--- title: What to Consider When Hiring During the COVID-19 Pandemic description: Check out IQTalent’s best practices for onboarding & hiring during COVID-19, according to their Director of HR! image: https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/shutterstock_1186902013.jpg --- [![info.iqtalent.comhubfsIQTalent-Logo](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/info.iqtalent.comhubfsIQTalent-Logo.png?width=1000&height=300&name=info.iqtalent.comhubfsIQTalent-Logo.png)](https://iqtalent.com/) - Solutions Solutions - [![our-solutions-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/our-solutions-icon.svg) Our SolutionsEmbedded RPO, on-demand recruiting, RecOps, and executive search. Commission-free, transparent, and built to scale with you.](https://www.iqtalent.com/solutions/) - [![recruiting-operations-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/recruiting-operations-icon.svg) Recruiting OperationsThe systems, processes, and reporting that keep your TA team running at full speed.](https://www.iqtalent.com/recruiting-operations/) - [![resume-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/resume-icon.svg) SourcingWe confirm interest, not just availability. Get a shortlist ready to engage.](https://www.iqtalent.com/candidate-sourcing/) - [![person-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/person-icon.svg) RecruitingExpert recruiters who scale with your hiring needs, no contracts, no commissions.](https://www.iqtalent.com/on-demand-recruiting/) - [![search-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/search-icon.svg) ResearchMap the talent landscape for your role before your competition does.](https://www.iqtalent.com/research/) [![IQT-TA-Audit-Checklist-2](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IQT-TA-Audit-Checklist-2.webp?width=1200&height=680&name=IQT-TA-Audit-Checklist-2.webp)](https://www.iqtalent.com/resource/talent-acquisition-audit-checklist/) TA Audit Checklist [Get your copy](https://www.iqtalent.com/resource/talent-acquisition-audit-checklist/) - Areas of Expertise Solutions - [![who-we-work-with-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/who-we-work-with-icon.svg) Who We Work WithRecruiting support that scales with your stage, from first hires to global enterprise, without the commitment of a full internal team.](https://www.iqtalent.com/who-we-work-with/) - [![industries-we-serve-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/industries-we-serve-icon.svg) Industries We ServeConsultants with real industry context, not just general recruiting experience.](https://www.iqtalent.com/industry-expertise/) - [![functional-expertise-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/functional-expertise-icon.svg) Functional ExpertiseWe match you with consultants who've recruited for that function before.](https://www.iqtalent.com/function-expertise/) [![How-a-Cybersecurity-Startup-Cut-Recruiting-Costs-by-78-While-Improving-Quality-and-Speed](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hs-fs/hubfs/How-a-Cybersecurity-Startup-Cut-Recruiting-Costs-by-78-While-Improving-Quality-and-Speed.webp?width=1200&height=800&name=How-a-Cybersecurity-Startup-Cut-Recruiting-Costs-by-78-While-Improving-Quality-and-Speed.webp)](https://www.iqtalent.com/case-study/cybersecurity-recruiting-cost-reduction/)[Read the Story](https://www.iqtalent.com/case-study/cybersecurity-recruiting-cost-reduction/) - About IQTalent Solutions - [![person-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/person-icon.svg) Who We AreTransparent, flexible recruiting built around your needs. Here's our story.](https://www.iqtalent.com/about-iqtalent/) - [![functional-expertise-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/functional-expertise-icon.svg) How We're DifferentRecruiting that flexes with your team, your tools, and your timeline.](https://www.iqtalent.com/how-were-different/) - [![team-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/team-icon.svg) Our Team & ExpertiseMeet the consultants running your search and the expertise they bring.](https://www.iqtalent.com/leadership/) - [![chat-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/chat-icon.svg) Why IQTalentSee why clients stay: data ownership, embedded consultants, and proof from real searches.](https://www.iqtalent.com/why-iqtalent/) [![IQTalent-Logo-1](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IQTalent-Logo-1.webp?width=1200&height=800&name=IQTalent-Logo-1.webp)](https://www.iqtalent.com/about-iqtalent/)[About IQTalent](https://www.iqtalent.com/about-iqtalent/) - Resources Solutions - [![search-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/search-icon.svg) Resource LibraryCheck out our entire Resource Library for content on recruiting operations, on-demand recruiting, AI templates and more](https://www.iqtalent.com/resource-library/) - [![blog-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/blog-icon.svg) BlogRecruiting