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CV guidance for Adults and Career Changers
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Tailoring your CV for sport and physical activity

Whether you’re transitioning from another field or seeking advancement within the sports sector, your CV is your first step to making a strong impression. Here’s how you can tailor your CV to stand out and showcase your expertise in the sport and physical activity industry.

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Key components of a strong CV

Professional summary

Start with a compelling professional summary that highlights your experience, passion for sport and key achievements. This should be a snapshot of your career, emphasising your most relevant skills and accomplishments.

Example:

“A dedicated and dynamic fitness professional with over 10 years of experience in personal training and sports management. Proven track record in improving athletic performance, leading teams and enhancing client health outcomes through innovative fitness programmes.”

Relevant experience

Detail your work history with a focus on roles that demonstrate your expertise in the sport and physical activity sector. Use bullet points to clearly outline your responsibilities and achievements in each position. 

Example:

Head Coach, Elite Fitness Gym

June 2018 – Present

  • Developed and implemented tailored training programmes for over 100 clients, resulting in an average performance improvement of 20%.
  • Led a team of 10 trainers, providing mentorship and professional development.
    Increased client retention by 30% through personalised coaching and engagement initiatives.

Key skills

Include a skills section that lists relevant skills for the sport and physical activity sector. Be specific and use keywords that align with the job description. 

Example: 

  • Advanced knowledge of fitness training techniques
  • Strong leadership and team management abilities
  • Proficient in sports nutrition and injury prevention 

Certifications and education

Highlight any certifications and educational qualifications that are pertinent to the sports sector. This could include degrees in sports science, certifications in personal training or courses in sports management.

Example:

  • Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training
  • BSc in Sports Management, Loughborough University
    First aid qualified

Achievements and projects

Showcase specific achievements and projects that demonstrate your impact and innovation in the field. Quantify your accomplishments with numbers and data where possible.

Example:

  • Successfully organised and executed a community fitness event attended by over 500 participants, raising £10,000 for local sports programmes.
  • Oversaw a wellness initiative at ABC Company, resulting in a 15% reduction in employee absenteeism due to improved fitness levels.

Tailoring tips 

The sport and physical activity sector is multifaceted, with opportunities ranging from coaching and fitness training to sports management and physiotherapy. Each role has its own set of required skills and attributes. Tailoring your CV to highlight your relevant experience and skills is crucial for demonstrating your fit for the job. 

Job vacancies

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Research the employer

Understand the organisation’s mission, values and specific requirements for the role. Customise your CV to reflect how your background and skills align with their needs.

Use industry language

Incorporate industry-specific terminology and jargon to demonstrate your familiarity with the sector. This can also help your CV pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Highlight transferable skills

If you’re transitioning from another industry, emphasise transferable skills such as leadership, project management and strategic planning. Relate these skills to the demands of the sport and physical activity sector as well as the job description.

Polishing your CV

Once you’ve got the content sorted, it’s important to make sure that you present the information in a way that is easy for employers to understand and allows your skills and expertise to shine.

Keep it clear and concise

A well-organised CV with clear headings and bullet points makes it easy for hiring managers to quickly identify your qualifications and skills.

Proofread

Ensure that your CV is free of spelling and grammatical errors. Consider having a peer review it for additional feedback.

Use a professional format

Opt for a clean, professional layout. Avoid overly complex designs, which can distract from your content.