Everywhere you look, the art world is thawing and green shoots of recovery are sprouting. However, the fight is now over yet. And any conversation that you have with another person for the foreseeable future, without a doubt the ongoing coronavirus pandemic will pop up. Job interviews are no different. From museums, galleries to major art institutions it’s an unavoidable fact that COVID-19 has posed a particularly special challenge to art institutions around the world in terms of how the company operates and how employers manage their workforce.
While recruiters and hiring managers will probably ask questions related to the global health crisis in your next interview– you as the candidate should ask questions too. The interview is not a one-way street, the company needs to pass your muster too!
Here are the 11 pandemic-related questions you should prepare for ahead of a job interview.
1. Do I have the option to work remotely? If so, will this affect my career opportunities in the future? Will the company be able to offer you the resources needed to work from home? A company that plans to hire someone soon will likely need to onboard them even though they’re stuck at home.
2. One question that’s important for you to ask is whether the company plans to onboard the person they hire even if everyone is still working remotely. You don’t want to get hired only to find out that your start date is weeks or months in the future.
3. How do you actively support your recently appointed remote staff? Will they be able to provide you with the correct material and support from afar.
4. What immediate challenges is the team/company facing during COVID-19?
5. How have your managers adapted to dealing with management duties remotely?
6. How has your business plan changed as a result of COVID-19?
7. What is your sick leave policy? What happens if I get COVID-19 and have to be quarantined for any reason? Would I be able to work from home if I am well, but must quarantine?
8. What can you tell
me about job security in this company?
9. What will happen if I have to take time off to care for a sick family
member?
10. How have you helped employees you laid off due to COVID-19 transition to
new jobs?
11. What safety measures are you putting in place in preparation for return to
the office?
Good Luck!
