The deadly coronavirus has created in its wake record unemployment rates, an unstable economy, and the now ubiquitous Zoom job interview. At your next job interview, be the most prepared candidate by asking meaningful questions that indicate you’ve given this opportunity some deep thought. Start with a non-Coronavirus related question to show your interest in the company. Ask questions pertaining to what needs to be achieved, or what has made others succeed or fail in the role, as well as questions about how the department fits into the larger organization. The dialogue that follows your question is a prime opportunity to develop an interpersonal connection with the interviewer that will allow you to stand out among the rest of the candidates. Keep in mind that this is your chance to obtain further information regarding the position and the company that you could not get while researching online. End with a Coronavirus related question to show your interest in helping the company overcome current challenges.
Questions that have nothing to do with Coronavirus:
- Describe the skills and characteristics of those who have excelled at this organization.
- What are the most important qualities that the person filling this job should have?
- How would you describe the general culture of the company and the workplace?
- Can you tell me about a time when you or someone else in the company failed at something? How did the organization deal with it?
- What are some of the biggest challenges facing the department currently?
- Can you describe the opportunities for professional development within the company?
- What are the three things I can contribute in the first 100 days to make you feel great about hiring me?
- How did you get your start in this industry?
- What are the pain points you deal with day-to-day?
Timely Coronavirus Related Questions:
- How has COVID-19 impacted your team and your company?
- How has work from home impacted your team’s productivity?
- During COVID-19, what’s been the best boost for your team productivity and morale?
- Have you been forced to make staffing cuts or furloughs due to COVID-19?
- With COVID-19 tightening budgets, why did you decide to prioritize hiring for this position over others?
- How does COVID-19 impact your company goals for this year and next year?
Written by:
Kathy Lin, Marketing Communications Manager
Kathy writes content for Tal Healthcare, a healthcare career website. She has a background in recruiting, sales, and teaching. She holds a BA in Biology from the University of Vermont. When she isn’t writing you can find her outside running, skiing or biking.