How do you adapt when you need to make last-minute changes to a training program?

How to Answer
Answer Example

Learning and development, at its core, is a human resource function, and humans deal with changes all the time. With this question, the hiring manager is gauging your adaptability to change. Show the hiring manager that you are adaptable and flexible. If possible, provide an example of when you adapted and made last-minute changes to a program or session.

"I adapt well in last-minute situations. Working with people means that there are no promises on how my day will go. This reality is one that I learned early on in my career. Last year, our company was acquired by a larger firm, and we adopted their brand and culture. I was tasked to develop the materials for an instructor-led employee culture training, which included the mission, vision, core values, communication standards, and the like. A day before the pilot session, my manager informed me that the CEO and other executives would be dropping in for the pilot and needed 15 to 20 minutes to address the group. Employees were given an hour off for the session, so I fit the session plan within that time, and there really was no room to add 15 minutes. So, I went over the session plan again and pared down what I could. I originally designed the session to be interactive with many opportunities for group activity and discussion. Ultimately, I created a second version of the session plan with the 15 minutes for the executive team baked in. I was glad that I kept the original plan, though, because the executive team was only available to join three out of the 10 sessions we scheduled."

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How to Answer: How do you adapt when you need to make last-minute changes to a training program?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Instructional Designer job interview.

2. How do you adapt when you need to make last-minute changes to a training program?

How to Answer

Learning and development, at its core, is a human resource function, and humans deal with changes all the time. With this question, the hiring manager is gauging your adaptability to change. Show the hiring manager that you are adaptable and flexible. If possible, provide an example of when you adapted and made last-minute changes to a program or session.

Written by M Cheryl Harkins on September 6th, 2021

Answer Example

"I adapt well in last-minute situations. Working with people means that there are no promises on how my day will go. This reality is one that I learned early on in my career. Last year, our company was acquired by a larger firm, and we adopted their brand and culture. I was tasked to develop the materials for an instructor-led employee culture training, which included the mission, vision, core values, communication standards, and the like. A day before the pilot session, my manager informed me that the CEO and other executives would be dropping in for the pilot and needed 15 to 20 minutes to address the group. Employees were given an hour off for the session, so I fit the session plan within that time, and there really was no room to add 15 minutes. So, I went over the session plan again and pared down what I could. I originally designed the session to be interactive with many opportunities for group activity and discussion. Ultimately, I created a second version of the session plan with the 15 minutes for the executive team baked in. I was glad that I kept the original plan, though, because the executive team was only available to join three out of the 10 sessions we scheduled."

Written by M Cheryl Harkins on September 6th, 2021

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