How do you answer-What have you done during quarantine?

38 Comments

1. MarissaJanuary 19,2022 at 4:02PM UTC

   I would utilize the phrase career development instead of keeping up with trends. You could talk about ways you may have expanded hard and/or soft skills during your time not working. Maybe you've been able to improve in certain areas that might relate to work: time management, leadership, teamwork, etc. Or maybe you have volunteered in some type of way.

   If I were you though, I'd still mention that you helped your children (but after you get through the details of the other things you might have done) so they know you have a family and you can get an idea if they are a family friendly company, if that is important to you.

2. Ellen Weaver PaquetteJanuary 20,2022 at 1:39PM UTC

   Maybe addressing microcredentials, again being very specific about the source and the outcomes

3. AnonymousJanuary 20,2022 at 2:01PM UTC

   Some of us truly do not have time to "volunteer" when we have to secure a way to work for money, so we can cover our fixed expenses. When you have children to care for - and are now at home....you have less time!! Anyone with a brain and a tiny bit of empathy would get this. The key point is to find a company that has a sliver of empathy and care for their employees' well being during this challenging time - where we experienced shut downs! I had the liberty and credentials to apply for a substitute teaching position at a nearby school--but guess what? Because the DOE works at light speed, it took them about 6 months to do my background check and FINALLY offer me a start date! By then, I secured 2 full-time paying positions! I needed to eat, pay my home bills. Everything takes time, and everything is big ordeal with red tape I noticed. Nothing is that simple...even securing a part-time position that pays next to nothing.

4. Anna L GarciaJanuary 19,2022 at 5:27PM UTC

   We've all done different things and I think you're answer was good, but could also understand the interviewer's response so maybe tailor it a bit more as suggested by prior response.

   i.e. I've taken advantage of the accessible resources available to advance and refresh my knowledge relevant to my career. By attending seminars, trainings, and increasing my network beyond what local events would have offered. The challenges have also made me more aware of some of my assets and even shortfalls including .. , which I have been able to properly address to improve productivity and efficiency. For example, I have .. ..

5. Angie CallenJanuary 19,2022 at 5:27PM UTC

   I find nothing wrong with either of these responses and in my opinion, the poor reception is more about their culture (or lack thereof) than it is about your inability to answer the question. Do you really want to work for a company that can't respect what a parent had to do for the past 2 years?

   I think being honest about your role as a parent+ and using any downtime to focus on career development, marketing trends, and skill-building to keep your experience relevant should be a completely acceptable answer to a good employer.

6. Jessica BoelterJanuary 20,2022 at 2:46PM UTC

   This. Use it as a way to weed out companies that aren’t family-friendly.

7. Jayne BennettJanuary 20,2022 at 1:12PM UTC

   COVID has changed the way we network, interact with colleagues and learn new skills. I have devoted more time to industry trends, reading (cite industry publications you read), networking with colleagues and companies in whom I am interested (cite what exactly it is you are doing) and acquiring new skills (cite exactly what you are doing. My alma mater has been offering free online instruction in various skills, and I've been taking advantage of that. I'm also mentoring someone who reached out to me and we have regularly scheduled meetings where he is learning our business. I also networked heavily this fall and it's paying off as my company had to move a significant portion of business to new vendors. My networking had value in this regard.

   Frame what you are doing in terms of VALUE to the employer. Switch sides and look at it from the employer's point of view and frame your answer around what you bring to the table because of the actions you chose during the pandemic. Did you watch a video that gave you a new perspective on one aspect of your job? You need to demonstrate the value.

   And I have the greatest respect for all the parents who had to cope with the last two years in terms of schooling and uncertainty. You can certainly frame value in multi-tasking, planning, being able to pivot, etc. Those were all skills that we honed during this mess, but none more than parents.

8. Jessica RutherfordJanuary 20,2022 at 1:18PM UTC

   I was received a Covid layoff and it really hurt. So I was asked this question in nearly every interview. I honed my answer to include: taking the time to prioritize my values (and then bounce that into aligning those values with the those of company) and updating my skills by taking courses.

   I think that the world has definitely become more family friendly and are more flexible than they were a few years ago. I wish you the best.

9. BethBJanuary 20,2022 at 1:28PM UTC

   Go from the broad to being more specific about what you are doing and why.
   For instance, I wanted to brush up in an aspect of excel so I took a class offered by Microsoft and decided to get my certification in X. Or I’m always interested in the latest project management software, so I’ve been keeping up by learning about X.
   you just need to connect the dots for the interviewer so he or she sees the value to their Company. That kind of answer also makes you look more professional. Think about it from the interviewers perspective and how much stronger this kind of answer is.

