Experiences
The last job I applied for was for my current position as a corporate trainer, about 2.5 years ago. I was already working for the company, so the application process was fairly straight forward. The managers of the two training teams already knew me and had heard through the grapevine that I was interested in taking on a role as a trainer, so they had both reached out to me before the position was even posted to chat. The application process itself was very easy – we have an internal job posting site, so I uploaded my resume and applied to the role. Because the managers already knew me, it felt as though they already knew they wanted me to join the team, so the process was very quick. I interviewed with the Talent Acquisition partner and then had a few days to prepare for the panel interview to be had with the Training team leadership members.
This interview was different from anything I had experienced before. The panel I was interviewing with consisted of a Senior Trainer (who I had trained under in the past), the 4 department managers (including my prospective manager), and the director of the department. The interview consisted of three sections: common job-related questions, situational questions, and the final part (being the new experience) was needing to deliver a 20-minute presentation discussing adult learning principles. I had to create this presentation myself, performing necessary research to ensure I was discussing all the principles, as well as incorporating facilitation techniques to engage my audience as “learners.”
Impressions
This interview process definitely set high expectations for the department. It felt structured and really captured a wide array of skills in the 1 hour discussion. Being able to chat with the director and the different managers all at one time was a great way of getting to know the different functions within the Training team and left me feeling excited and hopeful about landing the position.
Hi Grace, your experience applying for the corporate trainer role sounds both exciting and well-structured! It’s great that you had existing connections within the company, which helped streamline the process. The panel interview, especially the 20-minute presentation on adult learning principles, sounds like a valuable challenge that truly tested your knowledge and facilitation skills. It’s inspiring to see how a well-organized interview can set high expectations and provide insight into a team’s dynamics. Thanks for sharing your journey!
I read your blog post, “WK1 Job Apps,” and found your reflections on the application process insightful. Your experience highlights the importance of clear communication and structured procedures in shaping an applicant’s perception of a potential employer. The timely updates you received and the organized interview process demonstrate how transparency can positively influence a candidate’s interest in the position. Additionally, your mention of the comprehensive background check emphasizes the organization’s commitment to integrity and safety. Thank you for sharing your experience; it provides valuable perspectives on effective recruitment practices.