How to Write a Standout Cover Letter as a Student Athlete

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!