail your Experience and Education as a Student Athlete

The experience section is a great opportunity for you to list your athletic team and provide insight into your accomplishments and the skills you demonstrated.

For example, if you have been named a Team Captain, you can list that and expand on your leadership responsibilities and duties. Did you lead a team, and how many? Did you mentor young athletes? Did you represent the team to officials and communicate with the press? See how quickly we can demonstrate leadership and communication skills with your athletic experiences!

In addition to your athletic experience, please list any job shadows, internships, or part-time work experience you have. While it is understood that many student-athletes have limited work experience, it is possible that you completed some volunteer work, held a part-time job, etc. All of that experience is great to put on your student-athlete LinkedIn profile.

Don’t Skip the Skills, Endorsements, and Recommendations Sections on Your LinkedIn Profile

Many students skip over the last three parts of the LinkedIn profile; however, these three sections can be extremely valuable! If you list skills relevant to employers and then get endorsements from your LinkedIn connections, you raise your visibility and the odds of appearing in employers’ searches! Don’t skip this step when setting up your profile.

As a young professional, recommendations can be powerful. Have your coaches, professors, and teammates write recommendations for your profile. Three is sufficient and can help set you apart from more generic profiles!

Networking as a Student Athlete

You may or may not know it, but your network of student-athlete peers and the alumni who were student-athletes at your university can be extremely valuable connections on LinkedIn!

Athletes look back on their years as student-athletes very fondly. Alumni who graduated a decade or more ago student feel deep ties to their university and are usually happy to connect with and potentially even help young student-athletes. Searching for graduates of your university and connecting with alumni you meet at events are significant actions for student-athletes preparing for their careers!

My Advice for Student Athletes: Be Active on LinkedIn

Aside from creating an outstanding student-athlete LinkedIn profile, one of the best things you can do to increase your visibility is to be active on LinkedIn. Download the app and try to spend 10 minutes on it three times a week.

Here are easy ways to be active on LinkedIn and raise your visibility:

1. Follow hashtags – determine keywords and terms for your industry and follow those hashtags on LinkedIn. The platform will show content related to that term in your newsfeed. Then you can like, comment, and share content that aligns with your industry.
2. Follow companies – Determine companies of interest in your industry. Who would you like to work for? What companies exist in the areas you’d like to live? Follow those companies so their posts, updates, and jobs appear in your newsfeed.
3. Like, comment, and share relevant content—When you like, comment, or share content, you will appear in other connections’ newsfeeds, which raises your visibility!
4. Endorse others’ skills – As you build connections, endorse skills appropriately. If you connect with a teammate, you can endorse their leadership and teamwork skills! Doing so will increase your visibility and help you gain endorsements in return.
5. Join groups and organizations – There are infinite groups to join on LinkedIn! You can find student-athlete groups, alumni groups, and groups and organizations relevant to your industry! Join them for more networking opportunities!

In addition to being active on LinkedIn, it is important to keep your profile up to date. Please make sure you look at it closely once per semester and make necessary updates. When you make a profile update, you can share that update with your network and boost your visibility!

In short, we want your LinkedIn profile to have the right academic, athletic, and professional content balance.

Your LinkedIn Profile should tell your story, explain your aspirations, and connect with your audience. Student-athletes have unique skills that are highly sought after by employers!

I have a unique passion for helping student-athletes thrive professionally because I was a student-athlete myself! As a professional resume writer, I can help you craft a resume and/or student-athlete LinkedIn profile that stands out. Let’s connect so I can help you get your dream job out of college!

Schedule a free consultation with me today!

About Loren

I am a passionate career coach with over ten years of experience helping student-athletes and students with job searches! I specialize in highlighting your best skills and accomplishments in relevant and valuable ways! It is hard to write about yourself without feeling like you are bragging. Conversely, it can be difficult to connect your athletic accomplishments to what the employer seeks! Leave the strategizing and writing to me! Let’s chat today to see how I can help you land your dream job!

More Helpful Content for Student Athletes

• Winning Strategies: Writing a College Athlete Resume
• Real Case Study Examples of Student-Athlete Resumes
• The Key to Communicating Athletic Experience in a Job Interview
• How to Write a Standout Cover Letter as a Student Athlete

How to Write a LinkedIn Profile for Student Athletes
Loren Kelly

I have worked with many student-athletes who feel like they have very little information to highlight on a resume or cover letter.

If you want help translating your achievements into great content on a student athlete’s cover letter, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, I’ll help you relevantly communicate your athletic and academic achievements in a cover letter for a job or internship!

