So You Want to Work in NASCAR….

My NASCAR job seeker’s diary

Volume 2

Research Everything…

Posted on November 16, 2006

By Patricia Mills

You would think that anyone looking for a position of any type would understand that you need to know everything there is to know about the companies, the position, and how what they know is valuable to the job search.  Not so much.  In my search I have often times run across others in my position but without as much background and knowledge of the skills that they posses and how they are able to transfer to the Motorsports industry.

Resume is the key.

There are so many sites to research how to write your sports resume all you need to do is Google it and it will show the way.  I spent an entire three days researching how to write my resume.  In my field, PR, I had gained many years of non-industry experiences that I needed to know how to convey in a way that it related to Motorsports.   First and foremost this is not a bible to how you have to approach this but in my experience you will not get a second look if you are unable to relate your experience to how it can be put to use in this industry.  Prepare yourself because even if you are able to convey this in your resume it is still up against the thousands of resumes that come in at any given team on a weekly basis.  Persistence is the key here.  If you truly want to work within this industry you must remember to be persistent…follow up.  There is a fine line between persistent and annoying so when they say thank you we will keep your information on file you need to thank them and move on.  Remember there are other teams and organizations in which you can shop your information. 

Stir some creative juices.

Much like my columns here you must create a new and unique way to continue to get your name on the desk, mind, or computer screen of the owners, representatives, and hiring managers.  In this industry it is so competitive you must continuously re-evaluate your plan and keep your method of approach fresh. 

Do something for Free.

Okay as crazy as it sounds it might be the best way to approach a few different positions in this industry.   I have helped a few people along the way.  I write this column and am paid nothing to do so.  This is a good way to gain name recognition and prove that your knowledge base for the industry is sound.  When we were kids we all learned to do unto others as we would have them do unto you.  This theory is not lost on the Motorsports industry.  If you are able to help someone out the more likely they are to help you so if you ever, by chance, are offered an opportunity to help someone they may just be more inclined to help you.  Remember NASCAR is a family and they all talk to each other every week.  Often times in industry these days the team mentality is not kept as the first rule…most professionals are thinking all about themselves.  Not here.  This industry still holds dearly the theory of TEAM and in that theory there is no I.  It may or may not help you but if you give of yourself unselfishly it does leave an impression and you have gained some invaluable experiences.

Next week I hope to discuss some of the many programs in place to help the NASCAR job seeker.  Until then, keep positive, dreams are possible.