strategy and hiring insights from practitioners in the field.](https://blog.iqtalent.com/) - [![resume-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/resume-icon.svg) Case StudiesReal clients, real hires, real results across industries.](https://www.iqtalent.com/case-studies/) - [![calculator-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/calculator-icon.svg) Tools & CalculatorsCompare recruiting models and estimate cost-per-hire before you commit.](https://www.iqtalent.com/resource-library/#type=tools-and-calculators) - [![guide-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/guide-icon.svg) Guides & PlaybooksFrameworks for executive search, high-volume hiring, and PE talent strategy.](https://www.iqtalent.com/resource-library/#type=guides-and-playbooks) - [![podcast-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/podcast-icon.svg) PodcastsConversations with talent leaders on the trends shaping how companies hire.](https://www.iqtalent.com/podcasts/) [![IQT-AI-Hiring-Prompt-Templates-LP](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IQT-AI-Hiring-Prompt-Templates-LP.webp?width=1200&height=680&name=IQT-AI-Hiring-Prompt-Templates-LP.webp)](https://info.iqtalent.com/ai-hiring-prompt-templates)[Download AI Hiring Prompt Templates](https://info.iqtalent.com/ai-hiring-prompt-templates) [Get Started](https://info.iqtalent.com/start) - Solutions - [![our-solutions-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/our-solutions-icon.svg)Our Solutions](https://www.iqtalent.com/solutions/) - [![recruiting-operations-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/recruiting-operations-icon.svg)Recruiting Operations](https://www.iqtalent.com/recruiting-operations/) - [![resume-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/resume-icon.svg)Sourcing](https://www.iqtalent.com/candidate-sourcing/) - [![person-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/person-icon.svg)Recruiting](https://www.iqtalent.com/on-demand-recruiting/) - [![search-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/search-icon.svg)Research](https://www.iqtalent.com/research/) - Areas of Expertise - [![who-we-work-with-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/who-we-work-with-icon.svg)Who We Work With](https://www.iqtalent.com/who-we-work-with/) - [![industries-we-serve-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/industries-we-serve-icon.svg)Industries We Serve](https://www.iqtalent.com/industry-expertise/) - [![functional-expertise-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/functional-expertise-icon.svg)Functional Expertise](https://www.iqtalent.com/function-expertise/) - About IQTalent - [![person-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/person-icon.svg)Who We Are](https://www.iqtalent.com/about-iqtalent/) - [![functional-expertise-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/functional-expertise-icon.svg)How We're Different](https://www.iqtalent.com/how-were-different/) - [![team-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/team-icon.svg)Our Team & Expertise](https://www.iqtalent.com/leadership/) - [![chat-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/chat-icon.svg)Why IQTalent](https://www.iqtalent.com/why-iqtalent/) - Resources - [![search-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/search-icon.svg)Resource Library](https://www.iqtalent.com/resource-library/) - [![blog-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/blog-icon.svg)Blog](https://blog.iqtalent.com/) - [![resume-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/resume-icon.svg)Case Studies](https://www.iqtalent.com/case-studies/) - [![calculator-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/calculator-icon.svg)Tools & Calculators](https://www.iqtalent.com/resource-library/#type=tools-and-calculators) - [![guide-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/guide-icon.svg)Guides & Playbooks](https://www.iqtalent.com/resource-library/#type=guides-and-playbooks) - [![podcast-icon](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/icons/podcast-icon.svg)Podcasts](https://www.iqtalent.com/podcasts/) [Get Started](https://info.iqtalent.com/start) # What to Consider When Hiring During the COVID-19 Pandemic September 21, 2020 [HR](https://blog.iqtalent.com/tag/hr) [Hiring](https://blog.iqtalent.com/tag/hiring) #### Table of Contents [![The-Process-Standardization-Playbook-LP-Transparent1_5x](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Resources/Mockup%20Images/The-Process-Standardization-Playbook-LP-Transparent1_5x.webp?width=1353&height=660&name=The-Process-Standardization-Playbook-LP-Transparent1_5x.webp)](https://info.iqtalent.com/resource/process-standardization-playbook) ### The Process Standardization Playbook [Sync Your Hiring Team Processes](https://info.iqtalent.com/resource/process-standardization-playbook) The economy is creeping back from our national shutdown and quarantine, and many firms are ramping up their hiring. In fact, some companies never stopped onboarding new employees. They simply pivoted their process and forged ahead. Whether you are returning to the hiring game or you never stopped, it can be unnerving to hire additional team members during a pandemic. It’s a good idea to stop and reevaluate some of your practices for onboarding and hiring during COVID-19.   