Most student-athletes have limited work experience because playing a collegiate sport is a full-time job! I have worked with many student-athletes who feel like they have very little information to highlight on a resume or cover letter. If you can relate to this struggle, fear not. You have developed a plethora of transferrable skills as a student-athlete. You simply need the strategy in this article to help you relate your skills and accomplishments to future employers.

The Value Student-Athletes Bring to Employers

Do you know what skills and characteristics employers value most? 

Surprisingly, it isn’t technical skills or knowledge about how to do a certain process, etc. Employers will teach you the skills you need to know to do the job how they want. What they cannot teach, however, are skills like time management, a hard work ethic, how to be a good team player, etc. And guess what? As a student-athlete, you have demonstrated all of these skills daily, plus more!

Time management

You managed a full class schedule (12 or more units) while playing a college sport, which probably meant about 20 hours of work or more a week with weights, practice, study hall, games, etc. You had to ensure you scheduled time for studying and homework amidst a busy class and sports schedule. This is just one example of how you have demonstrated excellent time management.

Work ethic

A hard work ethic cannot be taught. And you didn’t become a successful collegiate athlete just because of talent. You had to work hard to get where you are, and then you had to work harder to maintain your athletic career in college. Many graduates don’t know the work ethic that athletes possess because they have never dedicated such a vast amount of time and energy to a skill or endeavor. You are unique, and employers want the work ethic that you possess!

Team player

Regardless of your sport, you have had to learn to work as a team, support others, and collaborate for a common goal. Again, many graduates have not been a part of such a cohesive team and do not understand the level of support and sacrifice it takes to get a group of people to work together tirelessly for a common goal. Your ability and willingness to put a team’s goal above your own agenda is of great value to employers.

Understanding the Cover Letter for Student Athletes

We must discuss the purpose of the cover letter.It is a one-page document for candidates to describe how they have demonstrated the skills the employer is seeking. Along with the resume, the cover letter is a persuasive piece that will, hopefully, result in an invitation to interview for the position. 

I like to be really clear with clients. The resume and cover letter are used to get an interview, not to tell your entire story. So, content should be chosen carefully so it is most relevant to that employer. Specific, relevant content is better than a broad overview of who you are professionally.

In addition to selling yourself with relevant skills and accomplishments, the cover letter is your opportunity to showcase your written communication skills. Applicants often overlook this benefit of submitting a great cover letter. Written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are among the most sought-after by employers. So, a well-written cover letter can make an exceptional first impression!

How Student-Athletes Should Structure a Cover Letter

The first paragraph of a cover letter should always “hook” the reader. 

What do you offer that will be of immediate interest to the employer? How can you capture their attention and persuade them to keep reading? Much like the resume, you have only a few seconds to get the reader’s attention.

I typically recommend three body paragraphs for a student-athlete cover letter. The first two body paragraphs should address two key skills the employer has written in the job description. For example, if the job description emphasizes collaboration and communication skills, you would write two body paragraphs providing evidence of how you have demonstrated those skills. The third body paragraph can highlight courses, projects, and aspects of your education that are most relevant to the job and employer.

Finally, end your paragraph with a confident, compelling conclusion paragraph. Express excitement for the opportunity to discuss the position and your qualifications in a formal interview. Remember that they want a great fit for the position just like you want to find the best-fit job for you!

Highlighting Athletic and Academic Achievements

There are many ways to highlight your athletic and academic achievements in a student-athlete cover letter. 

My favorite strategy is to list the skills the employer is seeking on a piece of paper. Then, next to each skill, note how you have demonstrated it. For example, if they are looking for public speaking, perhaps you list that you have spoken at an athletic banquet, recruiting event, or fundraising event for your athletic team or college. You can list your academic and athletic accolades if they seek a results-driven salesperson. Perhaps you maintained a 3.7 GPA while earning all-conference athletic honors.

Customizing your Cover Letter for Each Application

The best approach for student-athlete cover letter writing is tailoring your letter to each employer. 

It is great to have a cover letter “template” that is a basis for each cover letter you write; however, you must make sure each body paragraph is tailored to the skills and experience each employer is seeking, and that you are using the language that the employer uses in the job description and on their website.

A thorough analysis of the job description is critical when writing a cover letter, and research on the company website, social media pages, and LinkedIn can also give you valuable insight as you write a compelling cover letter. The more you know about the company’s brand and mission, the more persuasive you will be when you write each cover letter.

Dos and Don’ts of Student-Athlete Cover Letters

Do This:

• • Tailor your cover letter for each position

• • Use the language the employer uses

• • Give tangible evidence of your skills, experiences, and accomplishments

• • Write confidently and enthusiastically

• • Have your letter proofread by someone else to check for grammar and clarity

Avoid This:

• • Use the same generic cover letter for all positions

• • Vaguely describe transferable skills without tangible examples and evidence

• • Write hopefully; be confident!

