Preparing for a Job Interview During a Pandemic

COVID-19 has changed a lot about the way we work — and that includes how job interviews are conducted. With social distancing measures in place and remote work becoming increasingly common, employers are rethinking the kinds of questions they ask to better understand how candidates adapt to and thrive in non-traditional work environments. Here are five interview questions you may encounter during a pandemic, and how to think about them.

1. What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

This question invites reflection on both a personal and professional level. Think about new skills you've picked up, habits you've developed, or projects you've completed while at home. It's also an opportunity to speak to any shifts in your outlook — are you more open to remote work than you were before? How has the experience shaped the way you approach your career?

2. Do you want to work from home full-time?

Remote work has proven itself as a viable long-term option for many companies. Major organizations like Twitter have already announced that employees can continue working from home even after the pandemic ends. As more companies explore this model, employers want to know whether candidates are genuinely interested in — and suited for — a fully remote work arrangement.

3. Are you set up to work from home?

If you're open to working remotely, be ready to speak to what that would actually look like in practice. Consider whether you have a dedicated space for a home office, how quiet and conducive your environment is during working hours, and whether you have the right tools and technology to do your job effectively from home.

4. Would you be willing to return to the office once the pandemic is over?

Time spent working from home has given many people a new perspective on how and where they prefer to work. Some have found remote work to be more comfortable and productive, while others miss the energy and structure of an office environment. Be honest about your preference — employers appreciate candidates who have a clear sense of what works best for them.

5. What has the organization been doing during the pandemic?

Interviews are a two-way conversation — don't hesitate to ask the employer questions too. Has the company been deemed an essential service? If so, what safety measures have been put in place for employees working on-site? Are staff working from home, in the office, or a combination of both? These questions show that you're thoughtful, engaged, and genuinely interested in how the company operates.

Watch Guhuza President Marc Belaiche, CPA, CA discuss this topic here.

Guhuza is created in partnership with TorontoJobs.ca.

Guhuza is the new way to recruit. As an innovative Canadian platform, it goes beyond the traditional job board — using breakthrough technology to instantly match employers and job seekers for the ultimate hiring experience. Our advanced matching system pairs job seeker profiles with relevant positions and ranks candidates for employers based on the skills each role requires. Once a match is made, live interviews can be conducted directly through the platform.

Visit Guhuza.com or our Knowledge Base to learn more.