Hardest interview question.

Interestingly I just got back from three straight interviews. Having coached for 26 years - 18 as a head coach, I thought I knew something about answering that question until the past 3 years.

My portfolio many stresses the off the field programs - i.e. character development, educational support, parantal organization, etc. I let my record and references speeak for the x's and o's (This is where my reputation lies - I'm not saying it to brag - I just want to make a point.) In all three jobs my contacts were told I was definitely the best man for the job - however, they thought I was too strong and having all these programs was "over the edge" (i.e. not needed and the more you do the more of a chance that they get a complaint.)

(In one interview recently a parent (ceo of a business ) said my presentation was as good as any that he's seen in the business word!) In all three coaches got the job that wre fired, or had losing records, or were let go for questionable conduct. If I didn't love this game I'd have given up by now!

One thing I have learned though is you can only be yourself - say what you believe not what they want. If you do the latter it'll come back to haunt you.

Kids havcen't changed - Adults have. The examples we (administrations give are only what the kids reflect.) In an age of Enron do I expect less from Administrators.

One other note:
Today we got a message (I don't coach in my high school anymore) that any athlete or student found in the halls 15 minutes after the final bell would be suspended immediately. We tell them ducation is a blessing and knowledge is a gift. Yet, we run them out of the high school. WE PUT THEM ON THE STREETS and then we wonder why they do what they do. I remember when the school was the focal point of the community they wanted kids to stay! Now they're afraid of law siuts if one slips on a bananna!

Just some thoughts

Coach, Tell us your strengths and weaknesses.

I feel that the strengths would be easy to answer, but how do you answer the weaknesses?

I believe that the best way to answer the question about your "weaknesses" is to turn the question around into a strength. For example, we all have a part of the game that we know better than anthing else, (offense, D-line etc). It would be good to stress that another area is "weaker" than your area of "expertise", but that does not mean that you don't understand and can't coach the position, it just happens to be an area that you are working to improve, to maximize your potential. It also opens the door to let the interview committee know that you will hire qualified assistants, and that you intend to let your assistants coach, in fact that you demand it.

Just an idea.

Good luck!

Like lonestars answer - I usually say the same

Strength = Passion for what I do (Allows to dive into it, work harder, giive more)

Weakness = Passion for what I do (up to recently didn't realize everybody didn't have same passion) makes it seem like you've grown as person.

Toughest question is the one with multiple answers that you know that want one but you don't know which?

Also Ambiguous questions
Like - descibe a football program
Do they mean
Overall - philosophy
Specific - programs (i,e, weight training)
Coaching philosophy
Where it fits in with education
Actual X's and O's
or Coaching style and organization

Yes, it entails all but that's a three 1 hour clinic session. Impossible if not narrowed down to get in in 15 minutes.

I really don't think they put a lot of time in formulating their questions

A job I went for 4 years ago had been interviewed previously by a friend. He gave me the questions they asked then. They were identical - even though program still suffered with change. It opened again this year and they asked me to interview - same questions on the same paper placed in front of candidate (I recognized the same typo!) They still haven't turned corner.

Coach Lou

Sounds like you've been going to the same interview as me! Some questions are rediculous - either way you answer - your wrong!

You hit the nail on the head. Most of them give good lip service to winning, but are not committed to the struggle and change that must occurr in order for winning to take place. It frustrates me to no end.

G'day Coaches,

Coming from Down Under, I have never been lucky enough to attend a Coaching interview as we play very amature Football Down Under.

However, I feel there are two words that are your most important friends in an interview situation and can save you from a lot of heartache if used at the right time.

These words?

Depends & Varies

In use, they are used as "THAT DEPENDS...." or "THAT VARIES...."

For example, taking the question "If you start out 0-3, how are you going to respond?"

If asked the above question, simply reply something along the lines of:

"THAT DEPENDS! It depends on a number of factors. Most importantly, it depends on why we are 0-3. As HC, I feel it is my job to identify the problem...Is it discpline? Is it work ethic? Is it the group of players we have available this year? etc ."

Perhaps in this way, you can show the panel your deeper understanding on what it takes to win and the problems associated with winning. Perhaps it may show them your felxible approach in solving problems. Most importantly ask a question back to the panel...ask them what the reason is that the team is 0-3 before answering the "empty" question offered.

In another example:

You are asked "What are you going to do when your players dont show up for practice because they dont have rides to school?"

"THAT VARIES...from school to school. May I ask the panel for an example as to the reason the players have not been able to organise a ride?"

By turning this question around a little, you may find out from the panel of a particuar problem that needs to be addresses in the school you have applied for. Also, by turning the problem around into a question it gives you an opportunity to answer the REAL question (if any) behind the original asked. You may be able to gleem a reaction from the panel and by doing this it can help you with the rest of the interview in terms of how the panel reacted. The bottom line is that once you feel you know what the REAL question is, answer it with your heart and with what you can and would do. If they don't like your answer maybe that's not the school for you - the chemistry may not be there from the start.

I hope that provides another idea from Down Under.

Mike Sea