RESUME & INTERVIEW COACHING TIPS BY SYLVESTER PEREZ - RETIRED SUPERINTENDENT

RESUME & INTERVIEW "COACHING TIPS"

ON GETTING YOUR NEXT HEAD COACHING JOB

By sylvester perez, ed. D.

RETIRED SUPERINTENDENT SAN ANTONIO ISD, FORMER ATHLETIC DIRECTOR & COACH

First, Congratulations to ALL of our high school coaches who have recently finished their respective Fall Sports and best of luck to all of our coaches for 2022-2023 and beyond.

All of you impact our students' future more than you know. EVERYONE remembers their middle & high school years, especially the coaches that helped mold them to who they are today.

Some coaches stay in one school, some coaches are mobile, and some coaches leave the profession to explore new areas in education or elsewhere. Although you teach and coach what seems like 24-7 AND then go home to your families for quality time, there never seems to be enough time to prepare for the “next level.” The purpose of this article is to provide you with tools that may help in the preparation for the all-important interview. In a graduate class I was teaching, a guest speaker shared that the difference in getting the job is simple. He said, “everyone that gets to the interview level is qualified, the difference is… how did you make them FEEL?” The first step in getting the call for an interview is your...

Resume

• Pay attention to the font you use (not too large or small). • Have a cover letter that is concise, yet informative and above all…correct. • The FIVE parts of a resume are: Heading,

Job Objective, Skills, Work Experience,

Education. • Heading consists of contact information. • Job Objective is simply “how will you benefit the school, district, community, & organization." • Skills are your people skills and job skills... they want to know you are a “fit.” • Experience is obvious, but you may want to add innovative programs, success stories, and community service.

• Education are degrees and certifications.

Avoid a lengthy resume, 1-2 pages will suffice. List experience in reverse order. Highlight awards and achievements. There is no need to mention your age, race, religion, photos, etc...stay away from irrelevant experiences. Triple check for grammatical or spelling errors.

Always note reference information and your career objective.

Let the people reading your resume know who you are up front.

The Interview

In today’s world of hyper communication and social platforms, most people will google your name and have an idea of your background. However, some basic traits still hold true in what school leaders are searching for in a candidate. Schools want a team player, communicator, problem solver, and someone with a positive attitude.

Dress professionally. “Your body language speaks so loud that I can’t hear what you’re saying." Be aware of your posture, how you sit, and eye contact. If it’s a committee, then “spread" the eye contact. Read the interviewers. Always answer the questions concisely but not too short. It’s always good to ask, “may I ask how many questions will there be?” Responses should be specific, stay focused. There are many applicants that answer only four questions from a total of ten! The point is, know how to pace yourself.

Know the job you’re interviewing for. Know the school, know the district, know the area.

I interviewed for my first superintendent position and was told by the school board that they had a twenty-six-year-old tradition of taking the seniors on a trip to Washington, D.C. I did my homework and knew of this annual event, so when they asked me if I would support the longstanding commitment to the senior class, well, I hit it out of the park! I said, “I will embrace that tradition!” Little did I know that those poor students rode in yellow school busses from the coastal bend of Texas all the way to D.C.! Needless to say, I modified the tradition and almost lost my job over it. So, I guess I didn’t do my homework as well as I thought. But it all worked out in the end.

When committees would come to me with more than one candidate as a recommendation, I would simply ask them “how did you feel about candidate A or B? How did she or he make you feel? Who was more enthusiastic, authentic, sincere AND who do you think wants this job the most?

Remember YOU are also interviewing them. You need to know if that particular school or position is a good fit for you.

Common Interview questions

1. Briefly tell us why you applied for this position? 2. Describe your coaching philosophy? How would you coordinate with middle schools?

How do you share multi-sport athletes?

How do you motivate players? 3. How would your prior supervisor or fellow coaches describe you? 4. How do you communicate with administration? faculty? parents? 5. Describe how you would discipline your players? What measures would you take if a player broke an athletic department or team rule? 6. What are your plans to keep athletes eligible? 7. Do you have a “cut” policy? Describe how you manage your roster.

8. How do you handle a fellow coach that is not being a proper role model? 9. Where do you see yourself in five years? 10. What are your strengths? weaknesses?

Strengths are easy to answer. Weaknesses are not. Choose a skill you want to improve upon, and change it to something positive… (I’m working on ______.)

