Job interview Questions to Ask During the Pandemic

Recruitment has transformed dramatically during the Covid-19 pandemic. From virtual interviews to half-empty offices, the standard job interview has become a thing of the past. If your company is hiring new workers, you likely have a strong talent pool to choose candidates from.

What are the new questions that should be asked in job interviews post-Covid-19? Let’s find out.

 

1. How are you feeling for the past few months?

This will help build rapport and immediately shows a human side to both the interviewer and the candidate. The pandemic has been tough on everyone, so it’s a great chance to engage with a candidate on a personal level.

 

2. What have you learnt about yourself?

With time to ponder and challenges to overcome, we have had time to learn about how we adjust to change.

 

3. What have you been doing with your free time?

If the interviewee is unemployed or was made redundant, this question will let the interviewer learn a bit more about them.

 

4. Have you learnt any new skills lately?

This will let the interviewer know who has used the “lockdown” period proactively to learn and develop their skills.

 

5. Are you willing to work from home/remotely?

If your company is still working remotely, a candidate’s willingness to do that is essential.

Nowadays, more employees are working from home.

6. Have you worked remotely before?

This question will let the interviewer find out if the candidates are experienced in remote work and hence, more likely to adjust to change.

 

7. If yes, how was the experience?

You’ll find out if they enjoyed working remotely and were productive. You'll also find out if they need anything else to help them have a better experience.

 

8. Do you have a proper working space at home?

The candidate would need suitable equipment such as a computer, sturdy desk and a comfortable chair.

 

9. Do you have suitable connectivity at home, for example, phone and internet?

It’s vital to communicate and collaborate with your department when working remotely.

 

10. Do you have any experience using communication tools such as Skype, Whatsapp, Zoom or other similar collaboration tools?

These tools are crucial for collaborative working as well as building teamwork with the new coworkers.

 

11. How do you feel about video calls? Would you use them for team meetings if required?

Some people adore video calls, and some people abhor them. What really matters is that they’re willing to do them if needed.

Offices are now operating under a new standard operating procedure.

12. Will you be able to meet the team virtually from home?

This is a tough question but will help you evaluate the candidates' enthusiasm to overcome the challenge of being new and isolated.

 

13. What will motivate you while working remotely or in a quiet environment with fewer employees?

This will help the interviewer learn whether the candidate is motivated to get going and prove themselves. With so many people jobless right now, it should not be hard to find motivated interviewees.

 

14. Are you willing and prepared to come into work?

There may be interviewees who are reluctant to come into work while the pandemic remains a threat.

 

15. Do you have your own vehicle or do you use public transport?

Public transportation offers higher risks of spreading Covid-19 so you will need to be aware of how a candidate travels to decrease the risk.

 

16. Can you be flexible (working hours, break times) to ensure social distancing at work?

You may need the candidate to start earlier or take a break later to avoid too many people in the workplace at once.

 

17. Do you have any questions about our office's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)?

This will give the interviewer a chance to ease any concerns the candidates have and explain what they should expect if they join you.

 

We hope these questions can help you learn more about the candidate sensitively while assessing their suitability.

Source: SnapSurveys

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