Where and How to Begin your search:
Let us suggest starting by narrowing your search. First, identify what you would like to search for. What type of position are you wanting to find? Are you looking for another coaching position or are you looking for another avenue to showcase your talent? Whether you narrow by field, division, etc. find a focal point. From here, you need to use your network that exists in your personal life. Ask others or listen for word through the grapevine. Often times, the perfect job is under your nose and you may be just a phone call away. If you need assistance in identifying your focal point, reference www.sportjobs.com - they have a section where you can match up careers to yourself by identifying your strengths and objectives.

Resume and Cover Letter:
After finding a focal point, the first thing you need to have is a current resume. Resumes are frequently your first impression to the employer and what can help you land an interview or get your foot in the door. Please look to these following sites for tips on writing your resume and writing an appropriate cover letter: www.sportjobs.com, www.sportscareers.com, www.monster.com

    1. Sample Resume and cover letter to view
    2. Resume Wizard to help create your own resume and cover letter

The Search:
After creating your resume and cover letter, the next step is searching for positions that are available to you. We have found many sites that post recent and open sports jobs. We have also narrowed the search on basketball positions that are open. If you are looking for only basketball coaching positions, please reference our job bank here. In addition, www.ncaa.org, www.sportjobs.com, www.sportscareers.comm, and www.monster.com offer job databases to search from. Each site does provide instructions on how to use their database.

    1. Sample of a job posting they might see with the important information highlighted.

Applying for positions:
Now that you have found open positions you are interested in, you need to submit your resume and cover letter. Make sure and send it the way that the ad posts for it. In other words, if it requests you mail resume and do not fax - do as they wish. It is appropriate for you to send your information and ask for a confirmation of receipt. If you do not hear back within a few business days then it is okay to call to confirm receipt as well as to inquire about interviewing.

    1. Sample dialogue of how a phone conversation might go

Interviewing:
We suggest a few tips here, but for more in-depth and the step-by-step process, please go to www.sportjobs.com and look up interviewing under the Career Resources section. This section is worthwhile and will walk you through everything you need to know.

We suggest the trusty standby advice of Research, Rehearse and Relax. Make sure you research the company or institution you will be interviewing with. Rehearse your presentation. Have someone ask you sample questions and answer as you would in an interviewing situation. And finally relax, this will allow you to come across confident.

    1. Be Early: Make sure if you are driving yourself you know where you to go. If someone is picking you up, make certain you have clear instructions and directions. Always leave early to give yourself plenty of time to allow for mishaps. You never know what could happen with traffic, etc. In addition, being on time and relaxed will make your interview go that much smoother. We suggest trying to arrive fifteen minutes early so you can have a few moments to collect your thoughts and breathe deeply before your interview.

    2. Presentation - Dress for Success: It is important to look professional and have clothes that are clean and pressed.

    3. Self-confidence: Make sure you introduce yourself proudly and speaking where people can hear and understand you. In addition, try making eye contact as much as possible. Avoid staring off or looking at the floor or over interviewers. Be comfortable, calm and carry your thoughts out completely. Do not be afraid to ask questions if you do not understand something. This is just as much an interview for you as it is for them. You must also decide whether or not this is a place you want to work. So, make sure and interview them. This is how you will get your questions answered.

         1. Page of sample interview questions and appropriate answers

Follow-up:
Before leaving the interview make sure you understand the next steps in their process. Do they have three more weeks of interviews or are they going to make a decision within the next few days? You need to know what the timeline is and make sure you express your timeline as well. Understand if you need to call in or if they will contact you.

If you do have a timeline and haven't heard from the employer by said date, feel free to give someone a call and check in. We also suggest sending a thank you note to the interviewers for their time. This will help to set you apart from others. In the thank you note, make reference to something you spoke about that stuck out in your mind. For example, if you played basketball with someone who is from their hometown, etc.

    1. Sample thank-you note that they might send.

Contract Negotiation:
After the interview, we come to where you either continue the process with this institution or else begin the process with others. If you are continuing the process, this leads you to the next available section.

Negotiating your contract.