Should you ask about remote work at an interview? How the pandemic changed job hunting for good

To make sure you never miss an edition of Get Hired UK, click here to subscribe.

In the latest edition, find out what the world of work looks like right now, who’s hiring and how recruiters think hiring has changed in the wake of the pandemic.

The big picture

After a hiring boom as coronavirus restrictions eased, labour shortages have started to grow in the UK as the “pingdemic” has spurred an increase in self-isolation.

It’s not just the self-isolation that could be responsible – reports suggest that the pandemic has prompted a “Great Resignation”. People in a range of sectors, from hospitality to finance, are re-evaluating what they want from their job and, in some cases, seeking it elsewhere.

The result? Rising salaries across multiple industries. According to recruitment firm Robert Walters, demand for staff in sectors such as tech and accounting is outstripping supply and the “talent war” is seeing salaries rise.

Are more jobs remote?

While Covid restrictions have eased, there has not yet been a mass return to workplaces. Hospitality and retail are two exceptions, with footfall up in July and mobility data showing a rise in driving and public transport use. But as Bloomberg reports, sales at Pret – a favourite sandwich shop of office workers – remain flat in central London, only rising slightly at airports.

Could these changes be long-term? The latest edition of LinkedIn’s Workforce Report shows many employers are preparing for a hybrid future and the proportion of advertised jobs that are remote has risen across the board.

How do you find the right role in the new jobs market?

Many employees are weighing up their options too. Research this month showed 40% of people said they would likely quit if they were forced back to the office full-time, meaning many could be looking for that next role.

“The pandemic certainly brought the risk of workplace cultures being eroded,” Jonathan Richards, CEO at HR tech firm Breathe, tells LinkedIn. He points to Breathe research that shows almost a third of employees quit over poor workplace culture, so “utilising the interview process to understand what the company’s values and culture is imperative”.

How do you find out what a company is likely to look like? Do your research first and use what you find to start a conversation. Asking about how the firm adapted and communicated during the pandemic can be some indicator of how they are likely to work in future, recruiters say.

And, in the wake of the past 18 months, it’s acceptable to ask directly about remote work policies at the interview stage. “Potential employees must not shy away from asking about work culture and working from home policy,” says Richards. “In this ‘new normal’, it’s an integral part of businesses and the response is needed to help prospective employees prepare for the new job.”

Who’s hiring?

After a tough year for the airlines industry, Ryanair is hoping to bounce back quickly: It’s announced plans to hire 2,000 pilots.

Construction giant JCB is hiring 500 new agency workers across the Midlands and Wales, coming on top of the creation of several hundred permanent roles this year.

Virgin Media is hiring 100 new customer service roles in Manchester as it continues rolling out fibre broadband.

Manufacturer Encirc, healthcare firm Heathcotes Group and wellness tech firm Spectrum.life are among the firms hiring across north-west England.

Tips and tricks

Though research shows off-site employees are often more engaged and productive, some are still concerned that remote work can stall career progress. Here’s how people are ensuring out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind.?

Should you bite your tongue if you disagree with your boss? Making your point tactfully requires good timing, humility and support for shared goals. Here’s how the experts do it.

If you’re thinking about quitting your job consider these tips first: act slowly, consider alternatives and plan for your next move.