Master 35 Athletic Director interview questions covering budget management, compliance, and program leadership.
Question 12 of 35
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
The interviewer would like to know what characteristics you look for when hiring coaches. List characteristics that would make a person successful in a coaching role. Think about your favorite coach and explain what they were like. Being able to speak from experience will make your answer more authentic.

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"My ideal athletic coach is passionate about their work and their students. They are self-aware, goal-minded, and determined to meet and exceed the school's financial goals."

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I want coaches who truly care about their work and want to improve themselves. I want a coach who wants to learn more and is a problem solver, looking for ways to improve the programs and strengthen their teams."

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"In my experience, there are many different coaching styles, and I'm not sure there is one ideal style. However, I think a coach who can communicate effectively with each team member while leading the entire team toward one goal is truly an amazing coach. I like to hire coaches who are empowered and committed."

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Jaymie
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Anonymous Answer
I want to see coaches that are passionate and driven. This is not a job you get rich doing, and it is frequently without reward. Are they driven to educate kids - then help them develop into better people. Are they results-driven, or are they driven by the process? You want someone that is not only willing but comfortable communicating with parents, players, etc. I also think the ideal coach has to be someone who has a vision for their program.

Rachelle's Feedback
You have a clear idea of what makes a great coach. This is a really good, well thought out response.
Anonymous Answer
They must be knowledgeable, able to relate to the athletes, competitive, compassionate, hard-working, and coachable. They have to achieve a good balance between player development and team success. They have to be able to manage parent expectations and get everyone to buy into his/her vision for the team.

Chad's Feedback
Great answer! It sounds like you have a clear idea of the characteristics possessed by a successful coach. If you have past experience hiring coaches, be sure to mention it to the interviewer.
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Written by Rachelle Enns
35 Questions & Answers • Athletic Director

By Rachelle

By Rachelle