While job searching during COVID-19, it is important to make sure you have enough information to make informed, safe and confident employment decisions. Make sure to read the job description carefully and understand the job requirements, noting if the role is remote or in-person. Everyone has different comfort levels, and your health and safety is important. That is why we've put together some sample, optional questions you might consider asking an employer before and during an interview.
You may wish to focus first on questions you have about the role and the company and save any questions you have about COVID-19 for later in the interview.
Questions about remote positions
- What does the onboarding process look like for remote workers?
- What challenges do you anticipate this role will face by starting remotely?
- What impact has remote work had on the company culture?
Questions about safety for in-person positions
- Will I have the option to work remotely?
- If I start remotely, but conditions change, how will the decision be made that it is safe to work onsite again?
- What extra safety measures have you put in place to protect staff?
- If an employee shows signs or tests positive for COVID-19, what protocols will be in place to keep everyone safe? How do you decide if an employee who has been out sick is safe to return?
- Who can I ask in the future if I have questions about COVID-19 safety protocols?
Questions about attending an interview
If your interview is scheduled to be in-person, you can ask if a phone or video interview is possible. If not, here are some sample questions you can ask before-hand to assess your comfort level:
- What safety measures do you have in place for the interview?
- Will the interviewer be wearing a mask? Will I have access to sanitizer and/or a hand-washing station?
- If I do not feel well on the day of the interview, who should I contact to reschedule?
- Is there anything else I should know before I arrive?
In the rare case that someone goes in for a handshake, please know that you can politely decline, explaining that you are taking precautions to minimize the spread of infection.
We hope these sample questions help you feel comfortable in making informed employment decisions. As always, feel free to book an appointment with a Career Advisor on WaterlooWorks for more tips.