10. Elise PilkingtonJanuary 20,2022 at 3:43PM UTC

    I hate that question. But I like this response. I think the OP should take control of the Q&A and focus on one particular thing, in detail, that they did as an example. Be sure to think from the perspective of the interviewer. The more general the answer, the more likely they are to think you're blowing smoke. Be specific.

11. AnonymousJanuary 20,2022 at 1:55PM UTC

    It's best to "regurgitate" what is "being said" across the board - to these idiot, robotic, unempathic hiring managers and recruiters....who are STILL employed, and have no idea what it entails to literally secure a position purely online, during a "Pandemic"! They are so removed from the process and truly don't care. So just say: I have spent many hours learning everything about networking, LinkedIn features, marketing, along with on-line courses in my industry/profession, took courses on-line. Literally LIE because being truthful never pays. If you are an "Admin. Assistant for instance" just say you have been taking online courses on Excel and Powerpoint. Such nonsense and actually a ridiculous question. During a time, when people are consumed with their physical health, wellness due to a virus. Whatever...dumb people will ask dumb questions. You want a rehearsed answer? Ask a typical question. Done and done.

12. AnonymousJanuary 20,2022 at 2:01PM UTC

    I’m going to throw out an answer that’s maybe a little out of left field, and suggest that it’s an opportunity to show off a bit of your personality rather than burnish your credentials. The last two years have been super hard, so maybe mention something you’ve done to stay sane, healthy, or help your community. I would worry that just by answering with something that sounds like you’ve spent the last two years at a professional training or that you’re a beleaguered parent whose on her last gasp (which is true for many!) you might be missing out on the chance to show your resilience, creativity and personality. Maybe reframe and talk about things you’ve done to retain some sense of normalcy and well-being for your family and your self. Just a thought!

13. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdJanuary 20,2022 at 2:06PM UTC

    First of all, I'm so sorry you're dealing with interviewers who are so narrow minded.

    Mine isn't Covid related but between my last job and the one I have now, I was off work for 6 weeks.

    If I had been asked in an interview back then "What have you done during this time?" I think I would've answered, "For the first two days I was off work, nothing. I was shocked and dismayed. Then I polished up my resume, checked out sites like Monster.com, and started applying for jobs."

    This pandemic has devastated every aspect of our lives. Nearly everyone has had to completely switch gears and adjust to things that were never expected. If you took time to help your children - or your family - or ever to just mentally take care of yourself... This is a lot.

14. Leonore SchoenJanuary 20,2022 at 2:17PM UTC

    Hi I am I. The same boat. But what should I put on my resume for that missing time .I had it professionally done and I am not getting any interest.

15. Maggie StoneJanuary 20,2022 at 2:29PM UTC

    You answered honestly and authentically. There is nothing wrong with that. I would not lie because you don’t want to get asked about specifics. You might clarify if they are asking about how you have coped personally, or what you have done professionally. Not sure what these employers expected to hear, but most of us have been trying to cope and survive the best we can. If they don’t get that, maybe there is something wrong with the employers, not you.

16. Theresa BlackburnJanuary 20,2022 at 2:41PM UTC

    I am sorry that the recruiters that have interviewed you have not been understanding about family obligations during the pandemic. Other parents of school age kids definitely know what you have been through. You have my sympathy!! Virtual school was an ordeal with a capital O for most of us parents. I guess that recruiters who don't have kids or his kids no longer school age don't know how challenging virtual schooling was for parents (and kids and teachers), so I suppose with these somewhat unaware recruiters you will just need to focus talking up the online training that you did. Best of luck!

17. Tomilyn RichardsJanuary 20,2022 at 2:55PM UTC

    I think that says more about them than you... we are giving a TON of grace and understanding for the last couple years. It was simply WEIRD and not normal and everyone experienced it differently. I would stay the course and cross off the list, those companies that simply don't get it.

18. Jenny Cox, PHRJanuary 20,2022 at 3:37PM UTC

    Unless they've been living under a rock, I would expect grace from anyone interviewing those who had to take time away from work during the pandemic.

    I would also add, to any recruiters who might be reading this - stop asking that question. Just stop. It feels like a trap, and it probably is. There is no right way to answer that question, except honestly. And if you are going to judge the candidates for how they spent their time during a global pandemic; then you're not focused on the right things. Any and all of us are just lucky to be here...breathing, standing upright, and willing to keep going.

