Hi everyone, I'm applying for an assistant coaching job at a high school that is near my house. A bit about me... I have nearly played soccer for 4 years. I played for a D2 college team for one year and now play for my college club soccer team (because our D1 team is really good and they don't offer tryouts to students). I'm an avid lover of the sport and have been involved (watching) with it for almost 9 years now. Despite not playing soccer all of my life I played on my high school ice hockey team (4 year letterman, several championships), and also did track/cross country (lettered in both as well). Since I probably don't have a huge soccer playing background, what are some good things to fill the resume up with? Also anyone have any good interview tips when it comes to coaching? Any help greatly appreciated! Thanks!
All the above information you have is a good start. Add any work or clubs you've been involved with, especially those where you managed people or kids. Say what licenses you have. If you have none, tell them you are planning on getting them soon. Be prepared to answer what your career plan for coaching is. Be specific about getting licenses and how you plan to continually seek education. The question I always get in interviews is about my "philosophy." Obviously, it differs for age groups, but be prepared to give a solid answer.
You'll have to decide what's more impressive, your coaching experience or your playing experience. Whichever one is, start your resume with that. For playing, I would not emphasize on the resume that you just started playing. Rather, I would say something like: Recent Soccer Playing Experience Rover College (NCAA Div. II) 2009-10 Wanderers University (College Club) 2010-12 [If you play in a summer league or for a club, list that, too] Soccer Coaching Experience Rangers Soccer Club (U12B) 2011-12 [List any certifications and licenses, and if you don't have any of those, list any workshops, classes, etc. you attended {including courses in college that relate to coaching, administration, or leadership}] [Also list any licenses/certs you have signed up for or can reasonably say you will be a candidate for] Other Experience Varsity Hockey, Spurs High School 2005-2009 [Include any honors, e.g., Team MVP, All-League, etc.) Varsity Track/Cross Country, Spurs High School Coach, Mighty Mites, Expensive Hockey Association 2008-09 Counselor, Really Expensive Hockey Camp 2009 Work History [they want to see that you can hold a job] Schwartz Market (Bagger, Stocker, Warehouser) 2008-10 Cougar Apartments (Lifeguard) 2006-08 Safety Certifications [if you have any clearances, expand this title and list those clearances, too] CPR (2010) First Responder (2011) First Aid (2009) Languages English Spanish as a second language (conversant) References furnished on request As for the interview, I think JoseP is right on. In preparation for the interview, you may also want to sketch out a few age-appropriate practice plans so that if you are asked how you'd structure a practice/what you'd do, you'd have that to draw from. Take this for what it's worth; I've never interviewed for a coach's position - but a few years ago, the local HS AD was trying to convince me to take the Middle School coaching job, and while I wasn't interested, I did help them review the resumes of candidates. FWIW, the person they hired had no coaching experience and had played through HS, but not college.
A school team is also going to be interested in character (demonstrates trustworthyness) and work experience (demonstrates responsibility). Anything that shows you are dependable and a positive role model for the kids is just as important as your soccer experience, in some senses more important. It is a school; list your education and any honors and awards you have--community, academic or athletic. Any leadership position would be useful too: vice president of the debate club or captain of your high school soccer team. Even if you don't put them on a resume (I would), you should be prepared to provide at least 2 references. Ideal references would be your former soccer coaches (who think you would make a good assistant). If you haven't had any coaching training, what about as a player: Have you attended any summer camps? Won any trophys? Have you played a variety of positions at a competitive level? If you were a goal keeper and even only a goal keeper, I would still mention that because I think keeper experience is a plus for a young coach. Anything thing stand out from other sports that indicate your knowledge of training? Were you a college track star? High school sprinter? Finally are you familar with any particular training equipment or technology from your college days: GPS, video, computer applications, used social media (websites, facebook, twitter, etc.) to communicate, weight and other types of fitness machines, or even have red cross training in first aid and cpr? Make sure your resume is correct and appears professional (no spelling errors, neat, and typed.) Good Luck
Don't mean to bump this but I have to give a major thanks to everyone for their suggestions/ideas/tips. Thank you!!!