#5: Have you ever disagreed with a subject matter expert? If so, how did you resolve it?
We all know that subject matter experts (SMEs) play a critical role in the e-learning process. But despite their importance to your projects, interviewers are also aware that their different perspectives and priorities can sometimes cause tension in the working relationship. Interviewers want to know you’re honest—so saying you’ve never worked with anyone challenging might not seem plausible or could make you come across as inexperienced. Whatever example you share, make sure it has a positive outcome so the interviewer knows you can work with different types of personalities.
#3: What’s your typical e-learning process?
Since the e-learning creation process can vary with each company, the interviewer wants to know how you typically approach new projects and what instructional methods guide your work. This also gives them more insight into whether you know all the steps involved in designing an e-learning course. Some companies also don’t have all the resources to fill an entire team, so knowing how involved you are in each step can give them a better picture of your capabilities and what you can bring to their team.
What are the roles and responsibilities of an instructional designer?
State the different roles performed by instructional designers on a daily basis.
| Example answer: An instructional designer will 1. Craft engaging e-learning course content 2. Identify the training needs of the target audience by getting in touch with subject matter experts (SMEs) 3. Set clear end goals 4. Evaluate and apply different e-learning trends 5. Create supporting media (games) and devise modes of assessments like quizzes and tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the training programs 6. Maintain project documentation |
The interviewer asks this question to understand what kind of instructional design strategies you follow. He would want to know your step-by-step design process, starting from planning to execution.
Talk about how you approach projects, your working style, and your daily routine. If the position youre applying for demands management or organizational skills, make sure you talk about your project management experiences as well.
| Example answer: I try to approach the design process with a series of steps. With a cognitivism philosophy in mind, I begin my design process by identifying the needs of the learners. Then, I begin working on the design, formulate a storyboard and come up with a prototype. Since this is the meat of the design process, I spend most of my working time in this phase. Finally, I will monitor the long-term effectiveness of the finished product. |
Do you have experience creating storyboards?
A storyboard is like a slide deck, document, or prototype that an instructional designer uses to layout the e-learning course framework he/she plans to create.
Most instructional designers spent most of their time creating storyboards. So, interviewers would want to know how experienced you are in creating it.
| Example answer: I am well experienced in creating storyboards. I use storyboards to map out how a course or learning experience will transpire for learners. |
#2: Why do you want to work here?
It’s a fair question. People take pride in the company they work for and want to know if you share in that passion. This question gives the interviewer some insight into how much you know about the company, its culture, and its values. So, make sure you research the company beforehand so you can truthfully answer why the company and role appeal to you.