Career Transition : Job Search Strategy for Players

Transitioning out of pro hockey can feel daunting, but with structure and the right tools, you can tackle the job hunt with confidence. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build momentum, stand out, and land a role that fits your goals.

🏁 Step 1: Build a Target List of Companies

• Start with clarity - Know where you’re aiming before you begin applying.
• Research using LinkedIn and Crunchbase - Look for companies in industries you’re genuinely interested in.
• Use filters to narrow your search - Target locations, job types, company size, or growth stage.
• Vet companies for fit - Read Glassdoor reviews to understand their salary ranges, benefits, and culture.
• Check leadership and news - Learn about the company’s recent growth, executive team, and values to see if they align with yours.

📄 Step 2: Optimize Your Resume & Cover Letter

• Treat your resume like your highlight reel — It needs to speak directly to each role you apply for.
• Focus on inputs that led to clear ouputs (results) - Use examples from your playing career that show how your actions drove outcomes.

Helped team improve penalty kill from 78% to 85%, or Served as team captain during a season where team moved from 10th to 5th place.

These show initiative, leadership, and impact, just like in any professional role.

• Tailor versions for each role - Don’t send the same resume to every job. Create variations that reflect what each employer is looking for.
• Use ATS-friendly formats - Tools like Kickresume, Enhancv, or ATSfriendly.com can help ensure your resume passes digital screening.
• Test and refine - Try different layouts or word choices to see which version gets better responses.

💼 Step 3: Build a strong LinkedIn Profile

• Career direction - Make sure your online presence reflects where you’re headed next, not just where you’ve been.
• Create or update your LinkedIn profile - Highlight your transferable skills, professional goals, and story behind your career shift.
• Write a headline that positions you for your next step - Example: “Former Pro Athlete | Focused on Sales & Team Leadership | Career Transition in Progress”
• Craft a summary that connects your past to your future - Share the mindset, leadership, and performance strengths you've gained as an athlete and how they apply to your new direction.
• Professional photo - Use a professional photo and custom URL to improve search visibility.
• Recommendations - Request recommendations and LinkedIn endorsements from coaches, teammates, or mentors to build credibility and trust.

📬 Step 4: Network & Outreach Strategy

• A proactive approach wins - Be intentional not reactive. Don't wait for things to land on your plate. Go after what you want.
• Create a company list - Shortlist companies you’re excited about and begin direct outreach.
• Outreach - Send cold emails or LinkedIn messages to hiring managers, recruiters, or even CEOs (if appropriate for smaller teams).
• Track everything in one place - Use an Excel sheet to keep tabs on your outreach, applications, and follow-ups.
• Leverage your network - Reach out to past teammates, coaches, school alumni, or industry connections for intros or advice.

🗣️ Step 5: Nail the Interview & Follow Up

• Preparation and mindset are everything - Just like game day, come prepared.
• Research before every interview - Know the company’s business model, recent news, and your interviewer’s background.
• Show up prepared - Practice common questions and get clear on your story, what drives you, what you bring, and why you’re transitioning.
• Follow up with purpose - Always send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Reaffirm your interest and personalize it based on the conversation.

📌 Final Takeaways

• Apply with strategy, not volume - Quality beats quantity.
• Use multiple channels - Combine job boards, direct outreach, and referrals for better traction.
• Track and adjust - Monitor what’s working and evolve your approach over time.
• Stay consistent - The right opportunity comes from showing up, day after day.

🤝 Need Support?

If you're looking for extra guidance with your job search, resume strategy, or outreach planning, we’ve partnered with Careers After Sports to help support you through the transition.

Reach out to learn how they can help you take the next step with confidence.