25 COVID-Related Questions to Ask Potential Employers

The Coronavirus pandemic has resulted in high unemployment rates and millions of workers looking for new jobs. Since there is nothing normal or routine about job hunting during a pandemic, anxiety levels are high. As job seekers peruse job boards and apply for new jobs, some will want answers to COVID-related questions but may be afraid to ask. Therefore, some job seekers are extra cautious with questions because they fear turning off recruiters and leaving a negative impression. On the contrary, recruiters will always be impressed by  job applicants who show up prepared with questions for the job interviews. 

So in addition to all the other questions based on your research of the organization, go ahead and ask your COVID-related questions about safety protocols, remote work, benefits and operations. 

Here are some examples of COVID-related questions to ask..

Ask Interview questions on Safety Precautions

1. What safety precautions have been put in place to keep employees safe?

2. What safety precautions have been put in place to keep clients safe?

3. How have you been able to enforce the safety precautions?

4. Will the employer require workers to be vaccinated?

5. What are the long term expectations for phasing out protocols?

6. Who has been responsible for employee safety?

Ask Interview Questions on Remote Work

1. What type of employee roles are working remotely?

2. Is there a plan to return staff to pre-COVID work arrangements?

3. What will the onboarding process be like?

4. How has the company been able to keep remote staff engaged?

5. What technology support is available for remote workers?

6. What type of hybrid (remote and onsite) scheduling options are available?

7. Are you anticipating any flexibility in future scheduling?

8. Given your workforce, what traits would you say helped those employees who handled the transition to remote work well?

Ask Interview Questions on Benefits

1. Is the employer providing paid sick leave for new employees?

2. What are the guidelines for employee travel?

3. What has been done to support parents of school-aged children?

4. What is the expectation of employees not comfortable to return to the work location?

Ask Interview Questions on Operations

1. How did your company respond to the crisis?

2. How did the organizational culture change?

3. Have you implemented any new training programs during the pandemic

4. How has the pandemic changed your short term or long term strategic goals?

5. What if any physical changes were made to workspaces? 

6. What are some of the challenges I should expect in this role because of the pandemic?

7. Which roles were furloughed or permanently eliminated due to COVID-19?

When you ask questions in the job interview, it tells the interviewer a lot about you and how you are thinking. 

Your questions are also indicators of what is important to you. 

Remember that the interview is a two way conversation. Don’t miss the chance to get answers to a few questions that are important to you.