What’s special about finding a job in cricket?

Not as much as you think!

Getting a job in any field is broadly the same. Doctors, pilots and cricket coaches might need very different skills, experiences and pathways but the basics cross barriers.

At PitchVision, we advertise every cricket-related job. It’s not just coaches, players and administrators on the list. It’s everything from cleaners to IT professionals. So we have seen the common things that every job needs.

Whatever job catches your eye, here are the tips to help you get that interview.

Use experience

Nothing speaks louder than proven experience. But how do you get it?

Say you are looking for a coaching job but have never coached before; it’s unlikely you will get a professional role. However, you can start smaller. Use local teams and volunteer to help with developing players. Take an unpaid intern role at a professional team. Get some experience that shows your skills.

Where you can’t get direct experience, use other experiences to show skills that transfer.

If you have experience at leading and managing people, you can apply that to a coaching role. If you are a dab hand with a camera and an Excel spreadsheet you wont take long to pick up an analyst job. Use what you have to show what you can do.

Pick your passion

It’s a classic mistake to go for anything just because it’s in the world of cricket. Instead, consider the longer term and only go for roles that will get you closer to your passion.

If you love coaching, don’t try and become an administrator because it’s close enough and pays the bills. Most interviewers will realise your heart is not in it. Even if you get that role, you won’t do as well because your passion lies elsewhere.

Work towards doing what you really love. Even if you take other jobs as a stepping stone to your passion, if you keep your eyes on the goal you will throw everything into it and do the best job you can. That’s what people want from employees.

Apply to interview

When you see that job and click through to apply, take a moment to remember one thing.

You are not applying for a job, you are applying for an interview.

The interview will get you the job, but the written application gets you an interview only. It’s step one.

So, apply with the aim in mind of getting in the door. Impress with skills and experience. Remember, in most roles employers will go through dozens or even hundreds of resumes and CVs. Focus on getting yours into the “interview” pile because there is no “hire immediately without interview” pile.

Answer concerns

Most of us focus entirely on strengths when we apply for a role. This is sensible, but additionally, make sure an employer doesn’t reject you from a weakness.

If you lack relevant skills, tackle this head on rather than try to hide it. Let’s say you are 90% of the person they want but are missing one essential skill. Admit it. Explain how you are working towards filling the gap. Be clear how your other strengths are so powerful it makes it worth talking to you in interview.

Stay strong

Finally, remember how common rejection has become in job hunting. Don’t let it get to you.

It’s never personal if you apply for a great job and hear nothing back. It’s more likely there were 200 applicants and 10 of them were better at getting an interview! yes, it’s disappointing but there is always a way forward.

Nobody ever had one perfect job their entire life. You can do many things that you would love just as much as the one that didnt come through for you. Heck, you can even see it as a chance to build experience and skills and come at it again a few years later.

PitchVision has new jobs in cricket every week. Keep hunting, keep building your skills and stay focused on your goal. Together we can make it!

Jobs in cricket

This week PitchVision Jobs features the following roles you can look into:

Spinner / Batsmen - Sutton CC (UK)

Leading Surrey Championship club seeks to employ a cricket professional for the 2017 season, with a view to a longer term arrangement for the suitable applicant.

Click here.

Cricket Coach - Esher CC (UK)

Esher Cricket Club are seeking an experienced professional cricket coach for the 2017 season.

Click here.

Business Systems and Data Manager - ECB (UK)

The post is highly responsible, reporting directly to the Head of IT, leading the management, co-ordination and operational support of all public-facing recreational cricket systems and data management activity within the Business and Memberships team.

Click here.

Cricket Coach - Millfield School (UK)

Applicants should have experience of coaching cricket in Performance Cricket environments and within schools, as well as excellent knowledge of long-term development practices for young cricketers and coaching qualifications at, or approaching, England Cricket Level 3 or equivalent.

Click here.