It's important to remember that employers shouldn't be the only ones who ask questions during a job interview.
As a job seeker, you should prepare and ask well thought out questions. This will help you understand the position, the company culture, and the company's telecommuting policies.
It's important to ask questions about telecommuting, the support you'll receive, as well as how the company has adapted to it, so that you have a clear idea of what to expect.
Don't know what to ask in a job interview? We offer some good questions about remote working that you should consider.
Questions you should ask in a job interview about working remotely
1. What help can I expect when working remotely or from home?
As a result of Covid-19, teleworking has been embraced in many sectors. Some employers will welcome a permanent move to remote working, while others will prefer a combination of remote working and traditional forms.
Telework is still relatively new territory for most employers, and many are learning how to navigate this new way of working.
It's important to ask a potential employer what help they offer to make sure you have what you need to succeed. This help can relate to onboarding, home office equipment provided, new software and training programs to keep the business connected.
2. How have you maintained company culture and kept employees connected to the company while working remotely?
A company's culture represents its character and is an important aspect of any business. A great company culture means happy employees and a great workplace. It's important that the company is well connected with employees and that there is great communication from the top down.
Employees working remotely are no longer physically in the office together, so there can be disconnects. It's important that organisations make a constant effort to bridge this gap. During your job interview, ask what efforts are being made in this regard. This will help you envision your new potential working life remotely.
Some examples include wellness programs, regular video calls with the team, virtual coffee mornings, or contests and incentives. The possibilities are endless and some organizations have found creative ways to stay connected.
3. How have you adapted your management style to working remotely?
Remote working has changed the ways in which teams are led. In a traditional office environment, your manager is usually nearby and physically accessible, but working remotely requires more effort.
It's important for you as an employee to know what kind of help you'll get from your manager. Some teams may have daily briefings or individual video calls once a week - every team is different. Either way, it's helpful for you to know how the team works.
4. What challenges does the organization face as a result of Covid-19?
Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the working world. Depending on the industry, some companies may experience a boom or bust in business.
It is important for you to have a clear understanding of the challenges facing the organisation so that you know what role you will play in overcoming them. It also presents a great opportunity for you to show how your skills can be useful in dealing with these problems.
Other questions worth considering include questions about work-life balance, ways of working with other team members, and your schedule.
By the end of your job interview, the employer should know all about your expertise and experience, and you should have an idea of the company and ways of working.
If you want to learn more, please contact us. We will be happy to advise you.