• • Don’t forget to get a second set of eyes (or even a third!) to proofread your cover letter

• • Putting content in the cover letter that isn’t on your resume

Final tips & finishing touches

After you have written a standout cover letter, it is important to ensure it is polished and ready to submit! 

I recommend making your cover letter’s header match the resume’s header. These documents go together and should be cohesive. As reiterated in the section above, having someone else (or multiple people) read your cover letter is important. They will likely catch errors that you have not noticed and will be able to identify any unclear examples or phrases in your letter. Feedback is extremely valuable as you strive to get the most compelling cover letter in front of each employer!

As a former student-athlete, I can assure you that you have the skills and character traits employers crave! Confidently, write cover letters that sell who you are and what you have to offer! If you desire help writing a standout cover letter, let’s chat! I offer cover letter writing services and will personally meet with you to collect the best, most relevant information to include in your cover letter. If you aren’t getting the traction you want in your job search, I can help!

About Loren

I am a passionate career coach with over 10 years of experience helping student-athletes and students with job searches! I specialize in highlighting your best skills and accomplishments in relevant and valuable ways! It is hard to write about yourself without feeling like you are bragging. On the flip side, it can be difficult to connect your experiences to what the employer is seeking! Leave the strategizing and writing to me! Let’s chat today to see how I can help you land your dream job!

More Resume Resources for Student Athletes

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If you are looking for help with your resume writing strategy, check out this Student Athlete Resume Case Study which comes with three free downloads. 

More Helpful Content for Student Athletes

• Winning Strategies: Writing a College Athlete Resume
• Case Study Examples of Student-Athlete Resumes
• How to Write a LinkedIn Profile for Student Athletes
• The Key to Communicating Athletic Experience in a Job Interview

How to Write a Standout Cover Letter as a Student Athlete
Loren Kelly

Recently, I’ve helped several student-athletes rewrite their resumes following robust college athletic careers.

The struggle these athletes faced was having limited time to devote to career planning and development activities. Being a student-athlete is a full-time job in itself! You’re not alone if you are a student-athlete struggling to write your professional resume.

This student-athlete resume case study below (plus three real student athlete resume examples) will help you with your resume writing strategy!

Case Study Example of a Student-Athlete Resume  – The Student’s Profile

Identity: College student-athlete.
Sport: Baseball.
Institution: Member of a prestigious Division One program.

This student-athlete played baseball for one of the nation’s most prestigious Division One programs. This led to very little time available for any career-related extracurricular activities. He did not participate in an internship program, and he limited work experience.

What this student-athlete didn’t realize is how we can strategically highlight other experiences and accomplishments in ways that are relevant to employers! We were able to make great use of some volunteer experiences and highlight the many transferrable skills he demonstrated as a part of the baseball team. He also had a good GPA, leadership experience, and an impressive list of athletic accolades that demonstrated his work ethic, determination, time management skills, and more!

The ‘Before’ Resume

I applaud the student-athlete for having a starting point with his resume! He had utilized the help of a student-athlete academic advisor. Having some experience and skills in a document is a great start. The issue with his “before” resume was it was very generic and only about half a page long. It is very important that your resume fill one page or it could appear as though you have little to offer (which is not true!). At the same time, the content must be relevant and valuable, which is where resume strategy comes into play!

Key Resume Transformations for This Student Althete

I immediately looked at the student’s transcript and matched coursework and academic projects to the skills and experience listed in the job description. Additionally, I asked many questions about his weekly schedule, leadership contributions, and involvement with the baseball program’s success. From his responses, I could pull out many skills the employer sought and highlight those relevant to his resume.

The ‘After’ Resume

When I met with the student to finalize his resume, he responded, “Wow, this is amazing! I can’t believe how relevant I am to employers now! I felt like I had nothing to offer before, and this process and my new resume give me so much confidence!” He had been applying to jobs for three months with no traction. He needed a carefully crafted resume that easily related his academic and athletic accomplishments to the desired role.

Key Resume Learning Points for Student Athletes

•  Your athletic experience is relevant! You build invaluable transferrable skills as a student-athlete, and your work ethic, grit, and networking skills are important and valuable to employers.

• Make the connections for the employer! Instead of listing athletic accomplishments, list the skill they seek, followed by how you have demonstrated it. Anyone can say they have leadership skills, but providing evidence of how you have demonstrated those leadership skills is crucial in selling yourself to employers.

• Consider relevant coursework and projects! You can use relevant coursework and large academic projects, presentations, and case studies to highlight knowledge and skills on your resume.

