Employer preference may mean that your job will soon require vaccination for the Covid-19 virus or undergoing weekly testing. Time will tell.
Millions of Americans may soon need to be vaccinated with the Covid-19 vaccine. Employer preferences may require weekly testing. Although opinions differ on the subject, it’s clear that your vaccination status can be crucial when you search for a job.
How the Pandemic Impacted the Job Market
Employees in almost every industry were affected by the pandemic in 2020. It was never out of the news. Nearly all employees were concerned or worried about being affected by the pandemic. Many businesses had to shut down. Work went remote, school-aged children were home. It was chaos, to say the least.
Things are starting to change. Some industries like the entertainment, travel, and event industry have just begun to hire again.
In a dramatic turn of events, employees decided that they did not want to return. In April alone, four million employees quit to look for permanent remote opportunities, higher salaries, and better work-life balance.
Employees are not wrong to look for better positions. It was surprising to see a mass exodus of workers from the workplace, especially since so many had been concerned about maintaining their jobs. The problem is that as more people leave their jobs, the competition for good jobs has increased. The Covid-19 vaccine has made this even more difficult.
How to Navigate Your Personal Job Search with New Vaccine Regulations
Your vaccination status will affect your employment status no matter what political or vaccine side you’re on. This article does not aim to influence which side you’re on. The intention is to provide facts about how this will impact employment.
The question of whether or not you should include proof that you have been vaccinated has arisen. Start by checking the job posting or company website. Verify that the employer requires vaccination. If so, consider adding “Covid-19 Vaccinated” to your resume.
If you don’t want to be vaccinated, you may be required to submit to weekly testing. This could either be at your cost or that of your employer.
If you work in person, it may be necessary to wear a mask.
There are many companies that don’t require the vaccine. You have the option to work in a small company or remote job or, at most, a part-time remote position. Many companies offer this option regardless of your vaccine status in order to limit the spread of Covid-19 at work.
These guidelines will help you to navigate your job search.
- Your level of comfort. No matter what your vaccination status is, you need to determine the best working arrangements for you. There are options to work remotely, in-office or hybrid. Consider your health and those close to you when making your decision.
- Find opportunities that match your comfort level. Although every job search platform can be different. You can still use the search tools on LinkedIn and other sites for remote opportunities.
- Ask the company about their Covid-19 procedures. Ask the company about their Covid-19 protocol when interviewing. Decide for yourself if the employer’s policy jives with your level of comfort. This will ensure that there are no conflicts of interest later on.
- Make sure you are clear about what your employment needs are. When you get a job offer, speak frankly with the recruiter. Discuss your comfort levels without awkwardness or embarrassment. You can also tell a recruiter if you feel that remote work (at least partially) is important to you. Asking is always a good idea.
Time for Compassion and Understanding, Not Judgment
Workers are not required by law to be vaccinated.
However, it is important to recognize that there are many other people and potential coworkers who may have concerns. Many people may have an immunocompromised spouse, child, or loved one who has died from the pandemic.
Some people who do not choose to have the vaccine may be concerned about their personal health. You can make work more enjoyable by taking steps such as wearing a mask and staying home if you aren’t feeling well.
It doesn’t matter how you feel about the pandemic or vaccine, it’s still important to be sensitive to others’ needs. Maya Angelou often said, “I believe we all possess empathy.” It’s possible that we don’t have the courage to show it. After all the suffering the world has endured, now is the right time to do so — at work and in life.
