What are the best ways to describe your training style in an interview?

Understanding the company's viewpoint before an interview is a savvy strategy. It's like stepping into their world, which helps you make a lasting impression. When you respond to their questions aligning with their values and goals, it showcases your insight and empathy towards their vision. This alignment builds trust! So, my advice is, take some time to research the company, understand how they operate, and tailor your responses during the interview to resonate with their approach. This not only demonstrates your suitability but also positions you as someone who truly comprehends and supports their mission, setting you apart in a positive light.

One of the key questions an employer will ask of a potential employee and not a trick question or one when we ask will hold a lot of weight in the decision process. What we are trying to understand is how do we work together on personal and professional development i.e. how do you add value and how do we get the biggest bang for our buck. Too many employers view training as "we will send you on a course" or "distance learning is the key". Neither of these are any good if this is not your style of learning. Personally my is a blend and very dependant on what I'm trying to develop or understand better. If it's legal or regulatory then I need to be in a training environment, if its understanding the latest equipment I like to get hands on.

In the interview, it's not so much about you tailoring your answer, it's more about you providing examples that are relevant to the role. Relevance is key! Do your research on the organisation you are wanting to join, understand their core service offering to clients, and think about the how you are intending to 'show up' for them.

I support a local school with sessions on applying for a job, CV's and interviews. When teaching the session on interviews I use the STAR model as a great framework as it is easy to remember and also can be used for many situations. It can easily apply to many situations. The interview is the second opportunity for you and an employer to see if you can work together, a good interviewer will use a variety of techniques to get the most out of the short time, for example "tell me when" or "give me an example", by using the STAR model you can give your answer real structure. You're the STAR so shine.

Where people go wrong with the STAR method in interviews, is on the A - Action. Whenever possible, quantify the impact of your actions. Clearly explain the decisions you made and why. Use numbers, percentages, or specific metrics to demonstrate the outcomes and effectiveness of your efforts.

Reflecting on your natural strengths is always a tough one. In my experience, many people find it confronting to confront themselves. What can help is to describe one of your interview scenarios (using the STAR method) in a rehearsal with a friend, colleague or family. Ask them to listen, observe and provide feedback. Specifically ask them to point out your technical abilities, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, or leadership capabilities.

Being an effective trainer is both science and art. While you have a set format or process, there should always be room for flexibility to adjust to the audience and needs of the company. Be sure to highlight your willingness to flex but also times when that flexibility lead to greater outcomes.

Showing your genuine source of passion resonates authentically during interviews. This enthusiasm demonstrates your sincere commitment to the work or industry, which leaves a lasting impression on employers. As someone who sits on the hiring panel, candidates with intrinsic motivation value proactive behaviour, showcasing a self-starter mentality valued in professional settings. This also illustrates that you foster resilience in navigating challenges with commitment and adaptability.

When discussing my training style in an interview, I go beyond stating strengths. I share clear success stories, demonstrating how my approach led to tangible advancements in participants' careers, offering real-world examples of growth and achievement. So, do not hesitate to provide a concrete and impactful illustration of your training's effectiveness. Also, don't shy away from showcasing complex challenges you've helped individuals overcome. Highlighting a range of accomplishments, from straightforward successes to more intricate transformations, adds depth to your narrative and emphasizes the versatility of your training approach.