5 COVID-19 Interview Questions (And Answers)

As the COVID-19 Pandemic continues, virtual interviewing has become much more common for many companies throughout the U.S. However, some jobs are still requiring in-person interviews for roles that cannot be accomplished remotely. Regardless of virtual or in-person interviews, there are so many questions that job seekers have right now! Have you found yourself asking these questions during your job search?

Can I ask for a virtual interview if I am scheduled for an in-person one?

Should I wear a mask to my interview?

How many rounds should I expect for a virtual interview?

Read on to hear the answers from our career specialists!

1. Can I Ask for a Virtual Interview?

Some job seekers may be finding that companies are not calling for remote interviews during the pandemic. This will change depending on the position, but many jobs are still taking place on-site, particularly with regards to positions for essential workers.

“31% of workers in the United States are still working on-site during the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

-OWL Labs (State of Remote Work Report 2020)

This begs the question, if you are scheduled for an in-person interview, are you allowed to ask for a virtual one?

The short answer to this question is, yes. It is always okay to ask for a virtual interview! Even if the position in question is in-person, it never hurts to ask. The important thing to remember is that some companies may not allow for a virtual interview. If this is the case, communicate your concerns to the hiring manager. If the company allows you to interview virtually, remember to be prepared! Check out our blog on virtual interviews to make sure that you are ready.

2. Should I Wear a Mask to my Interview?

If you are currently scheduled for an in-person interview, you should definitely wear a mask! This will help to keep you and your interviewer safe during the pandemic. However, wearing a mask brings on a whole new component to interviewing. Here are our tips for wearing a mask during an in-person interview.

Interviewing With a Mask Tips

• Wear a Medical Mask- There are many different mask options available right now. Although it may be tempting to wear one showcasing a creative design or your favorite team, the best thing to do is wear a plain blue medical mask. This will help you stay professional, and make sure that everyone stays as safe as possible during the interview.

• Remember to Show Emotion- Even though the interviewer will not be able to see your mouth, remember to still show emotion! They will still be able to tell how you feel through your eyes. Excitement for a role is so important, remember to still be you!

• Bring an Extra- Medical masks often break! Remember to have a few backups in your bag or pocket.

Having a mask is extremely important if you have an interview in-person. Stay safe!

3. How Many Rounds Of Virtual Interviews Should I Expect?

When it comes to in-person interviews, there are often a few rounds that potential hires will go through. This allows hiring managers to compare many different candidates and then find who will be best suited to a position.

“The typical employer will interview 6-10 candidates for a job, and candidates will go through at least 2-3 rounds of interviews before receiving an offer.”

– Career Sidekick (Stats From a Recruiter)

This recent study shows that there is an average of two to three rounds of interviews per position. However, it is important to note that some virtual interviews may require more rounds of interviews. This will depend on the position, but above 5 rounds is considered abnormal according to current data. The best way to manage rounds of interviews is to always keep good communication with the hiring manager!

4. How Should I Follow-Up?

Following up is important to any interview process. For most positions, it is common to send an email thanking the hiring manager for taking their time to set up an interview. When it comes to pandemic etiquette with interview follow ups, the same rules still apply!

Sending a kindly worded email is a great idea, but coming up with a more creative solution may be even better. Here are our top tips for writing great follow-up messages.

Follow-Up Tips

• Be Creative- The most important thing that a follow-up note does is that it helps a company remember you. Hand writing a note to a hiring manager is a great example of creativity within a follow-up. If you show a lot of care when writing your follow up, the hiring manager will notice!

• Get Excited- Make sure to show that you are truly excited about the position! Stay professional, but explain why you are excited about the job, and also show why you are qualified for it.

• Offer Help- At the end of your communication, make sure to offer any other help that the hiring manager may find useful. Offer to send over work examples, a professional portfolio, or references.

5. Should I ask About The Pandemic?

Is it taboo to ask a hiring manager about how a company has done during the pandemic? We don’t think so. In fact, finding out more about how a company has transitioned during COVID is a great idea. The more that you learn about an organization during an interview, the better you will be able to judge if it will be a good fit.

Remember that everyone is going through changes right now, and we are all learning new ways to accomplish our goals! The same is true for an interview setting. Always be kind, courteous, and understanding.

You can do this!

What questions do you have about interviewing during the pandemic? Let us know on Instagram!