I always answer with these three steps I took to get noticed and get hired:

1)  Update your resume!

Updating your resume is more than just listing your most recent job.

a. You need to talk about the impact your work had in terms of data-driven results. As an educator, this may be difficult to translate at first. We aren’t used to thinking in these terms when we talk about our accomplishments as a teacher. List the gains you had with students by utilizing the standardized testing data or any other assessment data you keep for student growth.

b. Highlight the faculty workshops, cohorts, or pilots you led or participated in. This will show that you can foster adult learning and have experience doing so.

c. Most importantly – adapt the education vernacular to corporate Instructional Design vernacular. Check out the job descriptions for the roles that interest you. Look at how the responsibilities of the role are described. All those descriptors that parallel what teachers do need to replace the ones you currently have in your teacher resume. This is important because these are the words the analytics for the online application software is looking for. It’s the first door you need to be able to get through as a top candidate. If your resume does not have enough of those keywords, it tosses you out. You get that automated generic thanks but no thanks email instead of an invitation for an interview.

2)  Get on LinkedIn and be actively engaged!

a. LinkedIn is an underutilized resource. It’s one of the best places to network with like-minded people. Once you create your profile, be sure to post regularly and comment on other’s posts. This activity will increase your appearances in your connections’ timeline and in search results. It will also increase the traffic to your profile entirely. People will be curious about who you are.

b. Toggle on the open to work switch so that recruiters know you are wanting to know about opportunities. Caution: there are two different buttons for this action. One keeps your intentions private except to recruiters and hiring managers. The other will put that green banner on your profile picture for all to see. There are some contrary opinions as to whether or not that public open to work banner helps or hurts you.

c. Claim your new title before it happens. Put Instructional Designer or whatever you wish to be as part of your name or as your headline. This will increase the number of searches you show up in by recruiters looking for Instructional Designers.

3)   Build a portfolio!

a. It’s a good practice for every professional to have one no matter your industry. It’s a MUST HAVE for Instructional Designers. A good portfolio can set you apart from the rest of the candidates.

b. There are lots of free website builders out there to help you house your portfolio. Wix.com and Weebly.com are two I like to recommend for the novice. WordPress.org is good if you are a bit more advanced or want more freedom in the creation of your site.

c. Create a variety of assets. Show them what you can do by creating eLearning, infographics, videos, instructor-led training, et cetera. Be sure to describe the training for each asset, name the tool(s) used in design and development, and include the results of the training if there is data.  

I know this can all seem overwhelming especially if you are doing it on your own. If you prefer to fast track this process, have support and guidance, and clear direction, then you can learn how to implement these suggestions and much more about Instructional Design in the IDOL courses Academy. The Academy is the ideal solution for those who want industry knowledge and real-world application know-how, but aren’t looking to spend a lot of time or money in earning another degree. You just want to get noticed and get hired. 

Written by:  Gretchen Johanson

Gretchen is an Instructional Designer, IDOL Courses Academy Mentor, and former public educator. Combined, she has over a decade of experience in learning and development. She considers herself a life-long learner and is always looking for opportunities to grow and develop her skills. Work-life balance is important to her. She enjoys kickboxing, traveling, and family time when she is not working.