We’ve consulted with our in-house expert, our Director of Human Resources, [Kendra Deas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-brown-deas-sphr-shrm-scp-19a0951/), to uncover the best practices to help navigate hiring during these unprecedented times.   Please note, laws are changing frequently and may vary by state, city, or county. [Be sure to review the resources available at the United States Department of Labor webpage](https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus).     *Disclaimer: The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Readers of this article should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.* [@IQTalent tapped their in-house Director of HR for her best practices for #hiring and #onboarding at this point in the pandemic. Take a look!Click to Tweet](https://ctt.ac/59nhB) ## Six Hiring Practices You Should Reevaluate Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic #### 1. Interviewing   Asking candidates to interview in-person during COVID-19 can raise safety issues. Most companies in the United States have shifted to [virtual interviews](https://blog.iqtalentpartners.com/five-tips-recruiting-interviewing-remotely) rather than bringing candidates in for face-to-face interviews. Employers should be aware of state laws concerning video interviews and recordings. If it is vital for candidates to come to the office for a face-to-face interview, employers should take appropriate safety precautions and comply with any local or state COVID-19 orders, such as mask mandates.   #### 2. Determining Start Dates of Applicants who have Tested COVID-19 Positive   To ensure safety and well-being, employers may delay start dates for applicants confirmed to have COVID-19. Those that have associated symptoms or have the coronavirus should not be in the workplace. However, an employer should not postpone a start date for individuals who are simply at high risk but do not have signs, symptoms, or a positive test for the virus. It is best practice to discuss telework options with these individuals.   #### 3. Screening Applicants for Symptoms of COVID-19 During the Hiring Process   According to the [EEOC](https://www.eeoc.gov/), employers may screen applicants for COVID-19 after making a conditional offer, as long as the employer does this for *all* employees applying for the same job.   [**See how IQTalent Partners is helping displaced workers due to COVID-19**](https://blog.iqtalentpartners.com/iqtalent-partners-helping-displaced-workers)   #### 4. Pre-Employment Medical Exams   Medical exams may be permitted *after* an employer has made an offer to a candidate. Employers should be aware that COVID-19 symptoms are different for each individual. All medical examinations should be consistent and kept confidential.   #### 5. Hiring Decisions: Onsite or Remote   These hiring decisions should be made on a case by case basis. To improve [employee engagement](https://blog.iqtalentpartners.com/remote-employee-engagement-strategies-implement-immediately), employers should be flexible and provide telework options if possible. Employers should be consistent in applying the same [ADA analysis](https://www.ada.gov/) across the board for candidates with underlying health conditions that place them at high risk. Employers should make sound decisions and consult with the company's legal counsel.   #### 6. Rescinding Job Offers to Applicants who Confirmed that they Have COVID-19   Employers should use caution when rescinding an offer to ensure they are not violating ADA guidelines. While employers may withdraw an offer if the job requires the applicant to start immediately, it is best practice not to make short term decisions about long term employment opportunities. Be sure to consult the [Families First Coronavirus Response Act](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave) (FFCRA) and be aware of a new required [labor law compliance poster](https://www.resourcefulcompliance.com/?State=&L=48-138ZM&utm_source=PBC_PC&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=48-138ZM&PCD=&JB=636691&ajs_uid=db97ec15-ddb4-46a1-a012-d6c4de90758c) that must be displayed in the workplace.   With all the extra time busy HR managers must spend navigating the challenges of working and hiring during COVID-19, the [recruiting and candidate research](https://www.iqtalentpartners.com/professional-recruiting/) function may be neglected. