How do you create a CV to work in football?

Your CV is often the first point of contact between you and a recruiter. In football, where there are numerous applications and positions are sometimes highly sought-after, it needs to make a convincing impression in a matter of seconds.

Whether you want to become a communications officer, fitness coach, video analyst, sales representative, manager, gardener or community manager, a clear, professional CV tailored to the sector can make all the difference.

Here are some best practices for creating an effective CV and maximising your chances of securing an interview.

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Why have a football-specific CV?

Football clubs do not just recruit on the basis of technical ability. They are also looking for people who can understand their environment, their values and their constraints.

Your CV should therefore demonstrate that you are familiar with the sector and that your profile meets the requirements of the role.

The aim is not to have an original CV at any cost, but a clear, well-structured and easy-to-read document.

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Start with a specific title

Avoid simply writing ‘CV’ at the top of your document.

Choose a title that immediately indicates your career objective.

For example:

• Communications Officer – Football

• Video analyst

• Sports Marketing Manager

• Fitness coach

• Responsable de communauté

• Partnerships Manager

This allows the recruiter to identify your area of specialism straight away.

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Highlight your contact details

Your information must be easily accessible.

Please state:

• your first name and surname ;

• your telephone number ;

• your work email address ;

• your town of residence ;

• the link to your LinkedIn profile ;

• a portfolio or a personal website, if your profession warrants it.

Please check that your email address is a work email address.

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Write a tagline

A few lines will help explain your profile.

I am passionate about the football industry and have three years’ experience in sports communications. I am meticulous, creative and comfortable using social media, and I would like to join a club to help develop its image and employer brand.

This introduction helps the recruiter to quickly understand your career path.

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Showcase your experiences

List your work experience from most recent to oldest.

For each of them, please specify:

• the position held ;

• the company or the club ;

• the dates ;

• your main responsibilities ;

• the results obtained, where possible.

Avoid long descriptions.

Focus on tangible achievements.

For example :

• Social media management for a National League club.

• Creating video content on match days.

• Implementation of a LinkedIn strategy that has increased the club’s visibility.

• Organisation of several partner events.

Figures also help to lend credibility.

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Don’t forget to mention your voluntary work

In football, volunteering is often greatly appreciated.

If you have been involved in a sports club, academy or association, please mention this.

These experiences demonstrate your commitment and your practical knowledge.

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Tell us about your training

Please list your qualifications, starting with the most recent.

Please also mention:

• specialist training courses ;

• certifications ;

• federal licences ;

• training courses in management or sports communication.

Further training often offers a real advantage.

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Showcase your skills

Create a dedicated section.

You can distinguish between:

Technical skills

• Adobe Photoshop

• Premier Pro

• Canva

• Excel

• Power BI

• Video analysis software

• CRM

• CMS

• Suite Microsoft Office

• StatSports

Languages

English is a real asset in football.

Please state your level honestly.

Professional qualities

A few examples:

• Organisation

• Team spirit

• Adaptability

• Creativity

• Priority management

• Communication skills

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Tailor your CV to each application

One of the most common mistakes is sending exactly the same CV to all clubs.

Every job vacancy is different.

Take the time to tailor it:

• your tagline ;

• your skills highlighted ;

• your most relevant experience.

Just a few tweaks are often all it takes to make your application much more convincing.

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Mistakes to avoid

Certain errors crop up time and again.

In particular, avoid :

• a CV of several pages (one page is often ideal; two at most for experienced candidates) ;

• spelling mistakes ;

• an unprofessional photo ;

• a cluttered layout ;

• experience unrelated to the role, if it does not add value.

A simple, clear and well-structured CV is often more effective than one with an overly complex design.

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Think about your online presence

Your CV is no longer the only thing recruiters look at.

Before an interview, many people also look up:

• your LinkedIn profile ;

• your portfolio ;

• your achievements ;

• your professional social media platforms.

Please ensure that these various documents are consistent with your application.

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Upload your CV to WorkinFoot

Once you’ve finalised your CV, you still need to make sure it’s visible.

On WorkinFoot, you can create your profile, upload your CV and apply for vacancies advertised by football clubs, academies, federations and organisations.

Your profile remains visible to recruiters looking for new talent, which increases your chances of being contacted, even if you haven’t applied directly for a vacancy.

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The information available on this website is provided free of charge and for information purposes only. WorkinFoot is not a careers adviser or legal adviser and does not guarantee that you will be offered interviews or job offers.