What Hiring Managers Are Looking for in Instructional Design and L&D Roles in 2025

In the evolving landscape of Learning and Development (L&D), hiring managers are seeking professionals who can blend foundational instructional design principles with modern technological proficiencies. From strategy-focused positions to hands-on content development roles, the expectations for L&D professionals are rising. A strong understanding of instructional design theory is considered table stakes, what sets candidates apart is how they apply that knowledge through tools, collaboration, and measurable impact.

Here’s what has stood out in 2025 so far in L&D recruitment and how you can align your skills to meet those expectations:

1. Proficiency in eLearning Tools

Technical skills remain crucial. Proficiency in tools like Articulate Storyline, Rise, Adobe Captivate, Vyond, Camtasia, and LMS platforms is highly valued. These tools enable designers to create interactive and scalable learning solutions.

Actionable Tips:

• Include strong eLearning samples in your portfolio that demonstrate interactivity, learner engagement, and sound instructional design.
• If you don’t have client work to share, create your own samples keep them professional, polished, and relevant (no PB&J tutorials).
• Use publicly available portfolios as inspiration and benchmarks – Devlin Peck: Portfolio Showcase

Recommended Resources:

• Articulate: E-Learning Heroes | Free!
• IDOL Courses: Storyline for IDOL | $297
• Oregon State University: Articulate Storyline and Rise Certificate Program | $1,407
• ATD: Articulate Storyline Certificate | $2,125 – $2,425
• Devlin Peck: Building Your Stand-Out Portfolio Bundle | $1,498

2. Project Management Capabilities

With the increasing complexity of L&D projects, the ability to manage timelines, resources, scope, and deliverables is critical. Hiring managers seek IDs who can confidently lead a project from kickoff to evaluation.

Actionable Tips:

• On your resume, highlight project milestones, tools used (e.g., Trello, ClickUp, Smartsheet), and outcomes.
• Consider certifications like PMP, CAPM, or Agile/Scrum to boost credibility.
• In your portfolio, include project workflows, timelines, process maps, meeting decks, etc.

Recommended Resources:

• PMI: Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification | Free starter course!
• Scrum Alliance: Agile Essentials and Scrum Essentials | $106 and $63
• SNHU: Project Management Certificate Online | $637 /credit
• eCornell: Project Management Cornell Certificate Program | $3,900

3. Data-Driven Decision Making

Hiring managers want IDs who can go beyond content creation who can measure impact and make evidence-based recommendations. This might include analyzing learner engagement, performance metrics, or behavior change.

Actionable Tips:

• In your resume/interviews, quantify impact: “Reduced onboarding time by 30%” or “Increased course completion rates by 22%.”
• Upskill in learning analytics, xAPI, or data tools like Google Data Studio or Power BI.
• Describe your evaluation process (e.g., Kirkpatrick levels 1–4) and how the data informed improvements.

Recommended Resources:

• Microsoft: Get Started with Microsoft Data Analytics (PowerBI) | Free!
• HRCI: Certificate in Data Analytics | $399
• UArizona: Online Data Analytics Bootcamp | $2,85 /month
• Wharton Executive Education: HR Management and Analytics | $2,800

4. Adaptability and Continuous Learning

The L&D field is evolving fast AI, VR, microlearning, and new delivery platforms are reshaping the industry. Professionals who embrace change and explore emerging technologies stand out.

Actionable Tips:

• Highlight ongoing education, certifications, or tools you’ve recently explored.
• In interviews, discuss how you learned a new platform or adapted a design to meet evolving needs.
• Stay curious: explore tools like Synthesia, Trupeer AI, ChatGPT, Descript, or AI-enhanced LMS platforms.

Recommended Resources:

• 360 Learning: AI Certification for L&D | Free!
• PMI: Generative AI Overview for Project Managers | Free!
• Training Magazine: Mastering Generative AI for L&D Certificate | $845 – $995

5. Strong Communication and Collaboration Skills

Effective communication is essential for collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs), stakeholders, and cross-functional teams. Hiring managers look for those who can translate complex content and manage relationships professionally.

Actionable Tips:

• Prepare examples of how you’ve managed SME relationships or resolved conflicting feedback.
• On your resume, highlight cross-functional collaboration and communication tools you use (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Asana, Miro).
• In interviews, share how you’ve facilitated stakeholder alignment, training pilots, or learning feedback sessions.

Recommended Resources:

• OpenClassrooms: Work Effectively as a Team | Free! 
• IDOL Academy: Working with SMEs Course | $22
• OpenClassrooms: Manage a Team | Free!

Final Thoughts

L&D roles in 2025 are increasingly strategic, data-informed, and cross-functional. Hiring managers are not just looking for content developers, they’re looking for learning leaders who can align with business goals, drive engagement, and measure success.

Whether you’re just starting out or moving into senior roles, aligning your skills, portfolio, and language with these expectations will set you apart.

Explore additional professional resources on Teamed’s Career Board and discover new opportunities on our Job Board. Wishing you success on your career journey!