19. Stephanie LekowskiJanuary 20,2022 at 10:19PM UTC

    Absolutely but the reality is some interviewers feel like they have the right to ask anything they want and they're protecting the interest of their companies or in the case of recruiters, the firms paying the bills. It is difficult and frustrating but unfortunately we all need to find a way to answer questions without getting defensive. If you explain what you have been doing and what you've gained from it and they still balk that's their problem not yours.

20. Jenny Cox, PHRJanuary 21,2022 at 10:09PM UTC

    You make good points and I agree with most.
    Some interviewers do feel like they can ask anything, but the law says they actually cannot.

    I am a recruiter, and I don't believe this question provides insight into the type of employee a company wants to hire or their skills. Quite frankly, it seems a little invasive and unprofessional.

    A candidate could not be defensive, but answer this question honestly by saying, "I spent the first 30 days of the quarantine in bed overwhelmed with fear and crying. The next several months are a blur as I was doing whatever I could just to get through the day. Then I lost my sister to COVID and my life crumbled again." What would that tell the recruiter or company about this person that is relevant to the work? Nada.

    The recruiters who ask this probably want you to say that you spent the last 18-24 months just diving into every webinar and online learning opportunity you could find. You really were resilient and learned new skills and blah blah blah. As a professional recruiter - if we want to get an idea of your commitment to professional growth and development or how you deal with adversity we can ask hundreds of other more appropriate questions.

21. Milissa JacobsJanuary 20,2022 at 4:05PM UTC

    After mentioning that you have been helping your family adjust, keeping up with the trends in your field to remain relevant, try mentioning that you've been dealing with the stress from this pandemic and taking care of yourself as well. I like to talk to candidates that are not afraid of mentioning their own needs and worth.

22. ILHAM ALAMJanuary 20,2022 at 5:22PM UTC

    Honestly, it says more about them than it does about you. You are taking MOOC courses and/or reading industry articles to keep up and taking care of your kids. I am surprised that recruiters aren’t aware that most of us have spent time trying to physically and mentally survive this pandemic, which includes not coming down with COViD-19 or recovering from COViD or taking care of family who have COVid! Who knows, perhaps recruiters immune systems are made of different stuff than the rest of us mere mortals.

23. AnonymousJanuary 20,2022 at 6:16PM UTC

    An interview is not supposed to be only one sided. I would answer honestly, then ask them what their company did and is doing to help their employees navigate and survive this pandemic.

24. AnonymousJanuary 20,2022 at 7:00PM UTC

    There are all sorts of answers to this that interviewers aren’t supposed to ask about: family status, mental health, medical information… nobody needs to know in an interview that I even have kids, much less that I managed distance learning for 3 kids for a whole school year. If I’d been ill, I wouldn’t want to tell an interviewer that either. But I’m more than happy to tell how my entire company had to pivot because customer needs were suddenly drastically different, and how I helped with that. Or even that I did a lot more hiking. Maybe I’m overly sensitive since in the tech world I tend to be the only middle-aged mom in the room. Not a good question for them to ask.

25. AnonymousJanuary 20,2022 at 7:35PM UTC

    It's actually none of their business. All they need to know is your level of interest, your skills, related experience and get a sense of your motivation, eager to pitch in etc. It can be quite an intrusive question to ask.

26. SheilaJanuary 20,2022 at 7:02PM UTC

    Haven't gotten this question.
    It may be because I have a line item on my resume (see below) that explains how doing the pandemic I've taken advanced courses to up my software skills, learned new skills, and in my case worked a bit of freelance. Also, I mention in my cover letter how I've spent some of my time volunteering by checking on the elderly in my neighborhood. Note: I don't have kids but if I did, I would have that as the first bullet listed.

    Actively Job Seeking During COVID-19 /Self-employed During the period of the global pandemic, worked to further skills and areas of expertise, including taking advanced training on software and obtaining certifications for new skills while searching for next position.
    • Advanced training on Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe (Acrobat and Photoshop). 
    • Entry-level training on Concur (expenses), InDesign (desktop publishing), and Google Docs.
    • Creating and producing documents (letters, resumes) and templates for 10+ clients.•

27. Marina Z.March 1,2022 at 3:39AM UTC

    I think this is kind of brilliant; I would love to hear what HR or recruiters have to say in response to this. How has this been received?

28. SheilaMarch 4,2022 at 6:14PM UTC

    Marina,
    So far, it's worked great. I've had phone, Zoom, and in-person interviews, and no one has asked for any clarification of what I've done during the Pandemic.

