I have my first interview for a full time Instructional Designer role next week. I worked as teacher for nearly nine years before deciding to get into learning design. Currently, I work as a freelance e-learning scriptwriter, creating storyboards, visual design, audio and video scripts etc. Any ideas on preparing for the interview and what to expect. Thanks!
I'm a terrible interview so probably have no business opining. However:
1. Know something about someone's theory of "instructional design" (I like Mager and Gagne). If you get asked some abstract question about theory or someone you never heard of say "I'm really more of a practicioner than a theoretician. My focus is getting things done. I like the [whatever theory or theoretician].
2. If you're asked "Which is better [Apple or Windows, Lectora or Storyline, etc.] say "I try not to get involved in theological questions, I'm a very quick study and won't have any trouble picking up whatever tools your company uses.
3. Remember that whether you get the job or not may have very little to do with you, how well you interview, or how qualified you are for the job (See attachment).
Google "Situational Interviews" and "Behavior Based Interviews" you will probably find some common questions and then come up with appropriate examples.
Common questions include, "Tell us about a time you had a disagreement with a co-worker or supervisor" or "Tell us about a time you had too much work, what did you do?"
Based on your brief bio above (which I know is probably not complete), I would be grilling you on your business acumen, ability to navigate a multi-stakeholder environment and typical shifting business priorities/timelines as compared to the academic world. I would do so via situational interview techniques as mentioned by Cary above.
The reality for many (most?) IDs in today's increasingly fast-paced business world is that you need to know how to "cheat" effectively. Are there times/projects when you can follow a traditional full-blown ID methodology? Sure. But those are becoming the exception rather than the rule. So my advice would be prepared to give some examples on how you have, or will be able to, deal with that reality.
Good luck and don't forget.... You are an expert. All you have to do is find out what they need, and educate them as to why you are the answer!
Bring a sample of your work i.e. job aid, etc. or provide links for them to view your work. Research the company, what they are about and of course, have some fun watching behavioral interviews on YouTube.
6 Replies
I'm a terrible interview so probably have no business opining. However:
1. Know something about someone's theory of "instructional design" (I like Mager and Gagne). If you get asked some abstract question about theory or someone you never heard of say "I'm really more of a practicioner than a theoretician. My focus is getting things done. I like the [whatever theory or theoretician].
2. If you're asked "Which is better [Apple or Windows, Lectora or Storyline, etc.] say "I try not to get involved in theological questions, I'm a very quick study and won't have any trouble picking up whatever tools your company uses.
3. Remember that whether you get the job or not may have very little to do with you, how well you interview, or how qualified you are for the job (See attachment).
Google "Situational Interviews" and "Behavior Based Interviews" you will probably find some common questions and then come up with appropriate examples.
Common questions include, "Tell us about a time you had a disagreement with a co-worker or supervisor" or "Tell us about a time you had too much work, what did you do?"
Based on your brief bio above (which I know is probably not complete), I would be grilling you on your business acumen, ability to navigate a multi-stakeholder environment and typical shifting business priorities/timelines as compared to the academic world. I would do so via situational interview techniques as mentioned by Cary above.
The reality for many (most?) IDs in today's increasingly fast-paced business world is that you need to know how to "cheat" effectively. Are there times/projects when you can follow a traditional full-blown ID methodology? Sure. But those are becoming the exception rather than the rule. So my advice would be prepared to give some examples on how you have, or will be able to, deal with that reality.
Good luck and don't forget.... You are an expert. All you have to do is find out what they need, and educate them as to why you are the answer!
Bring a sample of your work i.e. job aid, etc. or provide links for them to view your work. Research the company, what they are about and of course, have some fun watching behavioral interviews on YouTube.
Thanks for the useful suggestions. They've definitely given me a starting point! Much appreciated :)
There are some links I shared in this post. It will help you to prepare for an interview.
https://community.articulate.com/discussions/building-better-courses/looking-for-toughest-interview-questions-for-instructional-design-position-9d498a85-c8ad-489e-88c2-a31ca8df339a
All the best.
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