Designing a standardized interview rubric is essential for universities and colleges looking to bring consistency, fairness, and transparency to the hiring process for athletic staff at the collegiate level. With the stakes so high—for compliance, student-athlete success, and your program’s reputation—using rubrics can make staffing decisions both defensible and effective.
Why Standardization Matters
Interview rubrics help level the playing field, ensuring each candidate is assessed on clear, role-specific criteria. Instead of relying on gut feelings or subjective impressions, your department can compare applicants based on the qualities and competencies that predict success in your athletic environment.
Steps to Build an Effective Rubric
- Identify Core Competencies: Outline the attributes your program values most—leadership, athlete development, communication, strategic vision, DEI commitment, compliance knowledge, and more.
- Develop Targeted Questions: For each competency, craft behavior-based interview questions (e.g., “Describe a time you helped a struggling athlete reach their potential.”).
- Define a Performance Scale: Use a simple, consistent rating system (like 1–5, from ‘does not meet expectations’ to ‘exceeds expectations’). Add evidence-based descriptions to help evaluators remain objective.
- Assign Weight to Critical Skills: Not every competency is equal. Weigh critical areas higher to focus attention where it matters most.
- Capture Qualitative Insights: Provide space for interviewer comments, giving context to the ratings and capturing standout moments or warning signs.
- Debrief with the Team: After interviews, review scores and notes as a group to reduce individual bias and reach consensus.
Example Rubric
| Competency | Interview Question Example | 1 (Low) | 3 (Average) | 5 (High) | Comments |
| Leadership | Describe a time you led a struggling team. | ||||
| Player Development | How do you develop athletes of varying skill? | ||||
| Communication | Share an example of resolving parent concerns. | ||||
| DEI Commitment | How do you foster inclusive team culture? | ||||
| Compliance/Integrity | How do you ensure adherence to rules? |
Benefits for Collegiate Athletic Departments
- Consistency across candidates and hiring cycles
- Reduced unconscious bias and improved equity
- Clear documentation for compliance and HR reviews
- Enhanced confidence in hiring decisions—knowing you’re prioritizing what works for your staff, athletes, and institution
Closing the Talent Gap
Collegiate athletic programs face unique hiring challenges—a structured approach rooted in best practices can set teams apart and foster long-term success.
Ready to streamline your athletic staff hiring process? Gillmann Services specializes in providing tailored staffing solutions for collegiate athletic departments. Contact Gillmann Services today to help your program build a truly winning team.
