Tell me about your experience in working with subject matter experts. How do you ensure you can work with them effectively to achieve learning goals?
Instructional designers are typically not expected to be subject matter experts on the topics for which they create instructional materials. However, they are expected to work harmoniously with SMEs to distill information about tasks and processes from them, document the information, and turn it into learning courses or materials. The hiring manager will want to learn about your concrete experience in successfully collaborating with SMEs. Describe the process and the outcome.
"I have worked with a wide variety of subject matter experts. In fact, I deal with them regularly in my current role. I work for an outsourcing company that specializes in new hire training for hospitality workers. Each client provides subject matter experts who work with me in developing the new hire training. I visit them in their workplace from time to time to observe how they go about their day. While there, I continue to document the process and really assess the best methodologies to employ when designing the course and materials. Overall, I've had a fantastic experience collaborating with SMEs. I enjoy being able to interpret their work and create something that helps facilitate the knowledge transfer and foster business continuity."
