How to Identify High-Impact Instructional Designers (Even if You’re Not One)

Hiring a great instructional designer can transform how your learners experience training and how your organization measures success. But if you’re not an instructional designer yourself, how do you know what to look for? Titles, degrees, and portfolios only tell part of the story.

At Teamed, we’ve reviewed thousands of candidates for learning and development (L&D) roles—and we’ve noticed that the best instructional designers consistently share a few key traits.

1. They Think Like Problem Solvers, Not Content Creators

A high-impact ID doesn’t just design courses—they diagnose performance gaps. They ask questions like:

• What problem are we solving?
• How will this improve learner outcomes or business results?
• Is training even the right solution?
  

Look for candidates who talk about why they designed a learning experience—not just what they built.

2. Their Portfolios Tell a Story

The strongest portfolios don’t just showcase visuals—they explain process, context, and impact. Great IDs include:

• A brief overview of the learning challenge
• Their design approach and rationale
• Outcomes (e.g., improved engagement, reduced time to competence)
  

Teamed’s talent pool lets employers preview not only sample work but also how designers think. That’s where skill and value become visible.

3. They Communicate and Collaborate with Ease

Instructional design is a team sport. High-performing IDs build relationships with subject matter experts (SMEs), project managers, and stakeholders.

During interviews, look for clear communication, curiosity, and a willingness to collaborate.

4. They Blend Creativity with Structure

The best designers balance innovation and discipline. They know learning theories, stay current with tools, and still manage projects efficiently. It’s this combination that keeps learning solutions both engaging and on time.

Finding Your Next Great Designer

Even if you’re not an instructional design expert, you can still identify excellence. Focus on how candidates think, communicate, and solve problems—not just their toolset.

At Teamed, we specialize in helping organizations find and hire top instructional design and L&D talent. Explore our Teamed Talent Pool to discover professionals who are as strategic as they are creative.