• Include experience relevant to your career within your athletic program! As student-athletes, you often conduct tours, meet with prospects, and help with fundraising. All of these activities within the athletic program demonstrate valuable transferable skills. Include these experiences on your resume as they are relevant!

• Short-term industry-relevant experience is still relevant! Perhaps you couldn’t commit to a semester-long internship, but you did complete some job shadows, industry tours, and informational interviews with mentors. All of these activities are valuable! Include them as they are relevant and as space allows.

3 Examples of Student-Athlete Resume 

• Student-Athlete Resume 1 – The student-athlete discussed throughout this article now has a relevant and impressive resume that attracted his ideal employer and helped him establish himself in medical device sales!

• Student-Athlete Resume 2 – This resume belongs to a former golf student-athlete who wanted to utilize his education and internship experience in finance in the business management realm.

• Student-Athlete Resume 3 – This resume belongs to a football student-athlete who acquired a prestigious summer internship with a multi-family real estate investment firm because his document demonstrated his commitment to the industry and exceptional work ethic!

Download Student-Athlete Resume

Download Student-Athlete Resume

Download Student-Athlete Resume

Let’s get you hired!

I promise you have a lot to offer your future employer as a student-athlete! I know my experience as a student-athlete instilled motivation, drive, and grit that has fueled my professional successes! Contact me today to get your resume custom-written to your future employer! I’ve helped so many student-athletes get their ideal start professionally, and I can help you too!

About Me

As an experienced educator and career coach, I help with students and young professionals one-on-one with their career endeavors! Whether you want tailored resume help or assistance finding and landing your dream job, I can help!

More Helpful Content for Student Athletes

• How to Write a LinkedIn Profile for Student Athletes
• The Key to Communicating Athletic Experience in a Job Interview
• Winning Strategies for Writing a Student Athlete Resume
• Writing a Standout Cover Letter as a Student Athlete

A Student Athlete Resume Case Study
Loren Kelly

In the 2024 job market, LinkedIn is more crucial than ever for recent graduates. I hope your accomplishments are getting the publicity they deserve. If they aren’t, let’s change that! We can begin by writing a standout LinkedIn headline for recent graduates!  Use the tips and guidelines below to make sure your LinkedIn profile isn’t skipped over by busy employers and recruiters.

Download the LinkedIn Guide For Recent Graduates | $20

My 6-page guide to the perfect LinkedIn Profile for recent graduates, with application exercises, templates and tips from the perspective of an employer.

LinkedIn Headline for Recent Graduates:

Four Foundational Tips!

1. Make your first impression count!

Many recruiters use the search feature on LinkedIn. Do you know what information shows when you appear in a LinkedIn search? A LinkedIn user will see the following:

• Profile photo
• Name
• Headline
• Location

Based on that information, the employer/recruiter will decide whether or not to invest valuable time taking a closer look at your profile. As a result, a professional photo and a compelling headline are so important! 

Here’s an example of how a profile appears in a search. Notice the job seeker’s name, profile image, open-to-work feature (discussed below), location, and headline appear in a search.

 

 

 

2. Use keywords

If you have followed other professional writing tips I have published, you know I am not a fan of using terms like “motivated,” “hardworking,” or “leader” on a resume. I am much more interested in HOW you demonstrated these skills. Give me tangible examples rather than a list of adjectives. The same applies with a LinkedIn headline.

Additionally, a keyword-rich and precise LinkedIn headline will ensure that recruiters’ are seeing your profile in LinkedIn’s automated searches. LinkedIn is using AI to help connect recruiters and job seekers, which benefits you! However, you must have keywords in your headline to appear in these automated results.

So, a LinkedIn headline for recent graduates should include keywords that speak to your target audience. For example, maybe you are pursuing a career in graphic design. Using the keyword “Illustrator” in your headline will speak to an employer as he will be looking for someone savvy with graphic design software. A great way to identify keywords for your headline is to look at job descriptions and find trends. What skills are in demand that you possess?

3. Keep it short and sweet

A LinkedIn headline for recent graduates should be concise. LinkedIn helps you with this as a 220-character limit is in place. Suppose you can write a compelling headline in fewer characters; even better. Using solid keywords and being concise will help make you more visible on LinkedIn!

4. Use the “Open to Work” feature 

A few years ago, it was common practice for job seekers to state they were looking for work in their headline. Avoid doing this! It will only hurt you. Additionally, avoid making your headline “Recent graduate of South State University” or something similar. If you take this approach, you lose the opportunity to focus on your skills. Also, advertising that you just graduated communicates less experience. 

