Explore Learning Interview Questions & Answers

I went to a face-to-face interview with two directors of the learning centre that I was applying for. It started off with a tour of the facilities, which I was shown around upon entry. We then moved on to face-to-face interview questions, where I was sat down at a table with the two interviewers. They asked me questions on a variety of topics, such as my drive to succeed, my experiences with helping children overcome obstacles, and my previous work experiences. I then had to conduct a role play with one of the interviewers where I was trying to sell them, acting as a member of the public on the street, a gym membership for a new fitness centre. The interview concluded with me being taken to the room where the children were doing their after-school learning, and being encouraged to interact with them and ask them questions about the work they were doing, and I was also given the chance to assist them in their learning if they so wished.

Describe an obstacle you have had to overcome in the past where a child has had a lack of motivation for an activity, and you have had to ensure that they became more enthusiastic about the activity.

I did not have a telephone interview and I got invited to the Centre Interview. They started off with a tour of the centre and explaining the role of an AD on a daily basis. Then we had an interview with competency questions (a situation with a difficult customer, leadership) and 'why explore learning?" and a general conversation about the role. Then we had the gym role play, which they made me feel very relaxed about and they give you immediate feedback to then do it again. Definitely listen to the feedback and take it on board! Then I had time to work with the children where they will also give you feedback too.

Describe a time where an experience was stressful or de-motivated you.

The day was very relaxed and non-competitive. First met the candidates and had a chance to get to them before the day started. Had a presentation about the history of EL and whats important to the company. Then, our days were all scheduled differently so you would all do things at different times. It involved an interview (scenario-based questions and logistics), presentation (how you can contribute to the 4 visions- drawing on competences and experiences), role play (with a parent at a RMU in a shopping centre), maths and english test (perhaps brush up on basic maths) and then a group activity (action plan to get member numbers up).

I had no phone interview but went straight to a centre interview. This took the format of a tour of the centre and description of the role with the centre director. This was a bit annoying, especially the information on the role, as I'd thoroughly researched the job and the company and wanted to show that I knew all this, rather than being told! This was followed by some questions about my application and cv along with some scenario questions with both the centre director and one of the assistant directors, which lasted about half an hour. Then there was the role play, from which I was given useful feedback and then repeated. After that was some interaction with the kids, with one of the tutors which went on for about 15 minutes.

Scenario questions such as 'what would you do if the centre director was away for a while and performance among the staff started to drop?'

Do your research, especially on marketing and sales techniques. Look through information provided carefully by the company and listen to centre interview feedback before the assessment centre. Relax in both interviews, everyone seems very nice and they really want to just get to know you.

The day started with a talk from the operations director which lasted about half an hour on the company overall. This was followed by an interview with one of the graduate recruitment managers on my application and some management scenario questions. Then came the marketing presentation which lasted 5 minutes followed by some questions with another of the graduate recruitment managers followed by the role play. Then was the literacy and numeracy task which we could do in our own time. In the afternoon was the group task which involved choosing a selection of objects to keep on a sinking ship and having to present our findings within a small timeframe.

The initial interview was good. I personally left with the thought that I did not get the job. But that was more my worry and because I really couldn't read my interviewers. Apart from that, the process went smoothly and they made you feel comfortable and the environment is friendly. I also enjoyed the chance to interact with the children during the interview.

The most difficult question I was asked was during my interview on the assessment day. It was my scenario question, which I ended up getting wrong.

My advice to anyone interested in applying is to make sure you do your research into the company and the role you are applying for. Make sure that you show your passion and enthusiasm of the job, but make sure that it is real and genuine. Also be confident in yourself.

You have an idea of what tasks you're going to be doing before you go, but you still don't know what to expect with the people and the other candidates. However, it turned out to be a great day. The interviewers were super friendly and we as candidates were friends by the end of the day. Certain tasks that we had to perform made us more nervous than others and it varied for each person. However, you get it done and you realise you made yourself worry for nothing.

First off there was a phone interview, which was basically just a brief chat about expectations of the role and past work experience. Once I made it through this stage, I was invited to an interview at one of the Explore Learning centres near my home.