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and your candidate pipeline is running dry, IQTalent Partners can augment your internal team and revitalize all your candidate searches! [Contact us today for a free consultation](https://www.iqtalentpartners.com/start/) and see how we can adapt to your current processes and augment your in-house recruiting team for better outcomes! [![The recruiting you need. When you need it. Contact IQTalent Partners today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5284302/ef9ca8c0-6d7a-4961-ba2e-72ef423f9e2a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5284302/ef9ca8c0-6d7a-4961-ba2e-72ef423f9e2a) ## You'll Love These Posts Too [Stop Testing Engineers on Memorization. Start Testing How They Think.](https://blog.iqtalent.com/ai-fluency-engineering-interviews) Here's a number that should bother every VP of Engineering with open headcount: 71% of engineering leaders globally now say AI is making it harder to assess candidates' ... [Keep Reading](https://blog.iqtalent.com/ai-fluency-engineering-interviews) [The SDR Hiring Playbook: Finding Candidates Who Generate Pipeline](https://blog.iqtalent.com/sdr-hiring-playbook-pipeline) The SDR role is one of the highest-leverage positions in your revenue org. Get it right, and you have a pipeline engine. Get it consistently right, and you have a ... [Keep Reading](https://blog.iqtalent.com/sdr-hiring-playbook-pipeline) [The Hidden Costs of Bad Legal Hires (And How to Avoid Them)](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hidden-costs-bad-legal-hires) Why Legal Hiring Is So Difficult (And So Important) Legal hiring has unique challenges that don't exist in other functions: [Keep Reading](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hidden-costs-bad-legal-hires) [![www.iqtalent.comwp-contentuploads202207IQTalent-White-Logo-1](https://blog.iqtalent.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/www.iqtalent.comwp-contentuploads202207IQTalent-White-Logo-1.png?width=2001&height=600&name=www.iqtalent.comwp-contentuploads202207IQTalent-White-Logo-1.png)](https://blog.iqtalent.com/) PO Box 150709 Nashville, TN 37215 [629-255-0709](tel:6292550709) [info@iqtalent.com](mailto:info@iqtalent.com) [Contact Us](https://www.iqtalent.com/contact/) ### Solutions - [Our Solutions](https://www.iqtalent.com/solutions/) - [Recruiting Operations](https://www.iqtalent.com/recruiting-operations/) - [Recruiting](https://www.iqtalent.com/on-demand-recruiting/) - [Sourcing](https://www.iqtalent.com/candidate-sourcing/) - [Research](https://www.iqtalent.com/research/) ### Areas of Expertise - [Who We Work With](https://www.iqtalent.com/who-we-work-with/) - [Industry Expertise](https://www.iqtalent.com/industry-expertise/) - [Functional Expertise](https://www.iqtalent.com/function-expertise/) ### Resources - [Resource Library](https://www.iqtalent.com/resource-library/) - [Case Studies](https://www.iqtalent.com/case-studies/) - [Podcasts](https://www.iqtalent.com/podcasts/) - [Blog](https://blog.iqtalent.com/) - [Recruitment Glossary](https://www.iqtalent.com/recruitment-glossary/) ### Specialties - [RPO On-Demand](https://www.iqtalent.com/recruitment-process-outsourcing-services/) - [Data Scientists Recruiting](https://www.iqtalent.com/data-scientist-recruiting/) - [Information Security Analysts](https://www.iqtalent.com/information-security-analyst-recruiting/) - [Physician Assistants Recruiting](https://www.iqtalent.com/healthcare-recruiting-physician-assistants/) - [Healthcare Leadership Recruiting](https://www.iqtalent.com/medical-health-service-managers/) ### About IQTalent - [Who We Are](https://www.iqtalent.com/about-iqtalent/) - [Why IQTalent](https://www.iqtalent.com/why-iqtalent/) - [Our Team & Expertise](https://www.iqtalent.com/leadership/) - [How We're Different](https://www.iqtalent.com/how-were-different/) - [Our Approach](https://www.iqtalent.com/about-iqtalent/#our_approach) - [Press & Awards](https://www.iqtalent.com/press-awards/) - [FAQs](https://www.iqtalent.com/faq/) ### Connect With Us - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/iqtalent-partners) - [Find My Dream Job](https://www.iqtalent.com/dream-job/) - [Get Started](https://info.iqtalent.com/start) - [Caldwell](https://www.caldwellpartners.com/) © 2025 IQTalent Partners Site by [Red Branch Media, Inc.](https://redbranchmedia.com/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.iqtalent.com/privacy-policy/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Kristin Taylor", "url" : "https://blog.iqtalent.com/author/kristin-taylor" }, "dateModified" : "2020-09-23T15:35:43.969Z", "datePublished" : "2020-09-21T14:45:07.000Z", "headline" : "What to Consider When Hiring During the COVID-19 Pandemic", "image" : [ "https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/shutterstock_1186902013.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.iqtalent.com/consider-when-hiring-during-covid-pandemic", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.iqtalent.com/hubfs/IQTalent-Logo.png" }, "name" : "IQTalent Partners" } } ```