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
3How would you find new partners for the club?
Why they ask this: Tests your sales approach.
How to answer: Explain research, targeting local and national businesses that fit, building a pipeline and tailoring proposals.
4What would you include in a partnership proposal?
Why they ask this: Shows structure.
How to answer: Partner’s goals, assets offered, activation ideas, measurement and price.
Technical
5How do you show a partner the value of their sponsorship?
Why they ask this: Renewals depend on proving value.
How to answer: Mention agreed objectives, reporting (reach, leads, hospitality use) and regular reviews.
Behavioural
6Tell us about a deal you won against the odds.
Why they ask this: Evidence of results.
How to answer: Describe the challenge, your approach and the outcome, with numbers if possible.
Situational
7A partner is unhappy about how their logo was used. What do you do?
Why they ask this: Tests relationship management.
How to answer: Apologise, fix it quickly, explain what you’ll do to prevent it, and follow up.
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.