This interview was two hours long, and was divided into two halves. The first half was comprised of a more detailed discussion about the role of an Assistant Director, a role play exercise and more questions about my past work experience and how I may handle difficult situations at work. An awareness of marketing strategies is also helpful during this part of the interview. The second part of the interview was an hour working with the children while they were being tutored, which was fun!

After this, I was put through to an Assessment Centre day at Guildford, which lasted from 9 till 4.30. The day involved a short presentation, a one on one interview, two written assessments and a group task. We were also given a presentation about the company, and taken out to lunch half way through the day.

The most difficult questions were those that involved unfamiliar scenarios to myself, such as having to chose one task to prioritise over another, or being asked how I would deal with doubts from parents about my age (21) or relative lack of experience.

Prepare! Make sure you familiarise yourself with the website and what will be expected of you as an Assistant Director. An awareness of marketing strategies is also helpful, as is previous job experience of any kind that demonstrates you can work in a team and take responsibility for your actions.

It is also important to not be too formal, something that was picked up on in my first face to face interview - they like your personality to come through as it is a very friendly company.

The first task was a presentation about a marketing strategy I would adopt with the goal of signing up potential members to free trials. It lasted 5 minutes and was followed by a few questions.

The second was a one to one interview with two senior management staff, which was more informal and involved scenario questions and probes into why I applied for the role.

The written tasks were to test literary and maths competence

For the final group task we were split into two teams, and had to work together to select items off a list that we would want with us if we found ourselves lost at sea. We had to decide together which ones we would prioritise and then present the final list to all of the interviewers.

The first stage of the AD position was the application form online, consisting of about 8 questions. Provide as much detail as possible and give good examples of your experiences.
The second stage of the process, was an interview held at one of the centres. I was interviewed by the Centre Director, and there was an Assistant Director on hand as well who took notes throughout. The whole session lasted about 2 hours. I was shown around the centre, and given the logistics about how it worked. I would advise to do plenty of research before you arrive so that you have plenty of questions to ask about the centre - show your enthusiasm for the centre and let your personality shine.
I was then sat down and asked about my experiences and skills. I was given a few scenarios to deal with for example, if the CD was away and there was an urgent issue, what I do?
The final stage was a role play exercise. I had to pretend to stop someone in the street and promote a gym membership. The goal was to sign the person up for a free trial. Just make sure you use your communication skills effectively and ask questions to engage the client. There is also a chance to repeat the role play too.

The scenario questions were perhaps the most difficult part of the day, but just use your common sense. If they question your answer, explain the problems that you would have and maintain a positive attitude throughout. This will show your confidence in problematic situations. And keep smiling! We are not all perfect, and they are just looking for someone who is willing to learn and take on the challenges that will be involved in the job.

Explore are really looking for passionate and enthusiastic people who are confident to take on the challenges that the role can bring. Really demonstrate how your experiences will aid you in the role and be positive throughout the day. Ask questions, be engaged, and enjoy it. If you get things wrong, don't worry. Recognise your mistakes and turn it into a positive - show that you can learn quickly. It is a fantastic company to work for and if you show that you want to work for them, your chances of being given the role are a lot higher.

The day started with a welcome presentation. A schedule had been created for each person of when they would do their verbal/numerical reasoning test (which wasn't difficult), marketing presentation, and another for the one-on-one interview. There is a fair bit of waiting around at this part of the day, but everyone was so lovely and it wasn't one of those uncomfortable assessment days where you feel you are in competition with everyone. Yes there is an element of competition, but the other candidates were all lovely and we all chatted about our experiences.
The marketing presentation (task given before assessment day itself): my task was to create a sales event or marketing initiative and present it to one of the interviewers. Be clear, concise and confident. I typed up my presentation, but maintain eye contact and be positive about your idea.
The one-on-one interview: this was more about your experiences and skills and gives you the opportunity to really sell yourself. Be confident throughout and ask questions; show your interest and passion to work for Explore. There were a few more scenario questions at this point too.
We were then taken to Zizzi's for lunch; the most stressful part of the day was over so it was nice to just relax and chat with the other candidates and managerial staff.
The afternoon consisted of a group activity. We started by going around the room and picking words out of a hat. We then had to talk about that word for 1 minute. Be imaginative and funny if you can! We were then split into 2 groups and given a survival scenario; rating objects in order of importance.
The day then ended, and we were told we would find out within 3 working days if we were successful.

