5 Types of People E-mailing Me For an NBA Job
Working in the NBA
If you’re someone looking to get a job in the NBA, you’re probably going to send a lot of e-mails and by a lot… I’m not just talking hundreds, it’s possibly into the thousands.
Here’s 5 Styles of E-mails I receive the most about NBA Internships
1. Overachiever
I received a thoughtful e-mail that included a resume and cover letter. The person had professional experience and a unique resume. I mentioned his name to the person sitting next to me in the Analytics department and he replied, “I got that e-mail too.” The Director of Basketball Ops stood up, “I got it too.” Soon, everyone in the office was laughing and talking about the guy who sent us all the exact same e-mail and letter.
While the hustle is appreciated, it’s a bit too much hustle. The candidate went from an intriguing candidate to a story to laugh about within minutes. Seemingly, everyone in our whole office had received his e-mail.
This is why I recommend locking in on a position you are interested in and e-mailing that person / department. If it’s Video, reach out to the Video guys. If it’s Analytics, reach out to the Analytics department. If it’s Equipment, reach out to the Equipment department. If you’re unsure, reach out to Human Resources or the Director of Basketball Operations.
2. Underachiever
After an initial conversation or exchange of information, I will get an e-mail follow-up that says, “Thanks!”
I appreciate you getting to the point but if we’ve exchanged information, that means I actually am interested in getting to know you. And in that case, you need to show a little more passion and urgency.
I will say, I appreciate the underachiever more than the overachiever. My assumption is that they are simply a little nervous and unsure of what to say. But feel free to add a couple more sentences to your e-mail or attach a project you’ve been working on.
3. Go-Getter
When I worked with the Portland Trail Blazers, every few weeks I would get an e-mail from someone volunteering their time and life… to move to Portland and work for free.
Full transparency, this is basically who I was as well.
We like go-getters but also, just don’t go too far. There are a lot of boundaries around what an NBA team can and can’t do for you. Oftentimes (most of the time), we cannot accept free or volunteer work. We don’t need you to move to Portland. Just be a part of the process. And even if we can’t accept your offer to work for free, we can look over your work and offer any advice.
4. The Buddy
Many e-mails I get are written as if we’ve been life-long friends. And with all due apologies, most people you’re e-mailing aren’t there to be your friend, just get to the point. Again, it’s hard to know what to say but you can generally count on the fact that the person on the other end is not interested in telling you about how their day was, how their family is, and what their plans for the future are.
5. Just right….
So what is just right?
Is it even possible to send the perfect email?
It is.
Share a bit about yourself but get to the point.
Be precise in the reason you’re reaching out. Are you wanting a phone call? To apply? It’s okay to be specific. They don’t have to respond but at least you know you have given it your best shot.
I like getting a cover letter, resume, and references.
I may not even read all of them but they’re nice to have and keep on file.
Bonus: Should I send work samples?
You don’t have to send work samples, but if you do, make sure they are really good and formatted properly. We don’t expect them, so if you’re sending them, you need them to take you up a level and not down. Be excellent in what you send.