-
By interviewing candidates and their parents you will know what your audience will be which is a key element.
-
What questions should you ask during the interview?
-
Consider requesting that each applicant come with a completed personality test such as the Kolbe Y Index
If possible, before signing up a potential youth candidate for a coaching program it would be wise to interview the youth applicant and the parents. The information you obtain will enable you to know your audience which is a key element of being an effective coach.
At this interview session, you will know more about how the potential applicant will fit into the program and where the program can assist them.
Their parents will have input and, depending upon the circumstances, it would be best to have some time when you speak one to one with the applicant.
Here are some items to consider:
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
You should have a list of standard questions that you use for both parents and the applicant. Here are some examples:
- Tell me about you / your child’s strengths, interests and personality.
- What activities do you enjoy and favourite areas of interest?
- Why would you consider joining the coaching program?
- What challenges do you anticipate when joining the program?
- What end results would you like to see after attending the program?
What questions do you think would assist you in determining the potential fit and what areas would assist the applicant? Please inform me.
PERSONALITY TESTS:
In addition, as mentioned, it would also be an added benefit to everyone if the child completes a personality test. One highly recommended test is the Kolbe Assessment. This assessment focuses on the natural instincts on how they think through and tackle problems to arrive at a solution. It recognizes that different people solve problems differently and not that one way is better than another.
There is the Kolbe Y Index where Y stands for Youth. This index helps young people (4th grade reading level to age 17) identify the set of instincts that drive their distinctive way of taking action. After taking the Index, they will understand their striving instincts that determine the ideal way for them to communicate effectively, develop their own leadership skills, reduce stress and learn how to solve problems. The test is quick and the results are available online. It is a 36 question, strength-based online assessment which costs US$9.95 payable by credit card online.
It would be advisable to have all applicants at some time, either prior to the interview, or after the interview to complete this and bring the results to you, the coach. This will benefit everyone, including the participant, the parents and the coach to realize how to best assist the participant. This information will be relevant throughout their lifetime.
Details about this assessment can be found at: http://www.kolbe.com/assessments/kolbe-y-index-for-youth/
If you agree to using the Kolbe Y Index it is best that you read up on the Kolbe Index. There is information available online that will assist you.
Of course, there are other tests available for youth and if you have any suggestions, please forward them to me.
TIMING:
The interview should not take longer than 20-30 minutes. Please have an agenda that you can show the parent and participant and also the questions.
If you have a program running, you might schedule this interview immediately prior to a coaching sessions and invite the applicant to attend the forthcoming session. If you do not have any sessions scheduled at the time of the interview, then inform them of the approximate time when the program will start and that you will be sending an invitation for the applicant to attend.
If you have any suggestions about the interview and intake process for the coaching program please inform me.
As always, wishing you lots of love and laughter.
Fred Jones
Victoria, BC Canada
Fred Jones