One of the most critical steps in finding a job in sports is nailing the interview. A fantastic resume may only get you so far. Job applications can be completed in minutes with a résumé and cover letter, but what about the interview?

Can you properly represent yourself when the time comes?

The following are some of the most common questions you will likely face in an interview for a job in sports:

Tell me about your background?

This is almost always the lead-off question for interviews. The interviewer wants to know your story, where you’re from, how you got into the business and what you’re seeking up to the very moment of the interview.

Answer this question with detail in a pyramid shape. Start with personal background, education, and spend more time talking about recent accomplishments. Find what fits your story.

What were your responsibilities at your current and/or past jobs?

It may seem like common sense to be asked this question, but the key is to be concise and present yourself well. Interviewers have to believe that you know what you’re talking about. 

Don’t forget the significance of transferable skills. Prior experience in retail, for example, a customer-facing role, transfers over well to sports, as many jobs focus on the fan experience.

What management style do you prefer?

Do you like independence while you work or prefer more supervision and guidance? Life can be fast-paced working for an NBA team. There’s often little time for a manager to sit down with you to explain everything step by step. It’s an environment where people learn on the fly and varies from situation to situation.

When was a time you had to juggle multiple responsibilities?

Like other workplace environments, there is plenty of collaboration between different team departments. Sometimes all occur at the same time. No matter what department you’re in, you may assist in other department projects while also tending to your department’s needs. You need to be able to prioritize tasks and tackle them efficiently.

The “Surprise” Question

This is the question you did not expect to be asked. An interviewer may want to throw you off a bit. An unexpected query might make you nervous, but take your time to find an adequate answer. Pausing to think can show your ability to react to curve balls. That’s really what they’re trying to find, who you are behind what you’re trying to present in the interview.

For example, say an All-Star is embroiled in a controversy. “If you were our team’s director of basketball communications, would you allow the franchise player to do a press conference?”

There’s no wrong answer, but a thoughtful response on the fly can make the difference.

Any questions for me?

Finally, it’s important to remember that you’re also interviewing your potential employer. With how difficult it is to break into the league, many are willing to go to extremes to get hired. Sometimes a job isn’t worth taking at great sacrifice or due to poor fit. Take this time to ask the interviewer(s) about their path to their current job and assess if they’re satisfied with their role.