Use the “Open to Work” feature that places a small banner over the bottom of your profile photo. Selecting this option also helps your appearance in a LinkedIn search. It lets you use your valuable headline space for keywords and the formulas below. 

Formulas for LinkedIn Headline for Recent Graduates

The tips above are great, but you might wonder how to implement them. Let’s talk about examples of LinkedIn headlines for recent graduates.

Option 1: What you do + What you hope to do

Example 1: “Digital Marketer passionate about helping small businesses with audience-centered strategy”

A LinkedIn headline for recent graduates should include aspirations. I see some young students with headlines like, “Recent graduate looking for a job in Digital Marketing.” It isn’t compelling, it isn’t focused on the audience, and it communicates desperation instead of optimism and enthusiasm.

Option 2: Who you help + outcomes

Example 2: “Empowering students to pursue the future with confidence and clarity”

Disclaimer, the above headline is mine! I’ve chosen to make my headline entirely audience focused. The “who you help + outcomes” formula works well if you are in a service-related industry or role.

Example 3: “Giving travelers world-class service on each flight, adventure, and business trip”

The example above was written in collaboration with a recent graduate from flight attendant school. Notice it follows the “who you help + outcomes” formula slightly differently. The “outcomes” portion is a vision that includes the keywords.

Examples of LinkedIn Headlines for Recent Graduates

Here are a few examples of LinkedIn headlines for recent graduates using the two formulas from the section above.

• Teaching underserved kids and creating equitable futures for all (education example)
• Developing innovative AI apps to save professionals time and money (software developer)
• Creating premium experiences for adventurous families | Former Disney Intern (hospitality management)
• I help people move past trauma, embrace the present, and hope for the future (counseling professional)
• Bringing new energy and ideas to digital sales | Top 10 National Sales Intern (sales professional)

LinkedIn Headline Generators 2024

With AI tools and generators exploding, you may consider using a LinkedIn Headline Generator tool. The pros of these tools are they save you time, give you a starting point for editing your headline, and are free. AI can give you help with keywords as well.

The cons are that LinkedIn headline generators cannot possibly personalize your headline. Formula two above uses “who you help + outcomes.” AI cannot know of outcomes you achieved, and AI also won’t be able to personalize your headline to whom you help. Looking at formula one above, “What you do + what you hope to do,” also poses problems for AI. A generator won’t be able to speak to your passions and goals as a recent grad.

Simply put, a LinkedIn Headline generator can generate ideas; however, I strongly caution recent grads from using this tool solely. You must edit and perfect your headline so it represents you AND speaks to your audience on LinkedIn.

Key Takeaways for Crafting a Compelling LinkedIn Headline

• First impressions count! And a LinkedIn Headline + your profile photo are your first impression
• LinkedIn’s search feature relies on keywords in a headline — make sure you include key terms so you appear in employer searches!
• Keep it short and sweet – you’re limited to 220 characters, but quick and easy-to-read headlines are best!
• Formulas for LinkedIn Headlines specifically for recent grads:
  • What you do + What you hope to do
  • Who you help + outcomes
• AI can be a helpful starting point, but you must personalize your headline

I love helping recent grads with job search strategies to ensure they get the best start to their professional career! Reach out for a free consultation today!

Need help with your LinkedIn headline?

Both of the formulas above are great starting points for recent graduates. But, if you are still feeling a bit uncertain about your LinkedIn headline, get the guide above to make your headline and profile stand out to LinkedIn users! In the guide, I will give you step by step instructions and tips for each section of your profile. If your LinkedIn profile currently mirrors your resume, don’t miss this inexpensive, all-inclusive guide!

Learn more about me and my services!

LinkedIn Headline for Recent Graduates
Loren Kelly

Is there a best time of the year to apply for jobs? In some industries, yes. But the answer to this question largely depends on you, your situation, and what you are looking for in your next role.

When is the best time of the year to apply for jobs?

If you are wondering about the best time of the year to apply for jobs, consider these factors when planning your job search.

Industry Trends and Peak Seasons

If you are in education or the agriculture industry, for example, you may see an increase in the number of available jobs due to peak seasons coming. If you are interested in accounting or bookkeeping work, you may see jobs posted at the end of the year or the beginning of the year as firms prepare for tax season. If retail or hospitality is your industry, seasonal hiring will likely increase in the fall and late spring in preparation for the holidays and summer travel, respectively. Analyze your industry and identify when roles related to your niche skills see an increase in demand.

Budget and End-of-Year Spending

Hiring surges can occur near the end of an organization’s fiscal year to help spend down budgets and prepare for the next fiscal year. Many organizations follow a calendar year for their fiscal year, but this is not always true! Take the government for example. A fiscal year is from October 1^st to September 30^th. As a result, figure out the industry norm for a fiscal year and watch the job market during the fourth quarter to take advantage of end-of-year hiring surges!

