1. Why Should We Hire You as Corporate Trainer?
If you know the job requirements and can match them with some accomplishments, briefly share those anecdotes. Then say, "If there are opportunities to do that and more here, then this is a great fit."
2. Tell me are you strict when training?
Strict? Not really, no. I find that "strict" can be a limiting approach to training. Flexibility is a far more useful skill when it comes to training, because it is imperative that trainers understand the differences and challenges that learners bring to the table, and work to accommodate those needs. Strictness doesn't facilitate learning.
3. Tell me what was a successful training program you developed?
I developed my writing course from the ground up based on the objectives provided by my organization. As well, most of my courses that I teach now are my own, developed with an eye to the objectives of my organization, but using resources that I have developed based on what I have seen in my students.
4. Tell me why should I hire you for the position?
Give specific examples of your accomplishments and why you are the best person for the position. Talk about the responsibilities of the position and the skills you possess to fulfill them. Be sure to restate your interest in the position!
5. Please tell us why are you the best candidate for us?
I am the best candidate for this position because of the boot-camp style train the trainer workshops I have attended where I learned how to create effective presentations using powerpoint, flip charts, ice breakers and add fun to the class. I have a sixth sense in monitoring the status of my participants and assist those struggling one-on-one to bring everyone to the same level.
6. Tell me did You Have Any Frustrations in Your Past Job?
Frustrations are a normal part of any job, and interviewers know this-so don't claim you didn't have any. Relate some of the bottlenecks you experienced, but more important, indicate what you did to overcome them.
7. Tell me how would you judge an employee's performance?
I would go for observation classes, then note down her performance, plan evaluation meeting with her and discuss her performance in a friendly and approachable manner.
8. Tell me can you describe the work environment/office culture?
Is it casual? More corporate/formal? You will want to know the office dynamic before accepting an internship position with the company. Can you see yourself training in a similar environment? How does this office compare to offices in your home country or previous positions you've held?
9. Tell us what is on and Off the Job Training?
On-the-job training is a type of learning process that usually occurs in an actual work environment i.e. an employee will be learning the new job roles and responsibilities while undergoing this training.
Off-the-job training is a type of learning process that usually occurs out of an actual work environment. This involves case analysis, lectures, presentation, simulation games etc. to imbibe the concepts and brainstorm ideas in an effective manner.
10. Tell me what do you like about your present job as a trainer?
I like the constant work and the variances we have. The constant of having to do something new.
11. Tell us what do you like about working here?
Be curious and inquisitive! Show that you are interested in the interviewer's background and experience at the company. You will learn about the advantages of having an internship with them and get some firsthand insight.
12. Tell me what Has Been Your Biggest Failure?
Discuss this question with friends, mentors, and possibly your references before the interview. If at all possible, think of something you were later able to correct. Then the story isn't just about a failure, but also about a learning experience.
13. Tell me what is your greatest strength as a trainer?
Ability to work under pressure, sensitive to the requirements of customers, strong written and verbal communication, team player.
14. Tell me how would you end your training session?
The well experienced trainer would end the training session with the summary of the whole session/story/real life business example/ feedback mechanism to evaluate the usefulness of both the training session and trainer as well.
15. Can you explain what Did You Think of Your Last Manager?
Whatever your true feelings might be, stay positive. This is not the time or place to list your boss's shortcomings or frustrating behaviors. Try responses like: "She was the kind of person I could learn from." or "We were able to communicate well and things got done quickly."
16. Tell me are you willing to work longer than an 8-hour day?
Even though a training program may be scheduled from 9 to 5, you may find yourself going to the training room much earlier than 9:00 a.m. and staying much later than 5:00 p.m. A well-prepared training session takes thoughtful room and material setup. If you arrive at the training room at the same time as the trainees, you will feel disorganized and unprepared. You may even start late because of last-minute preparations.
17. Please tell me have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor?
We do have different way of thinking at times but I believe we are cordial enough to discuss it openly and resolve the issues. If I am not clear in communicating, I make it a point to discuss it with him/her and clarify what is there in my mind.
18. What Motivates You as Corporate Trainer?
Resist the temptation to joke, "A steady paycheck!" Tie your motivation to the work being performed at this specific company. In addition, you could mention things like the opportunity to learn and grow, working with smart people who are passionate about their jobs, and contributing to the success of an organization.
19. Tell me can you perform even when you feel lousy?
Trainers don't often have the discretion to call in sick. When a session is scheduled, it often has been done long in advance, and often learners travel from long distances to attend training. Therefore, trainers must be able to present enthusiastically even when they are a little under the weather. The show must go on!
20. Tell us what are your goals for the future?
An employer wants to know that the position relates to what you hope to do in the future because it's a sign that you will be motivated to learn and work hard in the position. Talk about your goals and explain how the position would help you achieve those goals.
21. Explain why do you want a career as a training specialist?
Well that is a good question . Training specialist is a good match for my profile where I could convey my message and share my knowledge with them.
22. Tell me how do you believe you perform while giving presentations?
I know from experience and from feedback from my presentations that I am entertaining and informational, and that attendees at my presentations have overwhelmingly provided very positive feedback with regard to my presentations. I am well prepared for questions, welcome interaction with my audience, and use personal experience to connect with the audience.
