For many employers, the Internet is the first (and perhaps only) resource when looking to fill a coaching position. In turn, it is also a way for them to also get a first impression of potential hires.

With that in mind, it is crucial for a coach looking for a new job to manage their online persona with the same meticulousness they would their “real life” persona. This means making sure social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others) are above reproach. These sites allow its members to control who sees what information when a name is searched.

A great rule of thumb when cleaning up your online accounts is to ask these questions:

• Would I be comfortable if my mother/father/grandparent saw this?
• If an athletic director came across this page, what would they think about it?
• What happens if a recruit or a player’s parent sees this? What will they think?
• Does this best represent who I am, both professionally and personally?

When “cleaning up” your social media accounts, there is no need to remove your unique personality, but there is a need think about any implications beyond that particular site.

Now, what about when making contact with potential teams or clubs? A cover letter and resume is just one step in making a great impression. There are the other little things to remember:

1.) Keep your email address professionally simple: The amount of professionalism you can bring to a coaching position can be read in your email address. While at one time your partyanimal@yahoo.com email address was great for random emails from friends and the occasional chain letter, it is not the best when submitting a professional resume. Keep it simple when developing a new email address; using your first and last name is always a safe bet (i.e. johnsmith@yahoo.com). If you have to use numbers, keep them to a minimum using no more than 4 numbers (i.e. johnsmith2013@yahoo.com).

2.) Reference the coaching job you’re applying for if emailing to someone: Chances are, the person in charge of gathering and reviewing resumes for the open position receives hundreds of emails a day. Be sure to make it clear the job you are applying for, both in the subject line and in the body of the email. Any way to help the reader identify where to route your information gives you a better chance to get in front of who needs to see you.

3.) If attaching your resume, keep the file name simple: Similar to the email subject line, be sure to name your resume document using your first and last name. Keep in mind the athletic director, board or DOC might be handling hundreds of resumes so if it saves them time and energy from having to open, read and resave your resume.

4.) Keep the body of your email simple as well: If you are including a cover letter with your resume (which some organizations require), keep the body of your email short and sweet. There is no need to have the reader see the same information twice. The email body can be a brief summary as to the purpose of the email and what is attached, while the cover letter goes into more detail as to why you are the best qualified applicant.

These are just a few tips when job hunting but great reminders that you must manage your reputation any and everywhere.

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