The most important questions to ask at the interview stage right now

Starting a new role can be daunting for many people in good times, so deciding to make the change in the midst of a pandemic and a major economic downturn can be paralysing for some.

Whilst there has been a major shock to the employment market, wiping millions of jobs from the global economy, there have been many that have secured and started a new legal role during this uncertain period.

In the recruitment world, remote interviewing has become a common practice, and multiple rounds of interviews are now becoming the norm. Once an offer is accepted, newly recruited in-house lawyers will need to get up to speed quickly, even though they will be most likely operating from home. Virtual onboarding, also known as online onboarding, is another new process that companies around the world are having to adjust to. Ultimately, onboarding during confinement isn’t easy, and employers need to be understanding, flexible and highly adaptive as new employees go through the steps. Very often, new recruits will have gone through an entire interview process without physically meeting anyone, and now must take the first steps into a new company and new role remotely.

Working from home creates different challenges from being in the office, especially when starting a new job.  Understanding what is expected from you, how your progress will be measured, possible roadblocks that you may encounter, as well as knowing who you are working with and who you will report to when working remotely.

Now more than ever, it is essential to ask the right questions during the recruitment process.

• What does my first day, week, or month look like?
• If you were me, what would you focus your energy on during the lockdown?
• How will I be measured in my first three months?
• What challenges do you expect this role will face by starting remotely during this time?
• How has the company been handling remote onboarding during the pandemic?
• Which aspects of the business have been most affected by the pandemic?
• What do I really need to know?

Interview preparation is as important as it has ever been, so don’t become complacent because you aren’t meeting your potential new employer or colleagues face to face. It is even more important to hit the ground running from day one in a new role as the physical queues you would normally receive from your new manager that you are on track and learning, simply doesn’t exist whilst you are working remotely.

By being prepared and asking the right questions during the recruitment process, you will be able to set yourself up for even greater success during the start of your new role.`

For more help with interviewing during lock-down or information about In-House Legal roles in Australia, please contact Daniel Hogan – Associate Director Taylor Root.