Personal Needs

The most significant factor I urge clients to consider when they ask about the best time of the year to apply for jobs is their situation and needs. Do you need to get to work immediately to pay bills, etc.? Or are your needs currently met, but do you feel it is time for more challenge, opportunity, etc.? The approach and urgency in a job search vary significantly from person to person.

If you are a working parent with school-aged children, perhaps the best time of the year to apply for jobs is January-April so you can secure a job and move during the summer so your children begin a school year at a new school. Or, maybe you are a sales professional and want to see the job through to end-of-year commissions and bonuses. Every job seeker’s situation is different and should be carefully considered when deciding how aggressively to pursue a job search.

Best Tips for Deciding the Best Time of the Year to Apply for Jobs

1. Assess your situation. How urgent is your search?
2. Analyze your industry, the fiscal year, and peak seasons.
3. Carefully determine your needs for your next role. Articulate them clearly in a list.
4. Update your resume and LinkedIn, and notify your references and network of your search.
5. Set up job board notifications. Let Indeed, LinkedIn, etc., work for you in your search!
6. Tailor your resume carefully for each job to meet applicant tracking system keywords.
7. Keep a record of each position you apply to and save the position descriptions.

As you prepare for your next job search, realize the game has changed significantly with artificial intelligence and applicant tracking systems. I get inquiries from so many job seekers who are frustrated because they have applied to numerous positions and haven’t received any invitations to interview. The number one reason applicants get no response early in the job search is that their resumes never make it past the applicant software. To ensure your resume gets in front of the hiring manager, it must be carefully written and tailored.

Get Professional Help with Your Resume

Getting professional help with your resume is important to ensure you are visible among applicants. A lot of strategy goes into a well-written resume that appeals to both applicant tracking systems and human eyes. As a professional resume writer, I can optimize your resume for both! I analyze your experience and the job description to carefully craft questions and gather key information about your unique experiences and skills. Then, I write a tailored resume to appeal to human eyes and software! Together, we will review your new resume to check for accuracy and finalize the awesome new resume! Book your free consultation today to hear how I can help you get your next great role!

Click here to book a free resume consultation!

When is the Best Time of the Year to Apply for Jobs?
Loren Kelly

Preparing before an interview can minimize anxiety and reduce the odds that you’ll do things that can turn employers off in an interview. If you’re here, you are likely wondering what those turn-offs may be.

Things That Can Turn Off Employers in an Interview

Here’s a list of seven common mistakes interviewees make that can deter an employer and cause an interview to end early.

1. Not Knowing About the Company

It can be an immediate turnoff to an employer if you don’t know much about the company. Spending time on their website, social media pages, Google business page, and looking at Google and Yelp reviews (depending on the business) can be very insightful. Knowing their mission, vision, and goals can help you explain your experience and skillsets in relevant and valuable ways. If you are wondering what to do before an interview to learn about a company, check out my recent blog post!

2. Appearing Desperate

A desperate candidate is never appealing to an employer. Saying, “I’ll take any job to get my foot in the door,” or “I’ll do anything to work for you” may seem like a compliment, but it comes across as desperate to an employer. Make sure you articulate excitement but not desperation.

3. Negativity

Employers are willing to train the right person for a job. Most hiring managers seek the right cultural fit rather than an exact set of hard skills. A huge part of being a good cultural fit is having a great attitude, being teachable, and demonstrating accountability.

Negativity is one of the top things that can turn employers off in an interview. Avoid speaking negatively if asked about a conflict with a supervisor or colleague. Instead, accept responsibility and emphasize how you learned and grew through the situation.

Likewise, remain positive if asked why you left a position. Negative remarks will turn employers off in an interview. Perhaps the culture wasn’t a good fit. Maybe you needed more flexibility, etc. Owning the decision demonstrates accountability and a good attitude.

4. Lack of Questions for the Employer

Most employers will end the interview with, “What questions do you have for us?” Not having questions is one thing that can turn employers off in an interview. I suggest preparing a list of five thoughtful questions and taking it with you to the interview. A few of those questions will likely be answered organically throughout the conversation, so having a list of at least five will ensure you still have remaining questions at the end of the conversation.

5. Too Much Confidence

While it is important to be confident of your skillset in an interview, it is essential not to come across as arrogant. Showing humility, honestly presenting areas for growth when asked, owning up to mistakes, and explaining how you grew from them when answering behavioral questions are all part of being confident yet humble. Preparing interview stories in advance can help you find the right balance!

