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Your resume has to elevate you among candidates and explain to recruiters what you will bring to a track and field program. Here's what we'll cover in this track coach resume sample and writing guide:
- What does a track coach do?
- How to write a track coach resume (tips and tricks)
- The best format for a track coach resume
- Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
- Professional resume layout and design hints.
Let’s get you off and running toward your next coaching position.
What does a track coach do?
Track coaches guide their athletes toward their personal best achievements in their events. They create team cohesiveness, schedule events and create practice regimens. Track coaches also give nutritional advice and work with athletic trainers to make sure their runners stay healthy.
In addition, track coaches may recruit runners to strengthen the team. They also travel with the team to track meets both locally and farther afield.
How to write a track coach resume
The very first step in writing your track coach resume is understanding what sections to include. Your CV should contain the following elements:
- The resume header
- The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
- The employment history section
- The resume skills section
- The education section
Choosing the best resume format for a track coach
Track coaches may run several teams, work as teachers or coach a different sport in the off season. That means a typical reverse chronological order resume format may not work as well for you. However, we still recommend doing your best to follow that structure as much as possible.
If you are working several jobs simultaneously, you may consider one of the hybrid or alternative format options we offer.
Resume summary example: off and running
Why include a profile? This section, also known as a summary or personal statement, gives you your only chance to explain in full sentences who you are and highlight your greatest achievements. Aim your profile section at your prospective athletic director. You want that person to know what you will bring to the program, whether it be an NCAA Division I college team or the physical education program at a public school. Think about your accomplishments as a coach and an athlete and tout those here. This is not the section to be shy, but stay away from exaggerating.
You must also express your professional personality. You will be tasked with teaching team members the importance of sportsmanship, creating a cohesive team, and connecting with individual students. Because of your close relationships with students and athletes, who you are, how you communicate, and your style as a coach are very important.
Use strong verbs to describe your coaching experience. You have about 3-5 sentences, so make them count, but remember you can add more details in your cover letter, which should complement your resume, not repeat it.
Keep your resume on track! Seek our other similar sport and fitness resume examples for more inspiration and advice. They include a sports resume example, soccer coach resume sample, athletic trainer resume example, basketball coach resume sample and a baseball coach resume example.
Seasoned and accomplished Track Coach with a history of helping student athletes to realize their greatest potential while leading teams to victories. Skilled in helping runners to consciously improve their form and utilize powerful running techniques to maximize speed and endurance while minimizing the risk of injury. An award-winning Distance Runner myself, I bring an in-depth understanding of the physical, mental, and emotional requirements necessary to find success as a runner. Adept in guiding athletes as they make strides to achieve their highest level of performance.
Employment history sample: personal bests
The employment history section of your track coach resume details the experience you have that makes you right for the job. No matter where you are in your coaching career, you want to show a progression of growth from the starting line.
You also want to make sure you are positioning yourself for the job you have in your sights by showing recruiters that you have already performed the duties associated with those jobs.
In some jobs, track coaches are also expected to coach other sports in the off-season. If you have experience as a basketball coach, consider adding that in as well since it speaks to your ability to multitask and work well with teams.
Don’t neglect areas of expertise such as knowledge of the rules, regulations, equipment, and techniques used in track and field events and training.
Guiding questions
Answering the following questions will help you develop your employment history section.
- Where am I in your career and where do I want to go?
- How many years of experience do I have?
- Am I looking to make the leap to head coach?
- Do I want to work in a bigger program?
- Coached college track and field athletes, leading teams to victory for two consecutive years.
- Worked with Athletic Coordinators to create a program worthy of the school and its students.
- Coached runners about proper form and performance-enhancing techniques.
- Assisted runners with injuries and physical setbacks by offering modified techniques.
- Assisted with fundraising events and collaborated with Division Administrators.
- Worked to recruit and retain promising runners.
- Operated with a serious commitment to the guidelines and mission of the college.
CV skills example: recruiter fast track
Recruiters are busy and want to know that job seekers have the required skills. The skills section of your track coach resume offers them a quick way to scan for abilities that match the job listing for which they are hiring.
Break your skills into soft skills, or those interpersonal and organizational skills all employees need, and hard skills, or the specific knowledge and abilities needed to be a track coach.
Here are some hard and soft skills to consider
| Hard skills | Soft skills |
| First aid/CPR certified | Communication |
| Physical therapy | Scheduling |
| Nutrition | Motivation |
| Running techniques | Teaching |
Remember to include your understanding of other events such as the high jump or javelin throw. Include a mix of soft and hard skills, but make sure you tailor this list to the specific job description. This not only tells recruiters that you have given thought to their position, but it will help you get past the ATS. Below you'll find the skills section from our adaptable resume sample.
- Effective Coaching Techniques
- Knowledge of Running and Game Techniques
- Program Management Skills
- Conditioning Skills
- Collaboration Skills
- Professional Enthusiasm
Resume education example
Most coaches have a bachelor of science degree in a field related to athletics such as sports medicine, physical education, or athletic training. Some also have master’s degrees. If you hold a degree higher than a bachelor’s degree, you may leave out your high school.
You may also have certification from USA Track and Field, which offers several different programs. You can list that here, create a separate section, or add certifications to your education section. See our resume sample below.
- 2012-2016 UC San Diego, University, Bachelor of Sports Management San Diego, CA
- 2008-2012 Fallbrook High School, High School Diploma San Diego, CA
Resume layout and design: first impressions
The look of your resume counts. It offers the first impression the athletic director will get of who you are. Make sure you present yourself as professional and knowledgeable with an easy-to-ready resume layout. A resume template can make it easy to create a professional, yet welcoming layout.
Then, take advantage of a resume builder tool, such as ours, to avoid any formatting errors and allow you to easily save your document as a PDF (a must for eliminating formatting changes between programs).
Key takeaways for a track coach resume
- Track coaches often take on multiple roles, including teaching, especially if they work at the high school level.
- Use your summary to highlight both your knowledge of coaching and your ability to motivate athletes to personal bests.
- Combine hard and soft skills to create a well-rounded overview of your talents.
- Our adaptable resume sample will help you fast track your application.
