Top Athletic Director Interview Questions & Answers:

1. What is coaching?

Many of us have had some sort of experience with a coach in our personal life, whether as a gymnast, volleyball player, or baseball little leaguer. As a former high school athlete, I fondly remember my football head coach, who enthusiastically challenged me and my fellow teammates to work together as a team, study our playbooks and work diligently on the practice field so that we could outperform our opponents at game time.

2. Tell me how did you hear about the position of Coach Director?

Another seemingly innocuous question, this is actually a perfect opportunity to stand out and show your passion for and connection to the company. For example, if you found out about the gig through a friend or professional contact, name drop that person, then share why you were so excited about it. If you discovered the company through an event or article, share that. Even if you found the listing through a random job board, share what, specifically, caught your eye about the role.

3. How to deal with pressure or stressful situations?

Choose an answer that shows that you can meet a stressful situation head-on in a productive, positive manner and let nothing stop you from accomplishing your goals, says McKee. A great approach is to talk through your go-to stress-reduction tactics making the world's greatest to-do list, stopping to take 10 deep breaths, and then share an example of a stressful situation you navigated with ease.

4. Suppose if you were an animal, then which one would you want to be?

Seemingly random personality-test type questions like these come up in interviews generally because hiring managers want to see how you can think on your feet. There's no wrong answer here, but you'll immediately gain bonus points if your answer helps you share your strengths or personality or connect with the hiring manager. Pro tip: Come up with a stalling tactic to buy yourself some thinking time, such as saying, "Now, that is a great question. I think I would have to say.

5. Tell me how many tennis balls can you fit into a Lamborghini?

Well, seriously, you might get asked brainteaser questions like these, especially in quantitative jobs. But remember that the interviewer doesn't necessarily want an exact number-he wants to make sure that you understand what's being asked of you, and that you can set into motion a systematic and logical way to respond. So, just take a deep breath, and start thinking through the math. Yes, it's OK to ask for a pen and paper.

6. Tell me what do you do outside of work?

Interviewers ask personal questions in an interview to see if candidates will fit in with the culture and give them the opportunity to open up and display their personality, too. In other words, if someone asks about your hobbies outside of work, it's totally OK to open up and share what really makes you tick. Do keep it semi-professional, you like to have a few beers at the local hot spot on Saturday night is fine. Telling them that Monday is usually a rough day for you because you're always hungover is not.

7. Tell us about your salary requirements as Coach Director?

Rule of answering this question is doing your research on what you should be paid by using sites like Google, Globalguideline.com, Interviewquestionsanswers.org You'll likely come up with a range, and we recommend stating the highest number in that range that applies, based on your experience, education, and skills. Then, make sure the hiring manager knows that you're flexible. You're communicating that you know your skills are valuable, but that you want the job and are willing to negotiate.

8. Explain why you changed career paths?

Don't be thrown off by this question-just take a deep breath and explain to the hiring manager why you've made the career decisions you have. More importantly, give a few examples of how your past experience is transferable to the new role. This doesn't have to be a direct connection; in fact, it's often more impressive when a candidate can make seemingly irrelevant experience seem very relevant to the role.

9. Could you explain why was there a gap in your employment?

If you were unemployed for a period of time, be direct and to the point about what you've been up to and hopefully, that's a litany of impressive volunteer and other mind-enriching activities, like blogging or taking classes. Then, steer the conversation toward how you will do the job and contribute to the organization: I decided to take a break at the time, but today I'm ready to contribute to this organization in the following ways.

10. How would your co-workers and boss describe you?

Be honest remember, if you get this job, the hiring manager will be calling your former bosses and co-workers!. Then, try to pull out strengths and traits you haven't discussed in other aspects of the interview, such as your strong work ethic or your willingness to pitch in on other projects when needed.