In today’s job market, there’s a secret sauce that can help you rise to the top.
Professionalism.
This should be elementary. However, in my experience, professionalism is sorely lacking among golf job seekers, even at the executive management level. What should be low-hanging fruit seems out of reach for many.
Here are four easy ways your professionalism can be a key differentiator that helps you land that job.
The first impression happens before you arrive at their door.
Long before you show up for your interview, your interviewers will have an opinion of you. It starts with your application. Ensure your cover letter and résumé are specific to the job, well-crafted and typo-free. Include all information and materials requested and follow the instructions for how to apply.
Now, take a look at your online presence. What does it say about you? Golf clubs increasingly use social media to gain insights into applicants. Your LinkedIn profile should be complete and current. Bonus points if you share quality golf-related content on it and engage with others’ posts. Your other social media profiles should also reflect positively on you. Clean up any content that doesn’t.
Every communication says something about you.
Give every communication with the club’s hiring team the same TLC you gave your application. Proofread messages before you hit send. Respond promptly and communicate only when necessary.
Soon after the interview, follow up with a note expressing your appreciation and reiterating your interest. It’s a nicety many job seekers skip, so this seemingly simple gesture makes a lasting impression. As the saying goes, common courtesy isn’t all that common.
Use the interview to walk your talk.
On interview day, show up prepared, well-groomed, and 15 minutes early. Smile, offer a firm handshake, and maintain eye contact. Be friendly and polite to everyone you meet.
Listen carefully during the interview, don’t interrupt, and give thoughtful, honest responses that demonstrate your expertise and integrity and show them you’ve taken the time to learn about their club. Never speak negatively about past employers. Nothing says “unprofessional” like a person who bad-mouths their last workplace.
Didn’t get the job? Don’t stop now.
If you don’t get the job, use it as an opportunity to demonstrate the true pro you are. Thank your interviewer again and ask them to keep you in mind should other suitable roles arise. Connect with them on LinkedIn, and nurture that connection by sharing useful content with them when relevant.
The golf industry is a small world. People talk. When you behave like a professional, your good reputation will precede you.
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About The Author
Tyler Bloom is the founder of Tyler Bloom Consulting. A former golf course superintendent and turf professional, Tyler’s love of all things golf began at the age of six when he stepped onto the course for the first time.
Tyler has an Executive Certificate in Talent Acquisition from Cornell University and a degree in Turfgrass Science from Penn State University. With 20 years of experience in the golf and turfgrass industry, Tyler has worked directly with reputable club leaders at some of the most prestigious clubs to place over 200 professionals in executive and management-level positions throughout the United States.
Are you ready to build a top-performing team that drives results? Our proven framework, methodologies, and implementation are based on our track record of developing world-class teams. In addition to talent acquisition, we provide leadership development and ongoing consultative services for the golf course and club industry. Our team has personally coached and mentored dozens of future golf course superintendents across the United States.