Jobs in Swindon: Most common interview questions: Post COVID

Across the world, 213 countries have confirmed COVID-19 cases. There isn't an industry that hasn’t been touched by the pandemic. And we are still very much in the thick of it. With social distancing measures here to stay, this could mean online interviews, remote working and even starting new jobs from home.

Employers that are still hiring are likely to adjust their interview style to include some remote working and pandemic-related questions. These are some of the questions you can expect to hear in interviews during and after the pandemic.

How did you cope during the pandemic?

Depending on the interviewer, this could be intended to lure you into a false sense of security. Essentially, they want to know if you got stuck into new things or if you sat on the sofa watching Netflix. They may also want to know if you were compliant with lockdown rules. If the pandemic didn’t change any of your habits, they might be reluctant to invite you into their offices when the social distancing measures are further eased.

Why are you available for work now?

Essentially, the employer wants to know if you were made redundant due to the pandemic or if there is another reason for your availability. There is nothing shameful about being made redundant because of a pandemic. Be open and honest about your situation, but remember that being immediately available will reduce your bargaining power. If you are currently in work, expect questions about why you want to leave your current company. Remember to remain professional and courteous about your existing company. 

What did you learn about yourself during lockdown?

This is an opportunity to present weakness as a strength. Did you learn that you enjoy collaboration? Did you learn that you enjoy the office camaraderie? You may have picked up a new hobby or discovered a passion for gardening. This is a chance to show the interviewer that you are a three-dimensional person with a life outside of your work. 

How can your manager make it easier for you to work from home?

Essentially, what have you struggled with while working from home and where are you going to need support? Do you need daily check-ins or do you prefer to be left to your own devices? Be wary about admitting that you struggle with things like time management or keeping on task, as this could be a dealbreaker for many employers. 

How would you manage onboarding from home?

Again, this is a question about your motivation and how well you can hit the ground running. You might have to meet your colleagues virtually and adapt to new communication techniques. Those who have hated being on the phone in the past might have to adapt to being more accessible. Onboarding while working from home is no doubt more difficult, but it can also take away a lot of the nerves that can get in the way. You’ll be in your own space and surrounded by your creature comforts, so take some solace in this.

How do you organise your day when working from home?

Any employer who is hiring at the moment is likely looking at building a remote workforce. They want to know that you will be able to hit the ground running and manage your own time from home. Without a manager looking over your shoulder, will you be able to stay on task and avoid passing away the time on social media? Show that you are an organised yet responsive worker who can stay on task while also being adaptive to change.

Are you keen to return to an office/work environment?

As we mentioned above, employers might be looking for someone who can work from home right now, but they will probably want them to return to the office eventually. If you show too much attachment to working from home, they might be reluctant to hire you. Remember that lots of companies will hire remote only workers, so this could be an avenue to explore. If you have found that working from home is beneficial to you, ask about the possibility of a mix of office-based and home working. 

What steps will you take to maintain social distancing in the work environment?

When you can return to an office environment, will you be diligent with handwashing and stay home if you have symptoms? Employers want to know that their employees will follow the guidelines they put in place. It might feel awkward to keep everyone 2 meters apart in a meeting, but we all have a part to play in stopping the spread of the virus. Show that you are willing to follow the guidelines and that you understand why they are needed.