    However, I can't take credit for the idea of addressing time spent in the Pandemic. CGL Recruiting has YouTube videos where they address this issue and others.

29. Marina Z.April 2,2022 at 2:16AM UTC

    Thank you!

30. Lynette ZukowskiJanuary 20,2022 at 7:46PM UTC

    I have not got this question … but honestly I figured out how to set our office for remote working, so if any of us needed to quarantine due to exposure we could work from home as much as possible… we have had times where it was necessary to use this ability. I have kept up to date on the requirements for our company sanitizing masking etc.

31. Vanda LeeJanuary 20,2022 at 8:10PM UTC

    If an interviewer had asked me about learning my job watching videos, I'm pretty confident I would have said " no, I already know How to do the job but you should watch some videos to learn how to properly interview" and ended it right there. That is ridiculous

32. Coach Nancie Kay ShumanJanuary 20,2022 at 8:46PM UTC

    It sounds as though they are looking for a potted answer so they can either check something off a list or find ways to steamroll through your story. There may not be a good answer for this because, as others have pointed out, it is about them rather than you.

    My personal answer is that I pivoted from my usual career and made and gave away over 3,000 masks for highly impacted individuals and vulnerable groups, starting with nothing but my sewing machine, and a pair of drress making sheers. I sourced and acquired the materials needed to be successful.

    Most people don't know what to say about that.

33. Emily KeiperJanuary 21,2022 at 1:32AM UTC

    You say….

    I did what everyone did and rode the wave trying not to lose my mind in the process.

    I’m surprised companies are asking this question. These times have been difficult for most so bringing it up during an interview for what would be a new and fresh opportunity after (or during depending on how you look at things and what day it is) quarantine, essentially throwing the interviewer right back into negative-ville where they have to be reminded of it seems like a bad move.

    I usually am one to try to find a work around for any question, but for this one I’d say just be honest. Don’t try to make this negative time a “lesson learned” because it has sucked and girl I’m sure you worked your tail off taking care of kids, being a new remote teacher, etc. You don’t need to be even further anxious about quarantine there’s enough anxiety in us all for years to come.

34. Liz MilneJanuary 21,2022 at 4:32AM UTC

    Yeah, it sounds like HR people/ recruiters are trying to be edgy or something, prove that they've got over the pandemic so why haven't you.

    Honestly, I would be so annoyed by that. I don't think anyone's mental health over the last two years has been unaffected, whether it was from actual covid, from other people acting like ass-hats, or from hating restrictions.

    Anyone who expects their employees to just shrug it off and not have been affected is probably best avoided as an employer!

35. AprilJanuary 21,2022 at 11:22PM UTC

    It sounds like you wore many hats during quarantine, and learned you could adjust to a new situation, juggle multiple unforeseen responsibilities, and continued to grow in your area of expertise.

    You took a devastating pandemic and made the best of it. You're better for it, and ready to utilize your experience and skills with a great company.

36. AnonymousJanuary 22,2022 at 4:39AM UTC

    I've responded with the question in reverse. "What answer could I give you that would not make that response exceedingly subjective?"

37. Tshepo DitsebeJanuary 22,2022 at 7:49AM UTC

    I get this question a lot during interviews too. Usually I say something similar to yours, which is that I've been doing online courses (which is the truth because I have tonnes of certificates to prove it!). I guess my response doesn't land well either. Thanks for sharing, I just had an "aha" moment.

38. Concetta PhillippsJanuary 24,2022 at 3:41PM UTC

    I absolutely would not tell them about remote schooling your child, as that's in the realm of things they shouldn't know about in the interview as they aren't supposed to ask about it unless you bring it up.

    I would also not talk about trends as it makes you sound like youre a trend follower, which is often not helpful in partner management.

    What I would talk about is how you took some things from the online seminars and courses you watched and made it impact your work in partner management, whether thats something as small as using Zoom for remote meetups or as big as retooling how you do your work remotely.

    Then you can mention how things are changing week by week with things closing down regularly and how you're coping with it by doing X, Y, and Z.

    That way you reframe the conversation and see if it can take you bank into the land of better questions on their part lol.

    its a trendy question to ask - what they're really looking for is to make sure you did something useful during the pandemic, even pushed yourself, regardless of whether or not we had to take care of family or deal with mental health issues. I've been asked it a bunch and the first time it came up I was offended, and then I read up on why the HR guys were asking it and came up with a better answer so that they seem to take it ok. Now if only people had better salaries to offer...