Training Manager Interview Questions And Answers

Training is defined as a continuous learning process in which the employees will acquire knowledge, enhance professional skills and improve attitudes and behaviors to excel well on the job.

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.

The basic difference between training and development is training helps to make the employee of a company to be more effective and efficient in the present role and responsibilities of the job i.e. fulfill short term needs of any company but development helps to improve the overall personality dimensions of an employee to take up any future assignments if any and better equipped to handle any critical situations might occur i.e. fulfill long term needs of any company.

The training is effective in all means if it:
☛ Imparts new skills.
☛ Inculcates new ideas, knowledge and concepts.
☛ Is practical oriented.
☛ Not an information dump.
☛ Aligns the training needs to fulfill the organizational short and long term goals.
☛ Conducts the post evaluation to ensure the satisfaction levels to refine the future training needs.

There are different training methods like on -the - job techniques, off-the-job techniques, role playing, simulation, internship, apprentice ship, lectures, case analysis, laboratory training methods etc.

The following are the key issues to be addressed for a successful training program:
☛ Place (indoor/outdoor)
☛ Audio visual aids
☛ Relevant training materials
☛ Facilities
☛ Time schedule
☛ Non - visual aids
☛ Trainer

The role of a trainer is to develop a competency and skill sets in an individual to perform his/her effectively and efficiently in the work place. The trainer should communicate to the trainees about what is expected out of training manager in a simple and professional way.
The trainer plays a pivotal role from start to end of the training manager that includes the following:
☛ Training plan
☛ Timing of different training sessions
☛ Choosing the relevant training methods
☛ Preparing the training materials and aids
☛ Conducting training sessions and
☛ Evaluating the post training session

The qualities of a good training manager are as follows:
☛ Methodical and well-planned
☛ Highly knowledgeable and competent enough
☛ Possess relevant industry experience
☛ Good in communication/presentation and
☛ Be practical enough to make the overall training session fruitful to the trainees.

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 training manager as well.

The following are the steps to be undertaken to make the long training session not boring to the trainees/employees:
☛ Give appropriate breaks to refresh
☛ Use both audio-visual aids as and when necessary
☛ Keep avoiding mono dialogue session; make the session highly interactive
☛ Include management games like ice breakers etc. to energize the whole team
☛ Introduce different learning principles like showing live industry examples and case study analysis

Discuss how you would like to be able to effectively utilize your skills and experience if you were hired for the job. You can also mention that you are motivated by challenges, have the ability to effectively meet challenges, and have the flexibility and skills necessary to handle a challenging job. You can continue by describing specific examples of challenges you have met and goals you have achieved in the past.

Keep your answers focused on work and show the interviewer that you are organized (The first thing I do on Monday morning is check my voicemail and email, then I prioritize my activities for the week.) and efficient.

This is the part where you link your skills, experience, education and your personality to the job itself. This is why you need to be utterly familiar with the job description as well as the company culture. Remember though, it's best to back them up with actual examples of say, how you are a good team player. It is possible that you may not have as much skills, experience or qualifications as the other candidates.

Follow these three easy research tips before your next job interview:
1) Visit the company website; look in the "about us" section and "careers" sections.
2) Visit the company's LinkedIn page (note, you must have a LinkedIn account - its free to sign up) to view information about the company.
3) Google a keyword search phrase like "press releases" followed by the company name, you will find the most recent news stories shared by the company.
Remember, just because you have done your "homework", it does not mean you need to share all of it during the interview. Reciting every fact you have learned is almost as much of a turn off as not knowing anything at all. At a minimum, you should include the following in your answer.

More likely than not, the interviewer wishes to see how much you know about the company culture, and whether you can identify with the organization's values and vision. Every organization has its strong points, and these are the ones that you should highlight in your answer.

You are not sure about your goals, then answer:
I am rather busy with my duties and goals of the Company, as a result, I have not focused much on my long-term personal goals.

Employers look for applicants who are goal-oriented. Show a desire for continuous learning by listing hobbies non-work related. Regardless of what hobbies you choose to showcase, remember that the goal is to prove self-sufficiency, time management, and motivation.

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Here are some activities of training manager:
☛ Training and Teaching Others
☛ Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
☛ Coaching and Developing Others
☛ Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
☛ Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
☛ Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships