Snag That E-Learning Job with These 5 Interview Tips

If you’re reading this article, you probably landed a job interview for an e-learning role. If so, congratulations! And if you haven’t yet, kudos for thinking one step ahead.

Interviews are an opportunity for you and a potential employer to find out if the position, company values, and culture are a good fit. Whether your interview is over the phone, through Zoom, or in person, there are a few things you can do to mentally prepare for the incoming questions. Let’s take a look!  

1. Plan Ahead 

It’s natural to feel anxious about an interview, but it’s best to avoid carrying those nerves into the meeting if you want to make a good first impression. Giving yourself enough time to prepare will help you build the necessary confidence to present yourself professionally and show the potential employer you’re the right person for the job. Here are two ways to make that happen:

• Schedule time to prepare. Set aside time to practice and pull together everything you need for the interview (which we’ll cover in this article). Don’t procrastinate—mark this time on your calendar and treat it like a meeting. 
• Schedule downtime before your interview. Racing to an interview is a recipe for nerves—which can cause you to come across as anxious and jittery. Put your best impression forward by giving yourself time. Taking a 15-minute break beforehand allows you to collect your thoughts so you feel relaxed and ready to go. 

2. Review the Job Description

You read the job description before applying, but have you looked at it since then? Reading through it again before your interview ensures that the details are fresh in your mind. This will help you highlight your most relevant skills and experience—increasing your chances of getting hired. 

3. Do Your Research 

Find out as much as you can about the company. Look at their website, read articles about them, and browse their social media channels. Also, read customer reviews as well as testimonials from current and former employees. 

Try to answer questions like:

• What’s the company’s mission?
• What are their values? 
• What makes them unique? 
• Who are their competitors?

The more you know about the company, the easier it’ll be to answer their questions and think up relevant ones of your own—which brings us to the final two tips. 

4. Practice Answering Questions

One of the best ways to prepare for a job interview is to look up common e-learning interview questions and practice responding. 

Some of those questions might include:

• Can you tell me about yourself?
• Why do you want to work here?
• Why should we hire you?
• Have you ever disagreed with a subject matter expert? If so, how did you resolve it? 

Practice answering these questions out loud. It might feel uncomfortable, but the more you practice, the better prepared you’ll be when it’s time for the real interview. 

If you’re interviewing in person or on Zoom, consider recording a video of yourself practicing. It might feel awkward at first, but the footage will offer helpful insights. 

As you replay the recordings, ask yourself:

• Are you sitting up straight? 
• Are you speaking clearly?
• Is your tone friendly and inviting? 
• What is your body language communicating? 
• How’s your eye contact? 

You may have an idea of what you sound like, but actually seeing and hearing a recording of yourself can help you take a step back and imagine how you come across to others.  

Want to start practicing now? Then download and customize this question and answer template. 

5. Prepare Questions of Your Own

Usually, at the end of an interview, the employer will ask if you have any questions. Asking thoughtful questions shows you’ve done your research and that you’re genuinely interested in the organization. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about the company and the role—and decide if it’s a good fit. Preparing questions beforehand will ensure you get all the information you need to make a decision if the company extends an offer. 

Not sure which questions to ask? Take a look at this list: What Questions Do You Ask Prospective Employers?

Wrap-Up

By following these tips, you’ll gain the confidence to nail your next e-learning job interview and show a potential employer that you’re the ideal person for the job. 

Looking for more tips on how to land your dream job? Check out these helpful resources:

• 5 Tips for Landing Your Next E-Learning Job
• 7 Common E-Learning Job Interview Questions
• Boost Your E-Learning Career by Building Your Personal Brand
• 5 Things to Include in Your E-Learning Portfolio

We’d also love to hear from you! What advice do you have that has helped you prepare for an e-learning job interview? Please share in the comments below. 

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