Looking for a Full-Time Role in Football? Here are a few tips
Liverpool FC caught a lot of attention recently for advertising a job vacancy for a Set Piece Coach on LinkedIn. Last season, they scored 15 goals from set pieces, coming in 5th in the Premier League. Although 5th place is respectable, Liverpool wanted a change and turned to traditional job postings to find new talent. More and more teams are adopting this approach, which presents opportunities for professionals in the sports industry and a wider range of applicants from other industries looking for a career switch to football. Here are a few tips for people looking to make a career move to a full-time role in football. 1. Tailor Your CV in Terms of Sports Your CV is your first impression, so make sure it reflects your passion and experience in sports. Highlight any relevant activities, achievements, or roles that demonstrate your skills and interest in football. Avoid unprofessional photos, confusing designs, and a lack of a clear career plan. Your CV should tell a story of your journey and your aspirations in the football industry. 2. Make Contact with Recruiters in the Industry Networking is crucial in any industry, and football is no different. Use platforms like LinkedIn and Xing to connect with recruiters and industry professionals. For more specialized job opportunities, visit websites like FutbolJobs, Jobs4Football, Jobs In Football, and Football Careers. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities you might not find through traditional job searches. 3. Focus on New Roles Rising in the Sport The football industry is evolving, and new roles are emerging, particularly in IT and data analysis. These positions are becoming increasingly important for teams looking to gain a competitive edge. If you have expertise in IT, data science, or analytics, you might find that your skills are in high demand. 4. Be Ready for Temporary Job Downgrades and Volunteer Roles Breaking into a new industry can be challenging, and you might need to start with temporary or lower-level positions. Volunteering or taking on internships can provide valuable experience and help you build a network within the industry. Be patient and persistent, as these roles can be stepping stones to more permanent and higher-level positions. 5. There is Never a Perfect Candidate for a Job Many applicants hesitate to apply for roles unless they meet 100% of the requirements. However, employers often look for candidates who fulfill 80-90% of the criteria and have the potential to grow into the role. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t check every box—if you believe you can add value to the team, go ahead and apply. Conclusion Transitioning to a full-time role in football requires a strategic approach and a willingness to adapt. By tailoring your CV, networking with industry professionals, focusing on emerging roles, being open to temporary or volunteer positions, and understanding that perfection isn't required, you can increase your chances of breaking into this exciting field. Keep your passion for the game alive, and stay dedicated to your career goals.
P.S. For 2 months, the ScoutDecision team collected testimonials from scouts in our network about their jobs, the tools they use, etc. Now you can read the results for free here: Football Scouting Survey 2024
