Ace your career: what Wimbledon can teach you about looking for a job
Every summer, the world turns its eyes to the pristine grass courts of Wimbledon. With strawberries and cream, fierce rallies, and emotional victories, it's not just a showcase of athletic excellence - Wimbledon is also packed with career wisdom for jobseekers.
Whether you're between roles or exploring new paths, here are five lessons from the iconic tennis tournament to help you ace your job search and land that winning role.
1. Preparation is Everything
Before a single ball is hit, players spend months training, researching their opponents, and refining their strategies. The same goes for job hunting.
Career Tip:
Tailor your CV to each opportunity. Research the company like you’re studying an opponent - understand their culture, values, and goals. Preparation can make the difference between being overlooked and landing the interview.
2. Play the Long Game
Winning Wimbledon isn’t just about one great shot - it’s about stamina, mindset, and resilience. The same applies to the modern job market.
Career Tip:
You may face rejection. You may not hear back. But keep showing up. Keep improving. Keep learning. Persistence and resilience are what separate the contenders from the champions.
3. Showcase Your Strengths
Tennis greats like Serena Williams and Roger Federer built careers around mastering their signature strengths. So should you.
Career Tip:
Identify your ‘strongest serve’. Highlight this in interviews and applications. Confidence in your unique skillset makes a powerful impact.
4. Adapt Your Game Plan
Grass courts are different from clay or hard courts - each surface demands a change in approach. So does each job market or role.
Career Tip:
Stay agile. Update your skills. Consider temporary or contract work as a stepping stone. Flexibility can lead to unexpected opportunities.
5. Work with a Great Support Team
Behind every Wimbledon champion is a team - coaches, physios, strategists - all working together to help them win. You don’t have to job hunt alone either.
Career Tip:
Consider using a recruitment agency or your local Job Centre for support. They offer access to hidden job markets, personalised advice, and expert guidance to help you find the right role faster.
Match point: you’ve got this
Wimbledon champions aren’t born - they’re built. With smart strategy, dedication, and the right support, you can ace your next career move. Let your next job be your centre court moment.
For more career advice, or to discover new opportunities, visit our Resources area to help you every step of the way.