I’ll be honest with you: I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) almost every day of the week for work related and consulting related items. Specifically, I’ve really come to enjoy using Grok as the AI platform that I turn to the most. It seems to draw from the most sources, and has been way more effective and up to date than Chat GPT, which I first used as my source. I use AI for emails to my staff, emails from parents, social media content, and helping to give me ideas for this very website. I’ve learned how to use AI for our master schedule build at my high school where I am a Principal, that’s been a game changer!
Here is one thing that I’ve learned about my use of AI: it’s getting better and better as we go!
But a second thing that I have learned about AI, specifically as it is related to making resumes is that it will STILL make the same mistakes in building resumes that every high school coach in American makes! It won’t think outside of the box to create eye catching, interview getting resumes that I have been creating for coaches just like you for more than a decade through my consulting company Eight Laces. (See what Coach Hollister has to say about my service below.)
Why Coaches Should Choose Eight Laces Consulting Over AI for Personalized Coaching Resumes
In the competitive world of coaching, a standout resume can be the difference between landing a dream job and staying on the sidelines. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, many coaches might be tempted to use automated resume builders to craft their applications quickly. It can be a free and easy and quick way to do things. However, for coaches aiming to make a lasting impression, Eight Laces Consulting offers a personalized, expert-driven approach that AI simply cannot match. Here’s why coaches should choose Eight Laces Consulting over AI for creating a tailored, impactful coaching resume!
The Human Expertise of an Athletic Director
One of the most significant advantages of Eight Laces Consulting is the expertise of its founder, Chris Fore, a former Athletic Director with over a decade years of experience as an Athletic Administrator and close to a decade of being a Head Football Coach. Fore has reviewed hundreds of coaching resumes and conducted over 300 interviews for various coaching, teaching and staff positions for his teams or schools. This insider perspective is invaluable, as he understands precisely what athletic directors and school administrators look for when hiring. Unlike AI, which relies on algorithms and generic templates, Fore brings a nuanced understanding of the coaching profession, tailoring each resume to highlight the specific skills and experiences that resonate with hiring managers.
AI resume builders, while efficient, often produce generic outputs that fail to capture the unique qualities of a coach. They rely on keyword optimization and standardized formats, which may not align with the specific expectations of athletic programs. Eight Laces Consulting, on the other hand, crafts resumes that reflect the individuality of each coach, ensuring their achievements and coaching philosophy shine through in a way that connects with decision-makers. An Eight Laces resume is different than every other coaching resume that you’ve ever seen, and a reason that so many coaches rave about his service.
Personalized Service Tailored to Coaching
Eight Laces Consulting offers a hands-on, collaborative process that AI cannot replicate. The service begins with direct communication, including a recorded phone call to discuss the coach’s background, goals, and specific job aspirations. This personalized approach allows Fore to gather detailed information and craft a resume that tells a compelling story. For example, clients like Mark Matlock have praised Eight Laces for transforming their resumes into “human resources dreams” by organizing critical information clearly and concisely on the first page.
In contrast, AI tools typically require users to input data into a form, generating a resume based on pre-set templates. While some AI platforms, like Resumeble or MyPerfectResume, offer keyword optimization for applicant tracking systems (ATS), they lack the ability to provide field-specific insights or creative formatting tailored to the coaching industry. Eight Laces goes beyond generic templates, incorporating unique elements like school logos or infographics, as seen in testimonials from coaches like former Defensive Coordinator at the University of Hawaii, Ian Shoemaker, who credited Fore’s infographic support for securing an interview.
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Avoiding Common Resume Mistakes
Eight Laces Consulting emphasizes avoiding common pitfalls that many coaches make on their resumes. According to their website, 98% of coaches make the same two mistakes that prevent their resumes from standing out. Fore’s expertise helps coaches sidestep these errors, ensuring their resumes are professional, visually appealing, and strategically designed to move to the “YES, Interview This Coach” pile. AI tools, while capable of catching grammatical errors or suggesting keywords, cannot identify these coaching-specific mistakes or provide the strategic guidance needed to address them.
For instance, Fore’s experience as a Head Football Coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal of Athletics and now Principal, along with his vast hiring experience, and writing resumes for coaches in the college and high school ranks for more than a decade, gives him a deep understanding of what makes a coaching resume effective. He uses this knowledge to highlight high-impact contributions and achievements in a way that resonates with athletic directors, something AI tools are not programmed to do.
Proven Track Record of Success
Since 2012, Eight Laces has helped nearly 700 coaches invest close to $100,000 in resume development, with many securing interviews and dream jobs. Testimonials from coaches like Scott McLane, who landed a head coaching position, and Jared Brookman, who received responses from schools within hours, demonstrate the effectiveness of Eight Laces’ tailored approach. AI resume builders, while convenient, do not offer this level of proven success in the coaching field. Services like ResumeSpice or TopStack Resume may guarantee interviews within 60 days, but they cater to a broad range of professions and lack the specialized focus on coaching that Eight Laces provides.
The Value of Human Connection
Coaching is a profession built on relationships, and Eight Laces mirrors this by fostering a personal connection with clients. Fore’s passion for helping coaches is evident in his hands-on approach, from initial consultations to final drafts delivered within seven days. AI tools, while accessible 24/7, lack the empathy and personal touch that human experts like Fore provide. As noted in a Washington Post article, AI career tools often lack the emotional intelligence and contextual understanding that human coaches offer. For coaches, whose resumes must convey passion, leadership, and interpersonal skills, this human element is critical.
Comprehensive Support Beyond Resumes
Eight Laces Consulting goes beyond resume writing, offering resources like cover letter development, coaching portfolios, and even video instruction through their “Insider’s Guide to Resume Building.” This holistic approach ensures coaches are fully equipped to present themselves as strong candidates. AI tools, while capable of generating cover letters or LinkedIn profiles, often produce generic content that requires significant editing to align with a coach’s unique voice and goals.
Conclusion
While AI resume builders offer speed and convenience, they fall short in delivering the personalized, field-specific expertise that coaches need to stand out. Eight Laces Consulting, with Chris Fore’s extensive experience as an Athletic Director and Head Coach, provides a tailored, human-driven approach that ensures resumes are strategically crafted to impress hiring managers. From avoiding common mistakes to incorporating creative elements and delivering proven results, Eight Laces offers unmatched value for coaches serious about advancing their careers. For those aiming to land their dream coaching job, choosing Eight Laces over AI is a decision that prioritizes quality, personalization, and success.
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Chris Fore is a veteran Administrator, Athletic Director, and Head Football Coach from Southern California; he currently serves as a Principal. He has written four books and produced coaching manuals, available at EightLaces.org. Both schools where he served as Athletic Director set school records for championships won in a single school year, and were recognized for both sportsmanship and academic excellence. Fore holds a Master’s in Coaching and Athletic Administration and multiple education credentials. A Certified Athletic Administrator, he served as President of the California Coaches Association (2018–2021) and has held various other leadership roles in several different organizations. A sought-after speaker, Fore has contributed to national sports publications and appeared on radio and podcasts. He also serves as an expert witness in athletic lawsuits. Follow him on X!
