Masks During Interviews and Other COVID-19 Questions
I’ve received some interesting questions in the last few months since COVID-19 has become a widespread concern in the United States. Millions of Americans have found themselves in the midst of a job search after being laid off or furloughed and trust me, things are not “business as usual” yet. I don’t believe they will be anytime soon.
Along with the typical preparations for a job search and subsequent job interviews, people are now contending with questions like, “should I wear a mask to my in-person interview?” and “how do I explain my recent job loss and still come across as a strong candidate?” In this post, I’m going to share my advice for interviewing in the time of COVID.
Job Interview Etiquette
You want to come across as a strong candidate, of course, but you also want to come across as someone who is informed, responsible, and polite. Here are some ways to do that.
Masks
If you are going to an in-person interview, you need to wear a mask, plain and simple! It shows that you care about keeping them (and yourself) safe and it demonstrates to them that you are a considerate person. Even if no one else is wearing a mask, you should keep yours on if you are going to be within six feet of other people.
If they’ve reserved a larger room and they are spacing themselves in a way that you feel it’s safe to remove your mask, you may do so but only after you ask whether it’s okay with them if you do so. If everyone else is keeping their masks on during the interview, you should do the same. It might feel weird to talk through the mask, but you have to follow their lead in this case.
Handshakes
It’s going to feel really strange, but it’s definitely not a good idea to shake anyone’s hand right now. We’re so trained to think that it’s the first thing you do when you walk into an interview, along with saying hello while making AMAZING eye contact, of course. However, during COVID-19, you’re going to want to skip the handshake.
Instead, draw attention to it and say something like, “It feels strange not to shake hands, but it is such a pleasure to meet you!” This shows that you know a handshake is normally the proper etiquette, and that you’re only skipping it for safety reasons.
Ask Questions
The best thing you can do if you’re not sure how to proceed is just ask. You can always call the receptionist before your scheduled interview and ask them what their policy is. Don’t worry, you won’t look uninformed or foolish. You’ll look proactive and respectful, and that’s something that any recruiter or hiring manager wants to see in a candidate.
Talking About Job Loss
It’s never fun to lose a job, but you can take some comfort in the fact that millions of people are dealing with the same reality you are. Yes, you might be asked about it in the interview, but you have nothing to be nervous about. All you need to do is convince them that your current lack of employment is their good fortune.
In a recent blog post, I gave some tips for answering questions about job loss directly and tactfully in an interview. You can find that post here!
Consider Coaching
If you’re feeling nervous about applying and interviewing for a new job, especially if it’s been awhile since you’ve had to do this, consider hiring a coach to help you navigate the process. I offer career coaching packages, job interview coaching, and resume writing services (some packages come with job search strategy sessions).
The reality is, there’s going to be more competition for roles for a while. If you’re not feeling confident enough in your ability to express yourself and show potential employers your value, it’s time to talk to someone who can help!