5 Common Mistakes Athletes Make in Resume Writing (And How to Avoid Them)

Transitioning from the field, court, or track to the corporate world can feel like navigating uncharted waters for many student-athletes. Years of dedication to a sport often result in a wealth of skills and experiences that translate well into the workplace—teamwork, leadership, discipline, and resilience. However, translating these qualities into a compelling resume that resonates with recruiters can be a tricky process. Many athletes unknowingly make certain mistakes when writing their resumes, which can inadvertently undermine their professional potential. Understanding these common pitfalls and learning how to avoid them can help athletes showcase their strengths and land the job they deserve.

One of the most frequent errors athletes make in resume writing is focusing too heavily on sports-specific language. While sports are a significant part of an athlete’s life, the goal of a resume is to communicate how these experiences relate to the job you’re applying for. For instance, it’s easy to include jargon related to plays, positions, or competitions that a potential employer might not understand. Phrases like “scored an average of 20 points per game” or “led the team in offensive rebounds” don’t provide insight into skills that are applicable to the workplace. Instead, athletes should focus on translating these accomplishments into more universally recognized terms. For example, “Led a team of 10 athletes through rigorous competition while maintaining focus and team morale” shows leadership and team-building skills—qualities highly valued in professional settings.

Another common mistake is the failure to quantify achievements in a way that appeals to recruiters. Athletes are accustomed to highlighting performance metrics such as points scored, personal records, or championships won. However, recruiters in business or other industries are looking for a different kind of achievement: impact. How did your contributions lead to success, and how can this translate to the workplace? Quantifying achievements in terms of leadership, collaboration, or project management is key. Instead of listing “Won a national championship,” it’s more compelling to frame it as, “Led a team to a national championship by fostering communication and cooperation, resulting in a 50% improvement in overall team performance.” This not only highlights your ability to lead but also underscores how your actions contributed to collective success.

Another issue athletes often face is underestimating the importance of including soft skills on their resumes. While it’s tempting to focus only on physical accomplishments or technical abilities, employers are often more interested in soft skills like communication, time management, and adaptability. Sports inherently teach these skills, but many athletes neglect to emphasize them when crafting their resumes. For example, the time management skills required to juggle academic responsibilities and an intense athletic schedule are invaluable in the corporate world, where balancing multiple projects is a necessity. Highlighting these skills can make your resume stand out to recruiters who are looking for candidates that can navigate complex environments and work well under pressure.

Another mistake athletes make is not customizing their resume for each job they apply to. A one-size-fits-all resume rarely performs well in today’s job market. Just like in sports, where you adapt your game plan to different opponents, the same principle applies to resume writing. Athletes should research the job and company they are applying to and tailor their resume accordingly. This means tweaking your achievements and skills to align with the specific qualifications listed in the job description. For example, if you’re applying for a leadership role, emphasize your experience as a team captain or your ability to lead a group through challenging situations. Tailoring your resume shows that you understand the specific needs of the role and that you’ve taken the time to craft your application thoughtfully.

Lastly, many athletes make the mistake of not clearly defining their career goals or providing a summary of their qualifications at the top of their resume. A resume is not just a record of your past experiences—it’s a forward-looking document that tells recruiters where you want to go next. Without a clear summary or objective statement, it can be difficult for potential employers to understand how your athletic background fits into the job you’re applying for. A strong resume summary should quickly communicate who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and what you’re looking for in your career. For example, a well-crafted summary might read, “Former Division I soccer player with proven leadership skills and a track record of success in team-building and performance improvement, seeking to leverage my expertise in a project management role.” This immediately gives recruiters a sense of your professional identity and the value you bring.

In short, the key to a strong resume is recognizing that the skills and qualities that make athletes successful in sports are equally valuable in professional environments. The challenge lies in framing those experiences in a way that resonates with potential employers, using language they understand and emphasizing the skills they care about. By avoiding sports-specific jargon, quantifying achievements, emphasizing soft skills, customizing resumes for each application, and providing a clear career objective, athletes can ensure that their resumes not only reflect their athletic accomplishments but also position them as strong candidates for their next chapter in the workforce.

Athletes have a unique set of skills honed through years of competition, and with the right approach to resume writing, they can effectively translate their successes on the field into a compelling case for why they’re the perfect fit for their next professional role.