What to ask at your next job interview
Work has changed
It's almost cliche at this point to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way that we work. But it really can't be overstated: things have changed and they aren't going back to how they were — nor should they!
An incomplete list of ways that the pandemic changed work:
"Essential workers" were "celebrated" while remaining severely underpaid and under-protected.
Still, labour shortages have given workers more leverage than they've had in years.
The WFH revolution proved flexible and more accessible accommodations were possible all along, and that employees can be trusted to do their work in their own time...
...but also showed that working, living and parenting in the same space is a quick way to burn the hell out.
Plus, we all confirmed that that meeting could definitely have been an email, and that email, a slack message.
Meanwhile, exploitative jobs are still everywhere
The last two years have shown that most companies are actually pretty bad at creating environments that prioritize worker well-being, pay equity — and anything other than profit, really.
Don't buy into the capitalist myth that employers are doing you a favour by offering you a job with bad pay and toxic work environments.
We can use interviews to find out where companies and leaders stand — especially on topics of equity — before signing away our mental health, evenings & weekends.
The future of job interviews
Let's be honest: interviews almost always suck. We feel like we have to impress and only say the exact right things (not cocky but confident, genuine but professional, organized but flexible, and having the greatest strengths and the perfect non-weaknesses -- we're exhausted just writing this all out).
Remember job interviews are not a one-way street. You are also interviewing them.
Use the dreaded "do you have any questions for us" moment to ensure your values align with your potential employers. It's better to find out that your boss is an ineffective leader (or another entitled clueless "It's-not-racist-because-I've-got-a-Black-friend" white dude) before you get on the payroll, rather than after.
We've got you covered with our list of questions:
The UN recently released a report where it said we're at a Code Red for Humanity as a result of the human-made climate emergency. How does your company work to do its part to save our planet for future generations?
What are the opportunities for growth in this company?
Are there opportunities for professional development? If so, what do those look like?
I saw on Glassdoor that a former employee described your organization as x. How do you address this and what is your future of work?
Why is this position open? (hint: if they mention a fast-paced, hustle culture — run or ask how they compensate financially for that)
How does your organization handle and prevent instances of sexual harassment?
What work has your organization done to foster diversity and equity on the managerial, executive and board levels?
How did you pivot to support your employees during COVID-19 knowing that it was such a difficult time for mental health?
How is your organization partnering with and engaging with BIPOC communities?
What steps has this organization taken to eliminate bias from your hiring process?
How does this organization work to prevent employee burnout?
How does this organization work to prevent employee burnout?
In 2020 the world experienced a global awakening to racial inequity, anti-Black racism and white supremacy. How has your company shifted to address this in a sustainable way?
How does this company exist in solidarity with Indigenous people?
How does this company create a culture of safety, respect and value for its employees?
At the end of the day, trust your gut
Work should never — we repeat, never — come at the cost of your mental health. BUT, unfortunately living in this capitalist hellscape timeline means that we have to “work” to “survive” *screams into the void*.
While that’s still a thing, you deserve to work at a place where you are respected and valued beyond your ability to labour for someone else’s dime.
Some of our job interview red flags:
Very high turnover — Why has no one worked here for longer than a year?!
Lack of pay transparency — If they’re being shifty about how much money you’ll be making, it means they’re about to underpay you.
Work is “like a family” — Um. No. Boundaries, please.
Join the Discussion with #OnCanadaConnects
What other questions would you want to ask your employer in a job interview?
Have your expectations for your employer (and work in general) changed in the last two years?
What things have you let slide in the past at work that will no longer fly "post" pandemic?
What are the biggest red flags you've experienced in a job interview? Did you still take the job?
