L&D - first 90 days? - Working in HR - Careers Clinic

3 L&D - first 90 days?

12 Jun, 2025 10:05

Hi, not sure if I'm posting in the right place. I'm hoping to make my first move into L&D after getting my CIPD level 5 diploma. I have some transferable skills from other jobs too. However, I've been thinking about how I would answer an interview question on what I would do in the first 90 days and I'm a bit stuck and wanted to ask what others thought would be a good answer / reasonable expectation?

The job I'm currently applying for is in a charity, with 250 employees, it would be L&D partner in a small HR department and seemingly it would be just myself and the head of learning. the head of learning does not have any HR or L&D qualifications but this is a specific ask in the job description for this role. For context, the charity works with people disabilities and the majority of staff have disabilities. The head of learning is austistic and visually impaired. The charity provides social care services amongst other things.

Any ideas and suggestions welcome. I want to smash the interview but also nervous about being effectively a stand alone L&D person.

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David Perry | 0 Posts

12 Jun, 2025 10:22

Kirsty

a. How much budget do you *(the charity have for training) Do you have a budget for anything?
b. How are training/learning needs identified.
c. How do you meet them?
d. What training have you done?
e. What teaining needs do you anticipate or need?
f. If you've done any training, how did you evaluate it's effectiveness?

Hopefully that will get things going.

I'd also suggest you think/ discuss about what training you can, or will do. You won't likely be able to run a course on everything which comes up!!

David
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David Perry | 0 Posts

13 Jun, 2025 06:25

Kirsty - just to clarify my previous reply. My previous reply was just to outline some of the things you will/or should be finding out BEFORE you decide what to do in the first 90 days.
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Iona | 0 Posts

24 Jul, 2025 14:25

Hi Kirsty,

Thanks for sharing so openly, and first of all, congrats on completing your CIPD Level 5 and going for this role! That’s a huge step, and it sounds like a really meaningful organisation to be part of.

I’m not in L&D myself, but I do sit alongside colleagues who work in coaching and leadership development. From what I understand, when someone steps into a standalone L&D role, especially in a smaller team, the early months are often about:

1. Listening and mapping the landscape: Understanding the organisation’s learning needs, both formal and informal.

2. Building relationships: Particularly with managers and internal allies who can help shape and support the L&D agenda.

3. Quick wins: Identifying a small improvement or initiative that shows early value.

4. Understanding the culture: Especially important in an organisation where accessibility and inclusion are so central.

It’s totally okay to be nervous; plenty of brilliant people in L&D started off just where you are, learning by doing. You've already shown reflection, empathy, and thoughtfulness in this post and those are powerful traits to bring into the role.

Wishing you all the best for the interview. You’ve got this.
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