Pro Staff & Resume

[The Duke]

On a resume, do you include current pro staffs and sponsorships? I've been told that the more pro staffs you're on the more desirable you look. Also, this past week I spoke with a company and one of the first questions they asked was "how many other sponsorships/pro staffs are you a part of?"

So, if you do include them on the resume, what information do you include? Company name obviously, but what else?

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Company name/address, contact, and time terms of your contract  but do not divulge the other terms, they are your personal business.

There are a few reasons to state current affiliations up front:

- the company may have products or products coming that are in direct conflict with your current sponsors

-For a reference.  Many of the folks in the industry know each other.

-It's attractive to some, complete opposite to others, depends on their needs.  You want to be a good fit so the more info they have, the better they can evaluate how tight of a fit it will be

-previous representation's sales performances can be a direct reflection on your ability to move product

-Your current list of sponsors also tells a lot about you to the employer.  Does this angler accept anyone willing?  Does he/she have "conflicting" sponsors,....sponsors of questionable ethics, etc   This says a lot about your character and motive.  

ex: Don't apply for sponsorship from Marlboro if you're currently under the Nicoderm banner.  If you have both on your list.....well now, how does that look?  It says that you are sneaky, manipulating, untrustworthy etc because it's obvious that you held the relation with one from the other when you approached them.  NOT someone I would want to represent my company.

-and plain and simple, ....do they themselves recognize the products you have represented?  (have you been successful in getting previous products in the limelight, etc)

**I spoke with a company and one of the first questions they asked was "how many other sponsorships/pro staffs are you a part of?"

**This could go either way, again, depending on their needs.  If they need someone to do EVERY show, EVERY weekend, etc and you throw down a list of 17 current sponsors, well, you obviously won't have the time to fulfill their needs.

Same goes for the flipside.  If they are a young, growing company looking to establish channels to get their product flowing in, then someone who is VERY well connected might be what they are looking for.  

[The Duke]

Thank you for your thorough reply. Great advice. I'll take it, apply it, and learn from it!

[Sam]

Make yourself look as good as you can.

Make yourself look better than you are.

Good luck.