Coaching is a calling. YOU have the ability to improve lives every day. Thank you for all you do for our Texas student athletes.

LET'S MEET OUR 2023 CAPTAINS

Joey Florence

Athletic Director Denton ISD

What makes someone a good mentor?

Someone who has been in the profession for many years. They should be able to listen and provide insight as well. Our younger coaches need it.

How did you get involved with THSCA and how long have you been a member?

My dad was a coach and he made sure I understood just how important the THSCA was to the coaches and athletes in Texas. I believe I have been a member for 34 years.

Tell me about THSCA Coaching School... how do you explain to a young coach what the convention is about & why it’s important to participate?

Coaching school this summer was the best I have been to. Our current leadership at THSCA has taken our program to new levels. They are progressive and forward thinking. Do not tell Joe I said that. Our young coaches should participate for many reasons: networking, learn our history and professional development.

What advice would you give to one of our new Class of 2023 Mentors just starting this journey?

Be enthusiastic, be early and stay late. Soak it all in, it is an incredible opportunity for a young coach.

What is one thing you most struggled with as a young coach?

The classroom was my struggle. I was not prepared and did not have the skills to keep kids on task.

What is something you wish someone would have told you when you first started coaching?

I was fortunate to have a dad who coached and prepared me for most everything. The best thing he told me was to go to work in the middle school in a highly successful program with a Head Coach who was of good moral character.

What has been your overall impression of the ROCK program?

The ROCK program is vital for our organization. We need to engage, teach & listen to younger coaches.

What would you like to say to our ROCK program sponsors?

Thank you. The future of our country depends on our young coaches and you make this program possible.

bryan wood

head football coach burnet hs

How did you get involved with THSCA and how long have you been a member?

I grew up watching my dad go to Coaching School every year so I knew the importance of it. Also, my first AD (Brad Thiessen) explained its importance and showed me the ropes when I was young. I have been a member for 30 years.

Tell me about THSCA Coaching School... how do you explain to a young coach what the convention is about & why it’s important to participate?

There are alot of reasons to attend but a few very important reasons... #1 would be for networking. In our business, it is often 'who you know' as much as it is 'what you know'. #2 Coaches being active in the association is what makes THSCA so powerful. #3 The professional development opportunities are endless. If you want to grow, you have to go.

What has been your overall impression of the ROCK program?

I think it's critical. With the teacher/coach shortage in the state, our organization has taken the lead on addressing the issue. We are also taking some of the best young coaches and giving them the best tools to be successful in the future. The inside look that these young coaches get into THSCA is something that they should treasure. It took me 20 years to get to 'rub shoulders' with some of the folks that these Mentees get to meet and interact with very early in their career.

What makes someone a good mentor?

Being able to guide and offer some direction is a huge part of being a mentor. The mentors have lots of knowledge based on past experiences. This allows them to offer advice, tell stories, and be a sounding board for the young mentees.

What advice would you give to one of our new Class of 2023 Mentors just starting this journey?

The mentors are chosen because they have all the tools needed and have a great reputation. I'm sure all of the new mentors will be great. They just need

What is one thing you most struggled with as a young coach?

I would say there are a couple that stand out. 1. Having never dealt with mad parents before was a learning experience for sure. I took it personally at first, but over time, learned it was 95% about their kids' playing time. It is just something you learn to handle by listening, and then doing what's best for the team, regardless. 2. Balancing work and home is also a puzzle. When you are at work, be great! When you go home, be great there too!

What is something you wish someone would have told you when you first started coaching?

Wow, lots of things, haha! Again, I think knowing how to deal with disgruntled parents would have been helpful. There isn't a class in college that can prepare for this. I learned by watching the head coaches that I worked for and asking advice from fellow coaches when I could. It's just a process that you get better at over time. Listening is the key!

What would you like to say to our ROCK program sponsors?

Thanks! You have invested in a program that is very important to our profession. Without your financial support, we would not be able to create the opportunities for these young coaches that we are currently providing. You are very much appreciated and are certainly making a difference in coaches' lives.

colby Davis

Athletic Director lewisville ISD

How did you get involved with THSCA and how long have you been a member?

I have been a member of THSCA throughout my coaching career. I was blessed with the opportunity to speak at the 2021 Leadership Summit and inaugural ROCK Mentor Symposium. I have remained involved with the organization by serving as a ROCK Mentor and Team Captain.

