Interviewing Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer is responsible for creating and implementing learning experiences in educational settings, using cutting-edge techniques to engage and educate learners. They work closely with subject matter experts to design, develop, and deliver instructional materials that effectively convey learning goals and outcomes.

Essential Skills for Instructional Designers

Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
Strong understanding of educational theories and instructional design models
Proficiency in eLearning software like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and Lectora
Creativity and problem-solving skills
Knowledge of learning management systems (LMS)
Experience in curriculum development and content creation
Understanding of assessment and evaluation methodologies

Interview Plan for Instructional Designer Role

Round 1: Preliminary Screening – 30 minutes

Objective:

To assess the candidate’s basic knowledge of instructional design principles and experience in the EdTech industry.

Examples of Questions:

What are the key principles of effective instructional design?
How do you stay up-to-date with emerging trends in EdTech?
Can you share an example of a project where you redesigned course materials to improve learning outcomes?

Expectations:

Expect the candidate to showcase their understanding of instructional design principles, industry experience, and examples of past projects where they’ve improved learning experiences. Round 2: Technical Evaluation – 60 minutes

Objective:

To evaluate the candidate’s proficiency in eLearning software and knowledge of LMS platforms.

Technical Skills Evaluated:

Articulate Storyline
Adobe Captivate
Lectora
Learning Management System (LMS) platforms

Examples of Questions:

Can you share your experience with Articulate Storyline, especially in creating interactive learning modules?
How do you ensure accessibility in eLearning content created using Adobe Captivate?
Describe how you’ve used Lectora for rapid eLearning development.
What are the top features you look for when evaluating a learning management system?

Expectations:

Expect the candidate to demonstrate their technical expertise and best practices while working with eLearning software and LMS platforms. Round 3: Portfolio Review & Scenario-Based Interview – 90 minutes

Objective:

To assess the candidate’s past projects, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and ability to design and develop instructional materials for various learning needs.

Examples of Questions:

Walk us through your portfolio and explain the instructional design process you followed for each project.
Describe a challenging instructional design project you worked on and the creative solutions you implemented.
How do you incorporate assessment and evaluation methodologies to measure the effectiveness of learning experiences?
In a scenario where you have to create a new course with limited resources and time, how would you approach designing and developing the course materials?

Expectations:

Expect the candidate to present a diverse portfolio of instructional design projects, showcasing their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and process in designing and developing effective learning experiences.

Important Notes for the Interviewer

Keep in mind that Instructional Designers in the EdTech space should show adaptability and keenness towards evolving technologies, as the industry is rapidly changing and adopting innovative solutions to enhance the learning experience.

Conclusion

To effectively hire an Instructional Designer, focus on the candidate’s understanding of instructional design principles, technical skills in eLearning software, adaptability to the dynamic EdTech environment, problem-solving abilities, and past work experiences. BarRaiser’s comprehensive interview guide will help you identify the best candidates who can create engaging learning experiences and contribute positively to the organization’s growth.