Starting your athlete cover letter can feel like pre-game jitters. You're ready to apply for a job, only to realize you need more than your resume—a cover letter that packs a punch without mimicking your resume's play-by-play. Focus on your standout moment, the peak of your professional prowess, and weave it into a compelling narrative. Keep it concise, dodge the clichés, and remember, you're aiming to score with just one page.
- Create a athlete cover letter to persuade the recruiters you're the best candidate for the role;
- Use industry-leading athlete cover letter templates and examples to save time;
- Dedicate your athlete cover letter space to your best achievement;
- Make sure your athlete cover letter meets recruiters' expectations and standards.
Avoid starting at the blank page for hours by using Enhancv's AI - just upload your resume and your athlete cover letter will be ready for you to (tweak and) submit for your dream job.
If the athlete isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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Athlete cover letter example
LIAM JOHNSON
Los Angeles, California
+1-(234)-555-1234
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- Emphasizing proven success with strategic recruitment plans showcases an understanding of the importance of aligning student-athlete recruiting with the institution's goals, which is critical for an Athlete Placement Specialist role.
- Highlighting the creation and successful implementation of a CRM-based tracking system for monitoring athlete progress illustrates the applicant's initiative and technical skill, suggesting they are well-prepared for the data management aspects of the position.
- Mentioning a high successful placement rate of athletes and a significant increase in student engagement demonstrates results-driven achievements, which are persuasive metrics for a hiring manager seeking effective program development.
- Expressing a commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes aligns with the values of the hiring institution, painting the applicant as a strong cultural fit for the athletic department's mission.
Standard formatting for your athlete cover letter
Structure your athlete cover letter, following industry-leading advice, to include:
- Header - with your name, the role you're applying for, the date, and contact details;
- Greeting - make sure it's personalized to the organization;
- Introduction paragraph - no more than two sentences;
- Body paragraph - answering why you're the best candidate for the role;
- Closing paragraph - ending with a promise or a call to action;
- Signature - now that's optional.
Set up your athlete cover letter for success with our templates that are all single-spaced and have a one-inch margin all around.
Use the same font for your athlete cover as the one in your resume(remember to select a modern, Applicant Tracker System or ATS favorites, like Raleway, Volkhov, or Chivo instead of the worn-out Times New Roman).
Speaking of the ATS, did you know that it doesn't scan or assess your cover letter? This document is solely for the recruiters.
Our builder allows you to export your athlete cover letter in the best format out there: that is, PDF (this format keeps your information intact).
The top sections on a athlete cover letter
Header with Contact Information: This should include the athlete's name, address, phone number, and email, making it easy for the recruiter to reach out for further communication.
Greeting: Addressing the cover letter personally to the recruiter or head coach shows that the athlete has done their research and is serious about joining the team.
Introduction: The introductory paragraph should capture the recruiter's attention, possibly by highlighting a recent achievement or expressing passion for the sport, setting the tone for the rest of the letter.
Athletic Highlights and Achievements: This section is unique to athletes as it emphasizes past sporting successes, important statistics, and any relevant skills that show why the athlete would be an asset to the team.
Closing and Call to Action: In closing, the athlete should express enthusiasm for the opportunity to meet and further discuss how they can contribute to the team, and indicate availability for tryouts, visits, or interviews.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Athletic accomplishments and statistics: Demonstrates proven performance and potential, critical for a recruiter to assess skill level and competitiveness.
- Sportsmanship and teamwork: Shows ability to collaborate effectively with others and maintain a positive attitude, crucial in team dynamics.
- Physical fitness and endurance: Conveys the candidate's ability to meet the demands of the sport and endure through rigorous training and competitions.
- Coachability and adaptability: Suggests a willingness to learn and adapt techniques, which is important for continuous improvement and responding to feedback.
- Leadership experience: Highlights the ability to motivate and guide others, important for team roles and potential captainship.
- Discipline and work ethic: Reflects a commitment to training and self-improvement, indicating reliability and dedication to the sport.
How to start your athlete cover letter: with a greeting, of course
Have you ever considered just how powerful a personalized salutation can be?
We sure have news for you! Your athlete cover letter should start with the right salutation to recruiters, nurturing a sense of respect and individuality.
Greet recruiters by using their first name (e.g. "Dear Tom" or "Dear Patricia") if you've previously established contact with them.
Otherwise, opt out for the less familiar, "Dear Ms. Peaches" or "Dear Ms Kelsey", if you've found the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or a corporate website.
"To whom it may concern" is never a good option, as it creates a sense that you've been sending out your athlete cover letter to anyone. Instead, use "Dear HR team" or "Dear (company name) recruiter" for a feeling of exclusivity.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Coach's/Manager's Last Name],
- Dear [Team or Department] Staff,
- Dear [Team Name] Recruiting Team,
- Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr.] [Last Name],
- Dear Selection Committee,
What to include in those first two sentences, or your athlete cover letter introduction
Have you ever wondered what the best way is to present your profile in the athlete cover letter introduction?
There's no right or wrong answer if you're being concise and authentic to yourself.
Some professionals start their athlete cover letter by:
- congratulating the company - focusing on something impressive, whether that's an award, an industry-leading project, or a key event;
- aligning their passion for the field or industry with the job - if you're enthusiastic about what you do, you'd thus grow your skill set and value as a professional.
What to write in the middle or body of your athlete cover letter
Here's where it gets tricky.
Your athlete cover letter body should present you in the best light possible and, at the same time, differ from your resume.
Don't be stuck in making up new things or copy-pasting from your resume. Instead, select just one achievement from your experience.
Use it to succinctly tell a story of the job-crucial skills and knowledge this taught you.
Your athlete cover letter is the magic card you need to further show how any organization or team would benefit from working with you.
Closing remarks to end your athlete cover letter
Of course, you'll have to show gratitude to the recruiters, who have assessed your profile at the end of your athlete cover letter .
A "Thank you for the consideration" would work wonders, instead of the standard "Sincerely yours".
Do you want to make an even better impression?
Close off your athlete cover letter by promising how you see yourself excelling in the role and the positive impact you'd bring about.
A sentence that encourages some further action on the recruiter's end could also be a good way to close off the communication (e.g. provide your availability for an interview).
Is it beneficial to mention that you have no experience in your athlete cover letter?
Lacking professional experience isn't the end of the world for your athlete cover letter.
Just be honest that you may not have had roles in the industry, but bring about so much more.
Like, your transferable skills, attained thanks to your whole work and life experience (e.g. the skills your summer spent working abroad taught you).
Or, focus on what makes you, you, and that one past success that can help you stand out and impress recruiters (think of awards you've attained and how they've helped you become a better professional).
Alternatively, write about your passion and drive to land the job and the unique skill set you would bring to enhance the workplace culture.
Key takeaways
Within this Enhancv guide, we've provided you with plenty of advice and inspiration on writing your athlete cover letter:
- Always make sure your athlete cover letter is tailored to the role you're applying for to make a good impression on recruiters;
- In your athlete cover letter include a header (with your name, the role you're applying for, date, and contact details) and an introduction of up to two sentences that highlight your key accomplishment or why you'd fit the role;
- Focus your athlete cover letter body on one sole achievement through your career and all the valuable lessons, skills, and know-how you've learned (that are relevant to the role);
- Ensure your athlete cover letter closing statement isn't generic and includes either a call to action or a promise;
- If you lack professional experience, shift recruiters' focus to a relevant achievement (thanks to your academic or versatile experience) or toward your dreams and goals for professional growth.
Athlete cover letter examples
Explore additional athlete cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
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