Ask the Experts: Start date for employment delayed due to Covid-19

Question:

I was about to start a new job but my employer is telling me that I can’t until after COVID-19 is resolved. Do I wait around for them? What if it takes them a lot longer to bring me on than I can afford? What if they never bring me on and terminate my employment before I even start? What if I go to work for someone else and then this employer wants me to start?

First Answer:

Congratulations on your new job.

My initial question is: what is the rest of their employee population doing? Presumably, most people are working remotely. I would approach the hiring manager and ask if you can do the same.

Layout a specific strategy for how you will ramp up, taking the responsibility for introducing yourself to people, learning the organization’s technical tools, and understanding what and how your boss would like to receive in terms of work product. If there’s an onboarding system you can access online, so much the better. 

It’s unlikely that anyone new will hire you until the COVID crisis subsides, so I would do your best to work with your new employer. Even if you didn’t already sign a contract with a specific start date (which gives you more leverage), hopefully, the organization will be sensitive to your situation.

— Alexandra Levit, author of They Don’t Teach Corporate in College

Second Answer:

To all of these questions I would ask one in return: What do we know for certain about how COVID-19 will impact us next week?

The answer to that is simple, nothing is certain when it comes to COVID-19. With this uncertainty looming over, when starting a new job you need to try to get as much clarity as possible on the current opportunity while creating a contingency plan.

To get clarity, reach out to the employer and ask if there is an opportunity to begin work remotely, or part-time while the company navigates COVID-19. This will allow you to potentially begin work and show flexibility with the downside of it being at partial hours or pay. As COVID-19 could continue on for many more weeks also establish a set a timeline, either bi-weekly or monthly, for employment status check-ins with HR or management.

What I can say with certainty is that you want to keep this employment option open as COVID-19 is effecting employment rates and making the market extremely competitive. While you are maintaining regular check-ins and showcasing adaptability to your potential new job, continue to build your virtual network, apply for new roles, and build new skills. This will ensure that if you have to pivot due to the employer ultimately terminating the offer or taking too long to officially hire you, that you will be ahead of the game.

If you are a university student and this opportunity was for your summer job, begin thinking of a back-up plan now, as there are only so many summers you get during your university career. Back-ups can include online summer courses, pursuing a remote internship, and if the internship market is saturated looking to international internships completed remotely, or, developing a new skill by completing an online course in project management, foreign language, software system or more.  

— Jillian Low, Director of University Partnerships for CRCC Asia

Third Answer:

This is a difficult response in a challenging time for anyone to receive. No doubt disappointing, deflating and demotivating. That said, the employer may be saving you some disappointment down the line when you’ve got less opportunity to pivot. Most of the ‘what if’s’ won’t be able to be answered for some time so now is a good time to add to the eggs in your basket. 

Since this employer thinks highly enough of you to want to employ you, consider following up to see what projects you might be able to work on remotely in the near term. If they don’t have any at the ready, suggest some that might be of interest to them based on what you already know of the industry. It’s also a good time for back-up options to pursue jobs with other employers. That might mean reaching out to career services to set up interviews, or doing so on your own, with the employers who are still recruiting. It might mean finding some micro-internships on sites like Parker Dewey. It may also be a good time to take a step back and read some of the many prognosticators out there talking about what COVID 19 is likely to mean for the job market 3, 6, 9 months from now and see which industries are expected to benefit. Do any new interests or ideas emerge?

Of course, it’s never a bad time to network and letting folks know of your current status would make sense. Remember that everyone is going through a lot of uncertainty so starting off your network outreach with a ‘how are things for you’ rather than ‘here’s what I need from you’ is likely to get a far better response.

— Pam Baker, Founder and CEO of Journeous

Fourth Answer:

Do I wait around for them? What if it takes them a lot longer to bring me on than I can afford? Considering the current situation, having any opportunity at a possible job is a chance many people would love to have.

In my opinion, I would definitely weigh my options. It depends on your current situation and if you can afford to have your future employer turn you down after weeks or months of waiting.

If this employer terminates your contract before you even begin, then they made a more decision to even begin the hiring process when they didn’t have the resources to follow through. 

In my last thoughts, I would encourage you too always have multiple job offers and opportunities on the table so you remain the power position. It’s frustrating as a job seeker when you put all your eggs in one basket and that basket doesn’t turn out successful.

— Lorenz Esposito, Digital Marketer at Potentialpark

Fifth Answer:

In my opinion, the best course of action is to try to get an assurance from your new employer that your job offer is solid and won’t be rescinded.  I would try to get it in writing. Be polite about your request, and simply explain that you are a bit anxious due to the outbreak of covid 19 and you’re dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s.

If your employer writes you that the job offer is solid, I would take him at his word. If your employer won’t put it in writing, then I think it’s fair for you to try to secure another job.

These are uncertain times, and we are all navigating through them. If you go work for someone else, the best way to possibly keep the door open at the first employer is to write a heartfelt note that due to financial circumstances, you felt it prudent to take another job and that you hope he understands.

— Vicky Oliver, author of 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions (Sourcebooks, 2005) and Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers & Other Office Idiots (Sourcebooks 2008).