6. Appearing Overly Relaxed

While many think interview nerves are bad, having some nervousness in an interview is good! If it appears you are incredibly relaxed, you may lose the professional vibe that is necessary to excel in an interview. Sitting forward in your chair with good posture is part of professional nonverbal communication. Slouching in a chair, showing up on time or a few minutes late, or speaking too casually are all things that can turn employers off in an interview.

7. Brief Answers to Interview Questions

The most common mistake I see people make in interviews is giving brief answers to interview questions, primarily situational or behavioral interview questions. You must prepare good interview stories to provide adequate detail to the panel. Remember, they are looking for an excellent cultural fit. Well-explained stories allow the employer to understand who you are and how you respond to different situations.

How to Avoid Interview Turnoffs

The good news is you can easily avoid doing things that can turn employers off in an interview. The key is preparing well for an interview. I offer coaching sessions to help professionals prepare for interviews! These sessions include interview strategy, interview stories, questions to ask the employer, and more! Book a free consultation today to learn more about my interview prep services!

Do you have an interview? I can help!

I love helping candidates prepare for an interview! If you have an interview, let me help you prepare interview answers and stories that will make you stand out and adequately illustrate your skills and experience. Are you short on time? No problem! An hour session is all it takes to help you confidently knock your next interview out of the park!

Book a coaching call now!

Read: Signs You Interview Went Well

Things That Can Turn Off Employers in an Interview
Loren Kelly

Congratulations on your transition to civilian life after your military career! This transition is fresh in my mind as my husband, active-duty Navy for 15 years, just transitioned from the military to a civilian career. One of the key tools you will need for this transition is a resume, and as a military resume writer, I would be happy to help with your military-to-civilian resume!

From a Military Resume Writer: How to Write a Military to Civilian Resume

Writing a resume is daunting for most military and veterans because one has not been required of you! Additionally, the terms used in the military rarely translate to civilian lifestyle. Here are some steps to ensure your military experience translates well to civilian employers.

1. Find a job description for your ideal position and analyze it.

You’ll find this advice in every single resume blog I write. No matter your background, you must tailor your resume to the job and employer; however, this step is even more critical for transitioning servicemembers. Find the job description for your ideal position and analyze it carefully for keywords, phrases, and duties. Once you have the job description, highlighted key terms, and made notes, you are ready for the next step in writing a military-to-civilian resume.

2. List your hard and soft skills from your various military roles.

Most people will jump right into writing a resume next. But first, I want you to list all of the roles you have held in the military and brainstorm the hard and soft skills you developed and utilized in each. You often wear multiple hats for a command in the military, so think through this step. Your list will likely be quite long!

Hard Skills are technical skills one uses to complete tasks and are often developed through formal education or on-the-job training. Examples include changing a hard drive on a computer, installing software, or mechanic skills. List out your hard skills utilized in each role.

Soft skills are transferable skills that one organically builds and uses throughout employment. Examples are communication skills, public speaking skills, and leadership skills. As you list your soft skills, note how you demonstrated those skills in each role. This will save you time later and make your experiences more tangible to employers.

You will yield the best results if you give yourself time and space to create this list. Also, speak with your partner, colleagues, and friends to help you remember what you did in each role (especially if you’ve had a lengthy military career).

3. Align your hard and soft skills from the military to the keywords in the job description.

As a military resume writer, I can’t stress enough how important this step is when writing your military-to-civilian resume. And it is probably the most difficult. Go back to the job description where you highlighted keywords, phrases, and skills. Find hard and soft skills from your list that match the position’s requirements. If you struggle with this step, please book a free consultation, and as a military resume writer, I’ll be happy to assist you!

4. Speak the employer’s language.

After matching your hard and soft skills to the position description, you must use the employer’s language on your resume, not the military’s terms and language. For example, if you are in the Navy or Marines, your performance evaluations are called FITREPs. To a civilian, that would likely translate to a physical fitness evaluation, not a job performance evaluation. Add to your military notes how you will speak the employer’s language and translate the military language to the civilian market. Not only does speaking the employer’s language appeal to the hiring manager, but it will ensure you get passed an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) in the likely event one is used.

5. Choose the best resume structure to highlight your unique career.

The last step of writing a military-to-civilian resume is choosing the best strategy to organize your information. Most people default to a chronological format, but that is not always the best option! A functional or combination resume could be the best structure to make you stand out! I also urge you to choose your resume headings wisely. What will speak to the hiring manager but also meet the requirements of ATS? If you need help with resume strategy and organization, I am a military resume writer and offer free consultations to help!

Military Resume Writer

My name is Loren, and I am the proud spouse of a veteran. My husband recently transitioned to the military reserves after 15 years of active-duty service! I have helped him and many others with military-to-civilian resume writing, and it would be an honor to help you, too!

