Podcast Show Notes: Episode 9 - The Interview

Episode title and number: Episode 9, The Interview

Name of show: I’m New Here: A podcast for new instructional designers and e-learning developers

Airing Date: June 29th, 2020

Host: Nyla Spooner

Questions/Comments/Concerns? Email the show: thenewhereshow@gmail.com

Episode Summary:

This week I'm going to talk about the instructional design job search, and how to prepare for interviews including how to leverage your network and other connections. These tips are based on interviews from people who hire instructional designers and from interviewing for design positions myself.

In this episode, I discuss 3 tips for nailing your ID interview…

1. Craft an elevator pitch that describes who you are, what you do, and why you do it. And that includes what you believe about Instructional Design.

2. Use the STAR Method to give concrete examples of your work. Star stands for situation, task, action, result. Don’t try to do this off the top of your head or you may ramble. Think about potential interview questions around your design style, interpersonal skills, and work habits.

3. Quantify your experiences. Interviewers hear lots of tall tales about the wonderful things we all did at our last jobs. Keep track of your accomplishments quantitatively as well as qualitatively. Don’t just regurgitate the responsibilities section of your job description

Tips from Twitter:

• When submitting a test project, take a risk. This is no time to play it safe

• When I moved to AZ, I looked for a company that had similar benefits to other companies I had in the Bay Area (ex. WFH, pre-COVID), but I had to be ok with other stuff...like calling all Asynchronous online learning "CBTs". Do you look for the perfect fit or good enough?

• Ask how they work with their stakeholders to incorporate new ways of working or getting work done. Can give insight into how much creative freedom you’ll have.

• ...read the rest of the thread, here: https://twitter.com/nylaLXD/status/1276914752015544321?s=20

List of resources mentioned in episode:

• The Training, Learning and Development Community (TLDC) Job Seeker Series with Joseph Suarez

• LinkedIn Tips

Homework: Identify three other women of color to follow in L&D

My Blog: nylalxd.com/blog

Follow me on socials: @nylalxd

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/nylaspooner

YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/XTGjctfwjDM