Hello All,

29 Comments

1. Rebecca AliApril 21,2022 at 3:57PM UTC

   Has someone asked you that question for a remote job? That seems really puzzling to me and not within the bounds of "need to know" during an interview process.

2. AnonymousApril 21,2022 at 6:16PM UTC

   Yes! Of course, if I was required to occasionally travel, I would test, mask and follow protocols. It just feels like it gets into some personal arena way too quickly.

3. Rebecca AliApril 21,2022 at 8:18PM UTC

   My biggest concern with the question, and I'm very surprised private companies aren't getting sued for it, is that it can bring up both religious and medical data privacy issues. If you are a nurse or in the medical field etc. and/or have direct contact with vulnerable populations and it's a necessary requirement to provide safe care, then yes asking this is relevant. If you are doing an office job from home, I'm not sure why any company would take this risk... I find it very interesting having previously been in HR for many years that this is where we are right now. I would 100% like to know how this is playing out - I'm honestly and genuinely puzzled.

4. Rebecca AliApril 22,2022 at 11:52AM UTC

   I should clarify. I'm puzzled why this would be asked at the interview stage and not after an offer is made. Once you have an offer, it can be contingent on background checks/screenings etc. At that point you could provide documentation for your vaccine (or exemption) status where it would not be construed as religious or medical bias. Anyway. Good luck to you.

5. AnonymousApril 22,2022 at 2:33PM UTC

   Yes, this is exactly what I'm saying about that kind of privacy when the roles do not require travel. Saying I have a medical exemption is putting something out there that would not normally be asked about my health.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 21,2022 at 7:12PM UTC

   It is a requirement for many positions - remote or on-site.

7. AnonymousApril 22,2022 at 12:54PM UTC

   I think it depends on the company and if they are involved in contracting with the US Federal government. My company has a mandate in place because we are a Federal contractor and, at least for now, that mandate is still in place. It applies even for remote workers because the rule is 'all workers' unless exempted for medical or religious reasons.

8. AnonymousApril 21,2022 at 3:58PM UTC

   I would say you comply fully with CDC guidelines.

9. Monica Lynn SadlerApril 21,2022 at 3:59PM UTC

   I agree with Rebecca. Having been within HR previously, I'm confused why they would ask about vaccinations for a "fully" remote role. In either case, I would be completely honest. If you have an exemption, then state that in your answer. Praying you find a wonderful position! <3

10. AnonymousApril 22,2022 at 12:21PM UTC

    Fully-remote may also mean you travel to meet other co-workers or clients. Your office may be at home, but you may still be out in public. Who knows, it could be simply going to Fedex or Staples on behalf of your work. But you are 100% right, be honest.

11. AnonymousApril 21,2022 at 4:13PM UTC

    Some employers do still require vaccinations and / or weekly covid tests, even for fully remote employees. Those companies may also allow time for vaccination as part of your employment, if you so choose. It is a personal choice, but encourage honesty up front to prevent any future backlash.

12. Shanna HowardApril 21,2022 at 4:47PM UTC

    I would absolutely be honest and say you are not and state the reason why. Let them know you had an exemption at your former/current employer and ask if that's an option with them. If not, then you know up front it's probably not a company that's a good fit for you and if so, maybe get a jump start on that paperwork. Good luck!

13. AnonymousApril 21,2022 at 6:20PM UTC

    I would be completely honest, but it just feels like very personal information while I'm early in the process.

14. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 21,2022 at 7:10PM UTC

    What do you mean "how do you answer the question?" You answer truthfully.

15. JYJApril 22,2022 at 3:27PM UTC

    Why do you assume she's going to be dishonest? It can be a scary question for those with medical exemptions because it could raise other questions that's no one's business about her health. Are you always so judgmental? I feel bad for any candidates talking to you.

16. AnonymousApril 22,2022 at 6:58PM UTC

    OMG, simmer down! If the OP was planning to be fully transparent, she wouldn't be on a message board (posting anonymously) to a bunch of strangers seeking advice!

    Joan Williams is exactly right...you answer truthfully!

17. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 22,2022 at 7:18PM UTC

    Where, specifically, did I say anything about assuming she was going to answer in ANY particular way - nevermind dishonestly?

    She asked for opinions on how she should answer and I gave her mine.

    My advice was to answer the question truthfully. I find that to be good advice when answering most questions. How, specifically, is that "judgemental"?

    I don't see why offering the opinion to answer a question truthfully made you feel the need attack me and to call my professionalism into question.

    I'd say that says more about you than it does about me.

18. JYJApril 22,2022 at 8:51PM UTC

    Your tone is condescending. Not untypical for bad recruiters.

19. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 22,2022 at 9:13PM UTC

    Not an answer to my questions.
    More personal attacks.

    Deflection fail.

20. JYJApril 23,2022 at 12:48AM UTC

    and that's why you're open to work right now...

21. AnonymousApril 22,2022 at 12:17PM UTC

    You can say, "I have a medical certification for exemption from my doctor that I am willing to share with the Company". After that, it's up to them.

22. AnonymousApril 22,2022 at 12:39PM UTC

    I don’t believe it would come up during the interview process, but as others have said - when it comes up, you should be honest. There is not universal standard for exemption to a private company’s policy, so it doesn’t matter if you had an exemption with your previous company.

    For me, it came up during the background check and other verification items after the offer, before I began onboarding. I am fully remote but work for a company that has a vaccine mandate for all employees regardless of work location, due to the public health implications of wide spread vaccination. There are processes to apply for both medical and religious exemptions. From what I’ve seen since I joined this organization 9 months ago, the bar is set pretty high for religious exemptions and very few of those exempt were granted.

23. CassandraApril 22,2022 at 6:41PM UTC

    Honesty is the best policy. Especially in this case. It would only cause problems to fib and have the truth come out later.

24. AnonymousApril 23,2022 at 1:57AM UTC

    It's a yes or no question so whichever one is accurate.

25. Crystal HowellApril 23,2022 at 8:14AM UTC

    Truthfully, and let the chips fall where they may. Eventually, a Yes will follow.

    Remote only is the way to go with your beliefs, just so much controversy and risk out there. You do You!

26. AnonymousApril 23,2022 at 11:54AM UTC

    I interviewed for a remote job and that is also a requirement. Why I don't understand as I will never be in their office. I am fully vaccinated and boosted by it seemed like an odd requirement for a fully remote position.

27. PhaPha DavisApril 24,2022 at 8:02AM UTC

    I would ask to see their vaccine card. I'm fully vaccinated just got my booster a week ago I have a little bit to wait but I'm almost in the clear there. I mask up every time I go out and use lysol hand sanitizer you name it. It is out there covid-19 you always have to be careful & cautious. Religion I'm Christian I go to a four square Christian church. I don't have any issue being asked any questions you are working for people so ask away. It doesn't bother me. As for other folks people take everything so personal and it might not be a match for the employer to take that employee it wouldn't be a match especially if you are spending time in their home or around their kids you want to be on the same page right?

28. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 1:04PM UTC

    Why are remote jobs asking about vaccination in an interview? If they do, just write them off as a loopy organization you don't want to work for.

29. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 25,2022 at 1:49AM UTC

    For many companies, their vaccine policy is company policy and does not change for if you are on-site or remote.