8 questions, with why they’re asked and how to answer.
General
1Tell us about yourself and why you want to work in football.
Why they ask this: They want a clear, short story that links your experience to this role, and to see real motivation beyond being a fan.
How to answer: Spend about a minute: where you are now, two or three experiences that prepared you for this job, and why this step makes sense. Keep “I love football” to one sentence and focus on the work.
See an example answer
“I’ve spent three years coaching in grassroots and academy football while finishing my degree. The part I enjoy most is seeing players improve week by week, which is why I want a full-time academy role where I can work with the same group across a season.”
2Why do you want to work for our club?
Why they ask this: Clubs want people who have done their homework and will fit their culture, style and plans.
How to answer: Mention something specific: their playing style, academy pathway, community work or a recent change at the club, and connect it to how you work.
See an example answer
“Your academy has given first-team debuts to five players in two seasons, and the pathway is clearly a priority. That matches how I coach: I focus on long-term development, not just results on a Saturday.”
Role-specific
3What do you look for when you watch a centre-back for the first time?
Why they ask this: Shows how structured your scouting is.
How to answer: Cover technical, tactical, physical and psychological areas with specific examples (e.g. body shape when defending, range of passing).
4How do you judge whether a player fits our style of play?
Why they ask this: Recruitment is about fit, not just talent.
How to answer: Explain how you’d learn the club’s game model and look for the actions it needs from that position.
Technical
5Talk us through how you write a scouting report.
Why they ask this: Reports must be short, specific and useful.
How to answer: Summary first, strengths and areas to improve with examples, then a clear recommendation: sign, watch again or not for us.
Behavioural
6Tell us about a player you recommended who didn’t work out.
Why they ask this: Honesty and learning matter in scouting.
How to answer: Explain what you saw, what you missed, and what you now check that you didn’t before.
Situational
7Your report disagrees strongly with the data. What do you do?
Why they ask this: Scouts and data teams must work together.
How to answer: Look at why: sample size, role, context. Watch more footage, discuss with the analyst, and give a balanced view.
Questions to ask them
8What would success look like in this role after six months?
Why they ask this: Asking this shows you’re thinking about results and how you’ll be measured, not just about getting the job.
How to answer: Ask it near the end, listen closely, and briefly connect their answer to something you’ve already mentioned.
