Anyone with good advice will tell you to prepare questions for your interview. Asking questions shows preparedness and interest in a job. However, Covid-19 has changed the way we work and think. The entire interview process has changed from face-to-face to Zoom interviews.
You have probably already even noticed some pandemic-related interview questions asked by hiring managers. And just like your interviewer, you as a candidate need to consider how the pandemic affects your professional needs. Asking these covid-19 related questions can ensure that you and your potential employer are on the same page.
1. How has covid-19 impacted the business? How have plans changed, and what do you foresee the future of the company?
This is your opportunity to understand the current state of the company. If you have multiple offers on the table, the answer you receive can indicate which one you will accept. Understanding a company’s challenges and plans can also give you the chance to re-navigate the conversation to how you can help face these challenges.
2. What safety protocols have been put in place?
If you are interviewing for a job that requires you to be at the workplace, this question is a must. You want to look for confidence and conviction in the interviewer’s answer. A good employer will be honest and willing to share these details with you. In addition, how a company is handling this pandemic can be telling of how they deal with other health and safety matters.
3. What is the protocol if an employee tests positive for Covid-19? What is the protocol if an employee has come into contact was someone who has tested positive?
Like the previous question, it’s essential to know how this employer will support you on the unfortunate chance of catching the virus. For example, is the employer ready to go remote if needed or provide paid sick leave to employees?
4. What will the onboarding process look like?
If the position is remote, you will want to know how the company trains and prepares its employees. In what ways will you be able to connect and integrate with other staff. If you are working in person, this question can give insight into what restrictions and safety protocols have been put in place that affects their usual onboarding and training process.
5. How has this position changed because of covid?
The role may have grown or been reduced in terms of its responsibilities. If you have worked in a similar position, it’s worth asking to be prepared for what will be expected of you. If this is, in fact, a new role created due to the pandemic, there is potential that this role might not be necessary for the future. If this is the case and you can do so, it might be wise to look for a more secure position elsewhere.
6. If working remotely, what tools or technology do I need for this position and does the company provide this equipment?
Even if the role is in-person, there is always a chance of working remotely due to an outbreak. Some companies might provide the equipment for their employees, but this might not always be the case. In some scenarios, employees might be expected to have their own equipment. This question can help avoid unexpected expenses.
7. Were any employees laid off due to the pandemic? If so, how did the company help people transition into new employment?
This question can reveal the authentic culture of the company and its management styles. For example, were employees given references, LinkedIn endorsements, or severance pay? Knowing how former employees were supported can help you visualize the kind of treatment you will receive.
8. What is your plan for integrating back into the office?
If your employer doesn’t have a plan, that’s a sign they lack organization. Ideally, the company should have a plan and a backup plan if things don’t go smoothly. Of course, working during the pandemic can be unpredictable, and slightly vague answers are acceptable, but you want to work for a company that is trying to stay proactive.
9. How do you manage staff remotely? What steps are being taken to ensure employee wellness?
This question is great for building an expectation for both the employer and the candidate. Staying organized can pose a challenge when employees are separated from working at home. These expectations can be weekly work reports or regular check-in calls. The pandemic has taken a real hit on mental health, and working from home can be isolating. It’s important to know what efforts senior staff are taking to keep up morale with their employees and keeping unity with the team. A strong answer should make you feel that the company has your best interest in mind.
10. Has the company learned any lessons from the pandemic?
Covid forced many companies to make decisions they previously wouldn’t have made. The hiring manager should be able to identify any areas of improvement the company was able to address. This question can shed light on how flexible the company is to change. It’s always a good sign if a company is willing to adapt and grow as the world changes and evolves.
About Live Assets | IT Staffing Solutions:
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We are a small, but productive team that works closely together and has had a 96% success rate for the past number of years!
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