How To Use Your Martial Arts Training When Applying for Jobs or College

You might be thinking, “Hold on a second, what does my martial arts training have to do with my resume or college applications?“ But here’s the thing: Showcasing your training when applying for jobs or college can significantly boost your chances of standing out from other candidates. Martial arts are disciplines that require dedication, hard work, and perseverance, and everybody knows it!

These are qualities that any employer or college admission officer looks for in a potential candidate. Blue Wolf Martial Arts shares some practical tips on using your martial arts training to benefit your future:

Spend Time on Your Resume

Having a professional and compelling resume that captures the attention of hiring managers is among the most critical aspects of any job search. Along with using online resources as your guide (this could help), consider these strategies for crafting a stellar resume:

Tailor your resume to the job posting: Read the job description carefully, and highlight the requirements and qualifications. Customizing your resume for the individual job will show the employer that you’ve taken the time to understand their needs.

Use strong action verbs: Start bullet points with robust verbs that demonstrate your capabilities. Words like “led,” “managed,” “created,” and “developed” can impactfully show your accomplishments and responsibilities.

Quantify your achievements: Include specific metrics and numbers to demonstrate your impact. For example, “Increased sales by 20% in my first quarter“ or “Managed a team of 10 employees with an annual revenue of $5 million.”

Keep it concise: Aim for a one-page resume to avoid overwhelming the hiring manager with too much information. Eliminate irrelevant information, and focus on your most relevant experience and skills.

Proofread carefully: Grammatical errors and typos can make a bad first impression. Double-check your spelling, punctuation, and grammar to ensure a polished and professional document.

Highlight Your Achievements

One of the best ways to incorporate your martial arts training is to highlight your achievements. Whether it’s winning a tournament or obtaining a black belt, this is a fantastic strategy for demonstrating your commitment and dedication to the sport — and it will be easy for the reader to envision how that dedication translates to other areas of life! If you have several achievements, you can even designate a separate section for them on your resume or college application.

Describe Your Training

It’s essential to include details about your martial arts training. You might mention the style of martial arts you practice, the length of time you’ve been training, and the type of training you’ve received. 

If you have a specialty, such as sparring or grappling, put that in there as well. Doing so will give the reader a better understanding of your martial arts background and how it impacts your outlook on life.

Emphasize Your Transferable Skills

Incorporating your martial arts training into your resume or college application provides the perfect platform for emphasizing important skills. Rather than simply stating that you’ve been training for a specific number of years, mention the skills you’ve developed along the way. For example, you can say that you’ve developed strong problem-solving skills, an ability to work well under pressure, exceptional communication skills, or any number of other skills you’ve cultivated through your training. 

Mention Your Involvement in Martial Arts Organizations

If you’re involved in a martial arts organization, mention it on your resume or college application. This might include local or national associations, events you’ve participated in, the martial arts studio you train at each day, or any leadership roles you’ve held. A brief mention of your involvement not only will show that you’re serious about the sport but also actively contributing to the community.

Summary

If you want to distinguish yourself from other candidates, bring your martial arts training into your resume or college application. Highlighting your achievements, describing your training, emphasizing your skills, and including your involvement in the sport and community will demonstrate your commitment and dedication. Remember to be specific and quantify your achievements whenever possible so you can showcase your training for maximum impact!

Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our martial arts programs? Visit BlueWolfMartialArts.com today!