23. Tell me how do you evaluate success as a trainer?
If my customer is happy and satisfied with my content creation and my product, I believe I am successful. My customer's satisfaction is my success.
24. Explain me about your experience as a trainer?
I have been in education -- just another form of training -- for 25 years. The past five years I have worked in workforce education, which is training for people who need to progress in their chosen field, who are transitioning to other employment, or who need training in order to obtain work. I work with people from all kinds of backgrounds and with varied needs, and I have to address those needs in a single setting.
25. What Do You Not Like to Do as Corporate Trainer?
This is a loaded question. A positive reply might be, "I'm the kind of person who does whatever is necessary to get the job done. When I do run into something disagreeable, I try to do it first and get it behind me. I have no particular dislikes."
26. Tell me why do you want to intern/train here?
Focus on a few of the key responsibilities that are especially interesting to you or highlight aspects of the company that you find appealing or beneficial to your professional development. Be sure to include what you hope to learn from the position, but also explain what you would like to contribute to the organization as well. Absolutely avoid mentioning you want the position solely because of its location or because it is a requirement for your degree.
27. Tell me can you deliver hard feedback?
Trainees do not learn effectively if during their training process they are not given honest feedback. Are you able to give this feedback, even when it is not good and even if it may impact an employee's job?
28. Explain me what specific skills do you have that would relate to this position?
Make sure you've thoroughly read the requirements for the position and confirm that you meet them. Refer to specific responsibilities of the position and tie them to your educational and/or professional experience. If you aren't applying to a specific internship/training opening and are proposing the program to the employer, be sure to explain that you have a strong foundation for training in this industry. They will understand that they will need to teach and train you, but they will also want to know you have sufficient preparation to be successful.
29. Tell me what kind of training tools do you require?
I need to have access to the internet and a computer, a projector, and the appropriate software to complete portions of my job, including web development tools, video development tools, and presentation development tools, as well as word processing and spreadsheet software. I also need the usual hard tools such as paper, writing tools, a photocopier or printer, etc.
30. Tell me a recent on-the-job training activity you facilitated?
On the job training presents its own challenges including distractions, lack of structure and nervousness from the employee. Take a specific example and discuss how you managed the difficulties.
31. Please explain can you cope with constant logistic problems?
Even though it may be someone else's responsibility to make room and equipment arrangements, it becomes the trainer's problem if something is not right. Are you prepared to deal with malfunctioning equipment, rooms that are not set up, reservations clerks who say you never reserved a room, materials that do not arrive, materials that have been typed or collated incorrectly, or any mess-up in general? A good trainer takes full accountability for ensuring that all logistics of a training program are in order.
32. Tell me what tools do you propose to use for communication with virtual work force?
Tools which you can use to communicate with virtual work force include:
☛ i) E-mails
☛ ii) Instant Messengers
☛ iii) VOIPs
☛ iv) Telephones
☛ v) Blogs
☛ vi) Forums
☛ vii) Intranet
☛ viii) Videos
☛ ix) Online document management systems
☛ x) Virtual Private Network
33. Do you work well under pressure as Corporate Trainer?
Yes, I do. I have spent the last five years working in a system where I have a great deal of training to accomplish in 24 hours, taking my students from knowing virtually nothing about a program -- or in some cases, about computers at all -- to being able to comfortably navigate and use the program in order to complete assigned tasks. I am always aware of the deadline of the end of the session, and often have to find creative ways to approach the objectives in order to complete them all.
34. Tell me are you also willing to stay later than your official “ending” time?
The same principle applies after the training program has ended. It is usually the trainer's responsibility to ensure that all items you used for the training are removed from the training room. You may need to replace tables and chairs the way you found them. You may need to straighten the room. Also, many trainees stay after the program is over so that they can ask questions they did not wish to ask in front of the rest of the participants. They expect the trainer to be there cheerfully ready to answer their questions. In addition you may have many details to wrap up at the end of the day: add notes to your training manual, review your PowerPoint presentation for the next day, clean your transparencies, revise your schedule for the next day, complete administrative tasks, file your materials in order, send additional resources to a participant, or prepare a flip chart for the next day.
35. Tell me how did your prior experience prepare you for this role?
☛ Back to the salesmen situation. Skills and experience, no matter what anyone argues, are transferable, even across industries. But, when you sell this sort of thing you must use practical and believable examples. Even a single, solitary response will do more for you then trying to reach for the stars. If you think of another practical one as the interview progresses, just like the software tip, feel free to circle back and provide more insights as the interview progresses.
☛ This is also a time to show off your ability to self-reflect and self-critique. Regardless of what others say - honesty and frankness - when done sparingly and with tact can be refreshing and possibly even helpful when interviewing. Again, err on the side of caution thought and try to keep comments and examples short and specific.
☛ You also hear a lot about doing research about the company before interviewing. It's critical for any type of salaried and/or leadership position. But, it's also a chance for you to assess the opportunity. I think by doing, by comparing, by contrasting - it's how my brain was wired as I aged. I know it can sometime limit me so I'm learning to ask for input, to bounce ideas off of people, to be more self-reflective and read people better, but if you are like me, you can learn about the company in the research process and it can help weigh in on your decision as much as your effort to learn about them will weigh in on theirs.
