Q. I have many reasons to hesitate about being vaccinated for Covid, but I wonder: Will vaccination help my job search? How important is it to be vaccinated? As long as I wear a mask, wash my hands, and keep that 6-foot distance, why should anyone care?
A. I do not want to debate your reasons for getting or not getting vaccinated. However, I would like to share some facts. The CDC has stated that, if you are vaccinated, you do not need to wear a mask, you cannot pass Covid to others, and you are protected from serious illness from Covid. A job search exposes you to many people (and germs) you have not had contact with before. More than one person may interview you in small, enclosed offices. You do not know anyone else’s medical history and whether your lack of vaccination could harm them—or vice versa.
If knowing those facts, you are still hesitant, then consider:
- According to Eagle Hill Consulting, 49% of working Americans believe vaccination should be required for working on site.
- Moreover, 35% believe that nonvaccinated employees should not be permitted to work in person with co-workers.
Currently, employers can mandate that you take the vaccine. As long as they do not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and as long as you do not have proof of a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief, they can fire you for not complying. However, first, the employer should try to make accommodations for the nonvaccinated employee. If that is impossible, vaccination is considered one way companies provide a safe workplace, something they are legally required to do. Safety in the workplace takes priority over your doubts.
Vaccination may help your job search, keep you from being isolated from your co-workers, and help your career progression by allowing you to work in more locations.
Some companies offer employee incentives, like covering costs associated with vaccination, providing paid time off for dealing with the vaccine and any aftereffects, and even paying employees to be vaccinated. Among those companies are Amtrak, Dollar General, Target, and Aldi’s chain—quite a range.
You might be tempted to lie about your vaccination status, but your employer may request that you bring in your CDC card or a letter from your medical provider confirming vaccination. Lying to an employer is always one of the quickest routes to being fired.
Your decision whether or not to be vaccinated is your decision alone. However, you need to know how that decision might affect your chances of being hired and keeping your job. We at Robin’s Resumes® are closely monitoring the situation regarding vaccination to keep our clients apprised.