Tell me about THSCA Coaching School... how do you explain to a young coach what the convention is about & why it’s important to participate?

Young coaches need to be involved and present at coaching school. It is a great platform to learn from experienced coaches. There is not a better opportunity to network and invest in your future than to attend coaching school. You will never get to a point in your career that you can’t learn and benefit from coaching school.

What has been your overall impression of the ROCK program?

The ROCK Mentor program is one of the most important programs created by THSCA. If we don’t invest in the future of our profession, we won’t have one. This program provides you tools for problem solving, opportunities from growth, and intentionally connects you with established leaders in this business.

What makes someone a good mentor?

A good mentor is someone who can meet people where they are. They can offer advice from years of experience and provide a broader perspective. A good mentor is connected and has a strong network. This person is humble and not afraid to show vulnerability. A good mentor is also a person that understands empowering others does not diminish their leadership.

What advice would you give to one of our new Class of 2023 Mentors just starting this journey?

Write a thank you note to the coach or athletic director that saw potential in you to nominate you for this prestigious program. If it weren’t for them taking the time to nominate you, you would not be afforded the opportunity to grow, network, and advance in the greatest profession in the world.

What is one thing you most struggled with as a young coach?

The biggest challenge I faced as a young head coach was being able to relinquish control of many things in my program. As I gained more experience, I saw the value in allowing my coaches to coach and to take ownership of many aspects of our dayto-day operations. It is our job to develop coaches and give them the skills they will need to become future head coaches.

What is something you wish someone would have told you when you first started coaching?

Don’t listen to criticism from people you don’t trust and wouldn’t go to for advice.

What would you like to say to our ROCK program sponsors?

Thank you for investing in the future of coaching. You are providing resources to develop the next generation of head coaches and athletic administrators. Without your support and sponsorships, we would not be able to give them all the tools they need to advance and succeed in our profession.

terrenee Knight

girls athletic coordinator Lakeview Centennial HS

How did you get involved with THSCA and how long have you been a member?

When I started my first head coaching job in 2012, Kendall Miller strongly encouraged me to join and so I did. By far one of my greatest coaching decisions as I am in my 10th year of THSCA membership.

Tell me about THSCA Coaching School... how do you explain to a young coach what the convention is about & why it’s important to participate?

Coaching School is a staple in my calendar year! It is the pinnacle of coaching growth, networking and opportunity. Every coach, young and old, should attend annually so that they stay committed to lifelong learning and stay connected to other coaches who may have experiences or information that can positively affect their career or offerings for student-athletes.

What has been your overall impression of the ROCK program?

The ROCK program is long overdue. As an alternative certified educator, a program such as ROCK would have been a tremendous asset and growth tool when I first joined the profession in 2009. Thankfully I was

blessed to be around seasoned professionals who took me under their wing, but not every coach enters that situation which is why there is such a great need and great value in the ROCK program.

What makes someone a good mentor?

A great mentor is someone who understands that their experience and network can shape and provide the support that the next generation of coaches need. They also have to understand that honesty and transparency go hand in hand so that their mentee knows that perfection is not the goal - growth is the goal.

What advice would you give to one of our new Class of 2023 Mentors just starting this journey?

BE HONEST! Go into every conversation with an open mind and understand that the experience of the mentee may be different than that of when they began their coaching career, however, a focus on growth, support and doing what's best for studentathletes has not changed.

What is one thing you most struggled with as a young coach?

My greatest struggle was pulling the veil back from my ideal of how things should be. Going from being the one who was coached to being the sole adult responsible for every athlete, their grades, practice plans, etc. in addition to being a multi-grade level English teacher was overwhelming. Many young coaches come into the profession alternatively certified so the first day/first week can be extremely overwhelming with information and responsibility without a lot of support.

What is something you wish someone would have told you when you first started coaching?

Take things one day/one situation at a time. Rome was not built in a day so don't try to do all and be all on your own. Work to build a village and lean on them for support.

What would you like to say to our ROCK program sponsors?

THANK YOU just doesn't express the gratitude that I have for the sponsors who see the value in what coaches do! Their contributions and investment in our future leaders do more for coaches and kids than words could ever express!

R.O.C.K. Program Sponsors

around the state

Around the state