How to apply for a job

How to apply for a job in sport and physical activity

If you think you’d like to work in sport and physical activity but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place.

Understand your career goals

The first thing to do when thinking of working in the sector is to understand your career goals. Where would you like to be in 10 years, and what steps might you take to get there?

You might want to explore our career and occupations directory to spark your imagination and find out more about the opportunities available to you in sport and physical activity.

Discover occupations

Volunteering in the sport and physical activity sector is also a great way to discover a role that you can excel in. Through volunteer work, you can try new things, make connections and gain important skills to help you progress in your career.

Volunteer in sport and physical activity

Job vacancies

Find your next role with our jobs board. Search thousands of relevant jobs from across the UK.

View job vacancies

Write your CV

Once you’ve decided what kind of role you’re looking for, you’ll need to write your CV to suit the job requirements. If you already have one, you should review it to make sure it’s tailored to your new career aspirations.

Whether you’re looking for guidance on writing a CV for the first time, or need advice on tailoring your CV for a new role within the sport and physical activity sector, our CV writing guides have got you covered.

Fresh out of school, college or university? 

Changing career or seeking a new role? 

Find a vacancy

Now you’re ready to start looking for jobs! With a wide range of ways to search for vacancies, it can be hard to know where to start. If you already have contacts in the sector, then asking them if they know of any opportunities can be a good place to start. Networking events are also a great way to meet potential employers in your chosen area.

If these aren’t an option for you, we recommend the CIMSPA sector jobs board. With our sector-specific tool, you can find roles relevant to you quickly and easily. By searching by sector industry as well as job type and more general filters like location and salary, you can see real jobs that require your knowledge and match your needs.

Not only are vacancies on the CIMSPA sector jobs board all sport and physical activity roles – but all of the employers are CIMSPA partners. As CIMSPA Employer Partners, businesses commit to embedding professional standards into their organisation and supporting their employees to develop professionally.

This means that you can trust every single vacancy on the board. Each employer will provide you with a supportive environment in which to grow, adapt and succeed in your career

Write a cover letter

Many employers will ask you to submit a cover letter as well as your CV when applying for a role. Even if it says this is optional, it’s a good idea to use this opportunity to explain why you are the perfect fit for their vacancy.

While your CV will state the facts, in your cover letter, you can explain how your skills and experience match their needs. Check the job description to see what’s needed and try to specifically mention any skills you have that align with what they are looking for.

Complete the application form

To make it easier for hiring managers to find the most suitable candidates quickly, many employers now also ask you to fill in an application form. This may be instead of a CV and cover letter, or it may be in addition.

The form will usually ask you for your contact details and other basic information, but many also include questions aimed at finding out if you’re right for the role.

Try and answer these with as much detail as you can, explaining how your skills and experience align with the position.

Take your time to make sure that you’ve filled everything in correctly and to the best of your ability.

Tackle the assessments

Some employers like to assess potential employees in a practical way. While it might be time-consuming, this gives you an opportunity to shine and make a lasting impression beyond your CV.

Assessments can vary depending on the role you are applying for and the employer. Some ask you to give a presentation, while others might want you to complete a written task or aptitude test. In frontline sport and physical activity roles, you might be asked to demonstrate your fitness or professional skills in person.

Whatever the task, the best thing you can do is find out as much information as possible in advance and give yourself time to prepare.

Prepare for your interview

If you’ve secured an interview, then you’ve already done lots of the hard work to impress your potential employer. Now is no time to relax, though – there is plenty that you can do to make sure you stand out in your interview and secure the position.

Fresh out of school, college or university? 

Changing career or seeking a new role? 

Follow up

Once you’ve submitted your application and after your interview, check when you can expect to hear back. If you haven’t heard whether you’ve been successful in the allotted time, contact the organisation and politely ask for an update.

Try not to be too disappointed if you’re not successful. There are often lots (even hundreds!) of candidates, and someone else may just have had more experience than you.

This is a good time to reflect, though, and think about whether there is anything you could improve on for next time.

Some employers are happy to provide unsuccessful candidates with feedback, so it’s worth asking if this is possible. Although not always easy to hear, this can be very useful for the future.

Good luck

While applying for jobs is time-consuming and can be tiring, it’s important to remain positive and professional throughout the process:

Submitting a few high-quality applications will have more success than lots of rushed ones. Focus on the roles that you really want and take the time to make them count!
Even if you’re feeling drained, try to be (authentically) enthusiastic in your written and verbal communications. If you are negative or seem indifferent, it can put employers off.
Don’t forget that it’s a two-way process. You’re not just looking to impress employers – make sure that the role and organisation are the right fit for you, too.
Find more tips on applying for jobs through your national careers service: