Navigating the Presentation Interview as an Instructional Designer in 2023
By: Zaynah Danquah
24/7 Instructional Design Superstar
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Mastering the Presentation Interview - A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Instructional Designers:
When I first began my journey into the field of instructional design, one of the most intimidating hurdles I faced was the presentation interview. I was comfortable creating content and working behind the scenes, but when it came to defending my design choices in front of a panel of professionals, my confidence wavered. In hindsight, I understood the importance of this process and its pivotal role in determining an instructional designer’s ability to communicate effectively and justify their design choices. What I struggled with was how to shift from simply describing my or my teams product to organizing my presentation in a way that emphasized what panelists valued most. Allow me to share my experiences and insights, hoping that it will provide you with a better understanding and a more prepared approach to the instructional designer’s presentation interview in 2023.
A common phrase you’ll hear in the industry is that “design is never done in a vacuum”. This holds true for instructional design as well. As an instructional designer, you’re not merely creating learning materials; you’re shaping an experience that is meant to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills to diverse learners. Your designs are expected to address specific learning objectives, keeping in view the unique needs and contexts of your target audience. This makes it crucial for instructional designers to not only create effective designs but also to communicate the ‘why’ behind their design decisions convincingly. That’s where the presentation interview comes in.
Communicating Your Design Choices:
During the interview, the panel is looking to assess your ability to present and defend your design choices effectively. Can you articulate why you’ve chosen a particular instructional strategy? Can you explain why your design will work for your target learners? Can you handle feedback and critique professionally and thoughtfully? These are the kinds of skills you should be prepared to demonstrate. In preparation for my presentation interview, I learned that a well-structured presentation is critical. Start by providing a brief overview of the project, outlining the learning objectives, target audience, and the challenges you were tasked to overcome. Then, delve into the specifics of your design. Talk about why you’ve chosen a particular instructional strategy or multimedia tool. Discuss how your design addresses the learning objectives and meets the target audience's needs. Be prepared to provide concrete examples to support your design decisions. Remember, the panel is interested in your thought process. They want to see that you have a deep understanding of instructional design principles, learning theories, and multimedia tools and that you can apply this knowledge to create learning experiences that are engaging, relevant, and effective.
Preparing for Tough Questions:
While explaining your designs, be mindful of the questions you might face. You could be asked, “Why did you choose this particular design approach?” or “How did you incorporate feedback into your designs?” or “How would you measure the effectiveness of your designs?" Being prepared to answer these questions can make a big difference. It shows the panel that you are reflective and critical about your work and value feedback and continuous improvement. It’s also important to remember that the presentation interview is about explaining your designs and demonstrating your presentation skills. As an instructional designer, you may be required to present your designs to stakeholders or provide training to subject matter experts or content developers. Therefore, your ability to present clearly, confidently, and effectively is crucial. When I stood in front of that panel, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. But as I started to talk about my designs - the thought process behind them, the challenges I overcame, the feedback I incorporated - I began to feel more confident. I realized that the presentation interview was not a test but an opportunity to showcase my passion for instructional design and my commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences. As I wrapped up my presentation and fielded questions from the panel, I realized that I was not only defending my designs, but I was also learning. I was getting insights into different perspectives and broadening my understanding of instructional design. The presentation interview, I realized, is as much an opportunity for personal growth as it is a showcase of your skills and competencies. It’s a chance for dialogue and exchange of ideas, a chance to learn from seasoned professionals and gain insights that can help you become a better instructional designer.
Showcasing Your Talent:
In the course of the interview, you will most likely face challenging questions. This is not merely a test of your knowledge but an opportunity for you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. For instance, when asked, “How would you alter your design if the audience was different?” you’re not just being asked to come up with an alternate design on the spot. The underlying question is whether you understand that different audiences have different needs and whether you have the skills to adapt your designs to meet these changing needs. In other words, the panel wants to see your flexibility and adaptability in action. Equally important is your response to the critique. As a designer, receiving feedback and criticism is a part of the job. How you handle this critique during the interview can tell the panel a lot about you as a professional. Do you get defensive, or do you listen and consider the feedback thoughtfully? Can you accept that there might be room for improvement in your designs? Your reaction to critique can show the panel your level of professionalism, your openness to learning, and your commitment to continuous improvement – all essential qualities of a successful instructional designer. Through my presentation interview, I learned that being an instructional designer is not just about creating great designs but also about being able to articulate the ‘why’ behind your designs. It’s about being able to defend your design choices with well-reasoned arguments and concrete evidence. It’s about being able to accept critique and use it as a springboard for growth and improvement.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the presentation interview is an integral part of the hiring process for instructional designers. It provides a platform for you to showcase your design skills, your communication abilities, and your critical thinking skills. It’s an opportunity to show the panel that you’re not just a designer but a thoughtful and reflective practitioner who is committed to creating the best learning experiences for your learners.
As intimidating as the presentation interview may seem, remember that it’s an opportunity – an opportunity to share your passion for instructional design, engage in stimulating discussions, and learn from seasoned professionals. With thorough preparation and a positive mindset, you can turn the presentation interview into a rewarding and enriching experience. I did it, and I’m sure you can too. The journey of becoming an instructional designer can be challenging, but it’s a journey worth embarking on. Good luck!
As a bonus, please check out one of my first instructional design presentations as a team leader:
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