How to get a job in sports writing

Getting a job in sports writing is tough but not impossible. Here are some tips to try and help you land that dream job:

Start A Blog

This is an absolute must for any budding sports writer. Whether you are in college, high school or have graduated you need to be writing on a regular basis. Writing a blog is a great way to practice and shows to prospective employers that you are serious about your chosen career. If you are providing links to your blog in job applications make sure that it is error free, well designed and updated regularly. Who knows, if you build up a fan base and your blog proves to be popular you may be able to start generating your own income through blog writing alone.

Have A USP

With so many graduates wanting to break into a career in sports writing or journalism it is vital that you stand out from the crowd. Lots of people might want to write about the NFL or the NBA. What makes you different and therefore your writing more interesting than everyone else's? Writing about a niche sport is a great way of standing out from the crowd. If you are writing about a national or international story try and find a different angle. Don’t be lazy; look at what national journalists are doing and challenge yourself to come up with something even better.

Make Contacts

Network like crazy. Many of the best jobs in sports journalism are never even officially advertised. It goes without saying that you should be completing volunteer jobs and completing work experience if you are serious about a career in sports writing. Use Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to stay in contact with editors and members of staff after you have completed your internship or work placement. Suggesting story ideas even after you have left your placement will display that you are passionate about gaining employment in sports journalism.

Explore All Avenues

Ten to fifteen years ago the majority of sports writing positions were found on national and local newspapers. Nowadays it seems that every sporting organization and team has their own website, magazine and even TV channel.

When thinking about sports writing you may have had in mind working for a national newspaper covering baseball, football or basketball but there are many different opportunities for people to work in sports media outside of the mainstream newspaper industry.