I'm currently working on gaining experience to enter the collegiate coaching world. I've got a decent grasp on what it takes to get a job but I'd like your opinions on what you have seen helps an applicant actually get the job.
in before "be a woman"
in before "be a minority"
-Experience
-Master's degree (?)
-Connections
-What else?
Help would be much appreciated
This may not be what you're looking for but I'm going to assume you're talking head coaching positions. My experience admittedly is limited but from what I've seen connections is the number one thing that gets people hired. But that's not to say that it's the only thing. In the situations I'm speaking of, all of the applicants had prior coaching experience at assistant coaching jobs at the very least and all had master's degrees. Where the difference is made is where that coaching experience was picked up. Obviously it's best if the coaching was done at the same school, more so if it's D2 because there's less scrutiny toward being fair in the hiring process(not saying that they're all like this, it's just what I've seen). Programs like to hire from within because it creates a smoother transition(unless the program has gone to shit and changes need to be made). Bottom line is make as many friends as you can especially higher ups(AD can swing everything) at a program as an assistant coach(sorry but I don't know dick about getting that job unless you're an alum), then make sure you are at least as qualified as other potential applicants so the school can justify hiring one of their own. It would be great if someone with some more first-hand experience could chime in, especially on getting hired as an assistant with no experience at an unfamiliar school.