Interview Questions

here's one i got off a message board a while back

1) It is your right to know who is on the committee, so ask weeks beforehand. That helps you realize some of the questions in the process. Example: If the youth group football leader (5th & 6th grade community football) is on the committee, expect a question about how you would like that handled. There are many more examples of these special situations and they are answered by WHO is on the committee.

2) I have had questions with definitions involved, so practice ways to answer those questions. Question: Define Leadership. Define a successful program. What do you expect out of your student athletes in the classroom? Have those mentally prepared in your mind, so you don't stumble through them. Been there, done that.

3) Goals of your program from 7, 8, 9, JV to Varsity. Interior staff goals to exterior community goals. Is your goal to win the league, or just make the playoffs? Is your goal on the lower levels to have full participation in every game or win games?

4) Situational questions: "What would you do if....?"
a) Disciplinary example: A player comes off the field in a tirade and throws his helmet into the bench area. How do you handle this situation?
b) Parent questions/ complaints: How do you handle an upset parent when they would like to meet with you after a practice? What are some of the items that you will or will not discuss with them?

Hope this helps. Remember, you will have a good grasp of what they want by the committee, but they will always have a surprise or good question that will get you. Take a couple of deep breathes and answer it honestly and from your heart... if the committee doesn't like your answer, or a board member isn't happy, then maybe it's not the place for you. Politics play such a role in the interview process, it's best to give an honest answer than toy with playing a political game.

You both have touched base with a lot of questions you're sure to use or hear during an interview. I had this question asked of me in one interview......

"Would you rather have quality or quantity when it comes to your participation numbers within your program?"

Another that I always ask and have had asked of me....."Why should I/we hire you?" This covers a lot of ground and can be answered in many different ways.

I said something along the lines of....

We would strive for quantity, and within that quantity, the quality should stick around.

that would be my biggest weakness

i would just tell them what was up in the most blunt way possible

i still have to work on my "politicalness"

ok

let's cut through the bull

that was a good {censored} answer to a {censored} question

Well, IMO, they are asking what your philosophy is as to trying to get all kids out or just the better athletes. My beliefs are that athletics are for the kids. All kids should be able to participate if they are willing to pay the price and will conform to the rules. You know as well as I, they're not all going to "stick". But, we should give them that opportunity. The "quality" will rise to the top anyway.

right

all the kids who want to come out, the ones that can hack it, can

the talented kids that can't hack it, don't (this is what I would read into this type of question) the mom wants to know if her boy will be treated special

i guess i am a little cynical