Book a Free Consultation to chat about your resume!

Here’s where past resume clients have been hired:

• Lockheed Martin
• Cashman Equipment
• Army Core of Engineers
• Delta Airlines
• United Airlines
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Sandlot & Company
• California Community Colleges
• Saint Luke’s Health System
• FEV Tutor
• Monarch Property Group
• ResMed

https://lorenkellycoaching.as.me/free-consult

 

How to Write a Military-to-Civilian Resume
Loren Kelly

When looking for summer internship opportunities, many ask about writing cover letters for interns. Today, I’m answering that question by providing a basic cover letter template for students to highlight their skills, experience, and education when writing a tailored cover letter! Use the tips and examples outlined in this article to make your cover letter stand out! I’ve also provided a video explanation for you!

Cover Letters for Interns

I suggest cover letters for interns have four paragraphs. Each one serves a unique purpose and should be tailored each time you apply for a position. Here is a cover letter template for students and an outline with a description of the information you should include.

Opening Paragraph

The opening paragraph should identify the position for which you are applying and hook the reader. Remember writing essays in middle school? Your English teacher probably told you, “You have to hook the reader in the introduction!” The same applies. Ask yourself, “What is the one thing that I can do, that I possess, etc. that would be most impressive and valuable to an employer?” That one thing is your hook to keep them reading.

Body Paragraphs

Cover letters for internships should include two body paragraphs. These paragraphs are your opportunity to really stand out amongst other candidates. For young students, I suggest writing one paragraph about your education and one paragraph about your experience and skills. For professionals with more experience, choose the two positions (or one position and education) that best highlight the skills outlined in the position description.

The biggest mistake I see candidates make is using one generic cover letter template to apply for all jobs. This is a huge mistake! The paragraphs of your cover letter, specifically these body paragraphs, should be revised and tailored each time you apply for a position.

Be as specific and tangible in your body paragraphs as possible. Include the words and language that the employer utilized in the position description. Utilize numbers as frequently as possible to communicate your achievements to the hiring manager. For example, if a job description stresses the importance of good customer service skills, make sure you provide some very specific examples and information that demonstrate those skills. Anyone can write, “I have developed exceptional customer service skills” in a cover letter. What the employer is more interested in reading is, “During my two years as a Customer Service Associate at Target, I had a secret shopper satisfaction rating of 95 percent.” Providing a number and statistic makes this statement strong, relevant and impressive to the employer.

If you writing cover letters for internships and feel as though you lack the experience to highlight, don’t worry! It is wise of you to highlight your education or training. You can state the degree you earned, or are pursuing, as well as titles of specific courses you took that relate to the job duties outlined in the description. Campus and community involvement can also be described to highlight soft skills you have demonstrated that are relevant to the position.

Closing Paragraph

The closing paragraph of a cover letter does not need to be lengthy; however, it should communicate confidence and request action. Instead of, “I hope to hear from you soon,” write, “I look forward to further discussing how my knowledge and experience will contribute to the continued success of XYZ company. To schedule an interview, I may be reached at (559) 432-1111.” Confidence and clarity are key!

Cover Letter Template for Students

So, what do the parts of the cover letter template for students look like when they are all put together? Here is an example cover letter from a student applying for a summer internship program. Notice how he has chosen to predominately highlight his part-time work experience in the body paragraphs but also finds ways to include his education as well.

It can be very beneficial to engage in the cover letter writing process with a professional. If you begin writing a cover letter but feel as though you are struggling to really highlight yourself, I offer resume and cover letter writing and revision services! Let’s chat!

Finalizing Your Cover Letters for Internships

After you have used this cover letter template to write your letter, be sure to let your work sit for a while before jumping into the revision process. When you go back and read your work, ask yourself these questions:

• Will my audience be hooked after reading the first paragraph?
• How well did I address the skills and requirements listed in the position description?
• Did I include specific examples or is my content general?
• Is my word choice confident and clear throughout the letter?
• Have I communicated passion and enthusiasm for this particular position/company?

Would you like expert eyes on your cover letter? I can help you tailor and polish your cover letter to ensure you get an interview. Confidently put yourself forward for the job of your dreams by getting assistance tailoring your professional documents! Learn more about my services here and see what others have to say about my resume and cover letter help!

Want help with your resume, cover letter, or job search?

As an experienced educator and career coach, I sit down with students and young professionals one-on-one with their career endeavors! Whether you want tailored resume help or assistance finding and landing your dream job, I can help!

Book a free consultation today!

Cover Letters for Interns: A Free Template!
Loren Kelly