First, I had a telephone interview just to go over my application form and CV. They told me straight away that I had made it to the next stage.

For the interview stage, I was interview by the Director and one of the Assistant Directors at the centre. I was given a tour of the centre first. I had to prepare a 5 minute role play to promote a gym to someone in a supermarket. This went really well, and they let you do it again. You must keep asking them questions and getting to know them - they like that! For the rest of the interview they asked me competency and scenario questions. I got to spend a short time with the children, but there were only 3 there due to it being the holidays. I got to talk to them and the tutor they were with.

Overall, they were really friendly and made you feel at ease during the interview.

The questions weren't overly difficult, as I had prepared a lot for most of them. I guess the scenario questions were the hardest as you never quite know what they'll ask.

Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the Assessment Day stage. The feedback they gave me was that my managerial style wasn't assertive enough, so this may be a hint to what they want! Make sure you make a real effort when you get to speak to the children. I wish I was able to have more time with them and that there were more of them there so I could've have shown them more of my ability.

5 minute role play.

I personally did not have to have a telephone interview due to my experience, but have seen many do.
The interview was very relaxing and the staff put you at ease. Firstly they take you on a little tour of the centre and let you ask questions (they liked being asked questions- so do your research). We then had a sit down and spoke about marketing, teamwork, leadership and working with children. The questions were easy to answer providing you had prepared. There were a lot of scenario based questions, but they were really common sense. I then had to do my role play (which you have to prepare in advance). This was scary at first but then they give you feedback and you get the chance to act on the feedback and do it again.

After the initial interview I was given the chance to play on the systems they use before working with the children.

There weren't any particularly difficult questions.

You need to be prepared! Look on there website and get a feel for what they expect from an assistant director. It might be handy to go into one of the centres and see what they do, so when you have your chance to work with the children you're prepared. Everyone freaks out with the role play but when you're in there it's actually not that bad.... so don't worry!

Most importantly let your personality shine through!

My Assessment Centre will take place in April but I understand this will be two interviews, a role play and a presentation along with team working and simple tests.

The full recruitment process involves answering numerous application questions, attending a centre interview, and then attending a full assessment day at the Head Office in Guildford. The centre interview involves being shown around one of your selected centres, and then being interviewed by two current directors. The interview is quite long and involves scenario questions, as well as competency questions. You are then observed tutoring the children for around 20-30 minutes. If you are successful, you are invited to their Head Office. This is a full day of assessments with around 13 other candidates, including a marketing presentation, a role play, a maths/english assessment, an interview, lunch at Zizzi's with the interviewers, and a group task with a presentation.

We were given scenario questions and asked what we would do in certain situations, many of which we may not have encountered before.

Ensure that you are very interactive with the children during your centre interview - don't be afraid to get stuck in as if you are their tutor. The key is to build a rapport with the children in the zones you are assigned to. Be enthusiastic and make sure you know a lot about the company, and are prepared to think on your feet on be creative on the assessment day.

Aside from interviews, we also had tasks that required confidence and thinking on our feet. One of these was all having to write a word on a piece of paper, putting them all into a bowl, and then picking one of the pieces of paper and immediately talking non-stop about that word for a minute in front of the group and assessors. We also had a group task to agree on an order of importance for specific items and then presenting our ideas to the assessors, whilst answering their questions about our decisions.

It began with a tour of the Explore Learning Centre before sitting down with 2 of the 3 managers and having an interview. The atmosphere was informal, although be sure to dress appropriately. The interview was about 40 mins long, beginning with questions about experience, the part of the job you think you'll succeed in most, and your chance to ask any questions.
Lastly, There's the opportunity to interact with the children and you're observed while doing this.

The role play was most difficult for me. The topic was given the day before (via email) - I had to sell a gym membership. A tip for this is to bring your own material, eg business card, flyer, etc.

The environment is relaxed and informal, it really puts you at ease. Be sure to check Explore Learning's website prior to the interview as some questions are there to nite your preparation for the interview.

After the interview there's an assessment centre, however I did not get through to this.