Does athletics play a role in a job search?

I enjoyed a healthy debate with a candidate this morning as we exchanged stories about athletics.  It started off innocently enough with conversations surrounding our respective opening day teams we support for Major League Baseball.  It went on to the topic of college athletics as we both participated.  His story was more compelling as he played tennis at a well known Division I program, while I golfed at a small private school in northwest Iowa.

At the end of the conversation though we unequivocally agreed that those ties are strong and can be beneficial not only in business, but in the job search.  There are no guarantees that all athletes will be successful in the business world, but there are countless examples I could provide after nine years of recruiting that is sure helped in the interview process.  Here are some thoughts to consider -->

1) Being on a team provides a sense of accountability and community.  I am helping to coach my son's baseball team this summer and they really feed off of each other.  When negative we have to corral them into more encouraging words to their teammates.  When positive it is easy to provide a high five for a solid hit or play in the field.

2) Having the desire to compete and win is always a good thing.  Even in losing you can learn lessons that can apply later in life.  Dealing with failure on the field or court can provide insight into how a person will deal with ups and downs in their career.

3) Practice doesn't make perfect.  Rather perfect practice makes perfect.  If you have competed at a high level in sports, you know what this axiom means.  If you have been successful at a high level in collegiate athletics especially, you have not just put in your time, but trained with a specific goal in mind.  This type of focus can especially be good for sales-related positions.

4) Your skills can be used beyond the rec leagues at the gym.  The people you meet on the golf course, the tennis club, the basketball court could be prospects or business partners.  You now have something in common outside of a cold call or meeting at a business mixer with a bunch of other people that may or may not truly have common interests. 

What are your thoughts?  Does having a successful athletic background translate into anything other than a "former jock" label in the business world, especially when seeking a new job?