MEETING THE CHALLENGE

SCREENING CRITERIA

Following is a description of the screening criteria TEAM OREGON has used to select instructors. Included are traits that we found to be good and those that we try to avoid. See Instructor Interview Questionnaire.

Riding experience - Hard to quantify (i.e. have they ridden the same way year after year, or have they constantly worked to improve and learn new things). Look for applicants who have ridden a fair amount of miles in their first year, or those with three or more years of riding experience.

The person with limited experience will struggle with some questions in the classroom, and potentially, with understanding some handling dynamics. As long as those individuals have a resource to get answers to those questions the limitation isn't a problem.

Ability to speak in front of groups - Look for those with some form of teaching or public speaking experience. Most people will get a little nervous before they speak in front of a group. That isn't a problem. Some folks are terrified in front of even a small group. That type of individual will require a lot of effort/training and typically will not work out.

Speaking ability - How well does the candidate communicate? When talking to an applicant ask questions and listen not only to the answer, but the way they formulate and convey the response. Look for people who use reasonable vocabulary, actually answer the question, and are fairly succinct. Although a person who talks a lot may be fun to talk to, they are typically challenged during a course to stay on time, and most importantly, to get the important information across without burying it with too much information.

Leadership style - Students and instructors need to work with people who treat everyone with respect and are sensitive to the needs of others. Ask them how they have handled a difficult situation in the past.

Good answers would include; trying to defuse the situation, talking about the problem to find a common ground, appreciate the person's view but ask they try a different way, etc.

Avoid applicants who give answers like; do it my way because I say, tell them to conform or they're gone, we argued until they gave in, etc.

Heart - Why do they want to be an instructor?

Favorable replies - Believe in the program, help people, like m/cs and people, improve safety/reduce accidents, etc.
Less favorable replies - A number of these aren't bad when combined with those above, however if the answer contains mostly things from this list it is suggested you look elsewhere.

Sounds like fun
I was asked to be an instructor
Like to talk to people
Need the money
Want to see what it's like, etc.

Level of activity - Look for those who intend to work at least five or six times a year.

Availability - For instructor training and teaching. Be cautious of those with extremely busy lives. Ask how they see this fitting into their life, and where they see themselves in five years.

Physical conditioning - Look for people who are active. They don't have to go to the gym five days a week, but they should have some regular activity (sports, physical activity at work, general exercise, etc.)

Age isn't a problem so long as the person is in shape. Be on the look-out for signs of a chronic problem or a health challenge that could limit their ability to teach a complete course.

Overall impression - How did you feel about the person after your conversation? Considerations should include; Confidence level, organization of thought, succinctness, general speaking ability, would their personality blend with your organization.

Coachablility - Hard to quantify. A member of your team needs to be able and willing to adjust as programs evolve, and to continuously improve themselves. Ask about two situations when they were directed to make changes at work.

A good attitude would include: "Struggled but was able to do it", "if they say that's the way it is ok", "made the change but had concerns so talked to supervisor", etc.

Bad Attitude: "Can't believe they made us do that", "it was just stupid so I quit", "they want us to _____ but it won't happen", etc.