We all experience the Coronavirus's stressful situations. It has torn the universe we've been used to into bits, and so are all of us. We're trying our best to adapt to this new norm. The next time you attend an interview, whether it's by phone, video, or in-person, the recruiter will ask you questions about Covid-19.
Drjob brings you a list of the top
10 10 Pandemic Interview Questions and their Best Answers to help be
practice them and shine among the crowd
Why are these pandemic
interview questions important?
They are significant proof of the
"Empathetic" touch that Covid-19 has left on all our lives. Empathy
becomes more critical for the post-covid19 workplace, it becomes vital in our
daily lives, and everything is now based on compassion. This may be the significant
upright among all the other drawbacks of Covid-19.
Empathy is going to be an integral part of all the pandemic interviews. As a candidate, it is necessary to address these questions with empathy in mind. It's also essential to put in mind that this is not an investigation; it's a conversation—as we're experiencing difficult situations right now.
The below are few
pandemic-specific interview questions that will last for an extended period.
2020 is in history the year of the highest rates of people who have lost their
jobs. It's also the year where the traditional work rules have permanently
changed. The three keywords that you've to consider while answering these
questions are resilience, empathy, and adaptability.
- What are you doing to hold up during these
days?
This will be the first question in
the pandemic interview. Be frank and anticipating. Don't forget to ask the
recruiter about his opinion and what he is doing to get in touch on a more
in-depth basis.
There is no embarrassment in
admitting hardship, challenge, and—to be honest—fear. Nevertheless, when you
talk about any difficulty, make sure to mention how you're coping and the
actions you're taking to handle this rough period. Point out your perseverance.
- Do you work from home? What significant changes have you made?
Most of the employees are working
from home for the first time. Be smart enough to come up with the answer to
this question. To draw attention, you could clarify how the transition was
difficult at first and the adjustments you've made to achieve a perfect
work-life balance.
Creativity plays a significant
part in answering this question. Mention actions like creating your own home
office, arranging weekly fun video conferences with your manager and team to
overcome home isolation, or scheduling essential tasks in your higher
productivity hours.
- Has COVID-19 changed the way you expect your future to be?
COVID-19 has ultimately changed
our lives. And career is no exception. Tell the recruiter how you've been
handling this period. If you've experienced a job loss from a company that has
been dramatically impacted, clarify how this affects your decision to find a
job in the industry you're attending the interview for.
- How does covid-19 impact your job search?
Tell the truth. Covid-19 impacts everything. It has changed how all
job seekers are applying for jobs and how employers are searching for candidates: interview flexibility and the talents they're searching for. The recruiting manager is presumably just as frustrated as you are when it comes to his job. Your answer to this question shall convey your commitment skill while searching for a job as it's your job.
- How do you currently foresee the future of your career?
Try to find a suitable answer to
this question instead of saying, "I don't know." Your answer can be
based upon the latest industry news, recent studies, or your expectations. Show
how your sector has been impacted, how it will revive, and how you will adapt to
the new norm.
- How do you manage your day while working remotely?
Companies now tend to hire remote
employees more than ever before, so showing how you can productively plan your
day will give the recruiter trust in your ability to excel and accomplish tasks
perfectly. It provides a room of relief that they will hire a person who ultimately
takes responsibility for his actions. Show examples of how you plan your day
and learn from your past mistakes.
- What are the favorite communication methods when working remotely?
We're strong advocates with
communication choices. This pandemic has performed wonderfully for some—and too
negatively for others. While some people longed for some everyday social
interactions, other introverted employees tend to keep communication
straightforward and occasional.
Be honest regarding your favorite
communication method and your communication style while working from home.
- Which lesson you've learned from the pandemic?
We'll have learned many important
lessons during the pandemic. We discover more about ourselves, our abilities,
our sectors, and about the whole world. Tell the recruiter what you've really
learned; If you're a reliable employee, tell him. If you have discovered that
you are more productive in the morning hours, say that. If the pandemic has taught
you to appreciate your job even if you don't like it, let him know.
- How do you feel about a potential return to work?
Say what you feel. If you're
concerned about your mental health, about your family, or about anything else,
be truthful. Instead of saying, "I like staying home," rely on a more
optimistic story. For example, if you're uncomfortable with the idea of going
back to a typical workplace, clarify how you've developed your skills to be
more productive at home.
- Have you developed any new skills during the
pandemic?
Although it becomes essential to
be a continuous learner throughout your career journey regardless of the
pandemic and the uncertainty and unknown in which everyone is very stressed
about his future, you should show that you can successfully invest your time.
Mention a new skill that you've developed, a new book you've read or a new
course you've attended to show how productive you're and how you learn new
skills that can accelerate your skills.
Find more interview tips to be ready for your next interview during the pandemic.