213: Should I Give Personal Information in My Job Interview?

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Let’s talk about this topic of providing personal information during a job interview. Different so-called “experts” will have differing opinions about this, but here’s my stance:

In short, my answer is YES. But with conditions.

The interviewer, particularly if he or she would-be your direct supervisor, is evaluating your fit with the organization as much as your fit with the job. Will you be able to work well with the other members of the team? Does your prospective supervisor think you will be easy to lead?

I remember so clearly interviewing a candidate for a coordinator job at Columbus State University. I knew that, shortly after the candidate I selected started to work, we were going to take a rather long road trip from Columbus, GA to Clearwater, FL. (Don’t ask me why we weren’t flying – I don’t remember.)

As I was interviewing candidates, I was, in part, filtering those candidates through the lens of “Would I want to spend 14 hours roundtrip in a car with this individual?”

The hiring manager is likely thinking of you in a similar way. Perhaps he has a difficult-to-get-along-with personality in his department; how will you fit in with that person? Perhaps she is thinking of how you will get along with another employee you would have to work closely with. Perhaps the team is heavily tilted toward one decision-making style or work style, and she is looking for diversity.

While some of these issues can be addressed by asking traditional interview questions, sometimes your personal life can shed further light. Keep in mind that the employer cannot legally ask questions about your family life, marital status, or upbringing – only questions that have to do with your ability to perform the job.

This doesn’t mean you can’t volunteer this information.

Here’s my rule of thumb: You can provide personal information, as long as it is neutral or positive.

What does this mean?

Feel free to tell the interviewer about your recent marriage (tends to promote stability), your efforts to learn Mediterranean cooking (you’re trying to eat healthy), or your attempts with learning Japanese.

Things you don’t want to share with the interviewer would include a recent divorce (you may be bitter or emotionally fragile), children (this is especially true for women, unfortunately), or recent/upcoming medical issues you or a close family member are facing (may mean extended absences from work).

I also STRONGLY discourage divulging any personal medical information unless you need accommodation for the interview. You want the hiring manager to see your positives before you bring up any potential negatives, such as a mental illness or chronic medical condition.

Most frequently, this personal information shows up in your answer to the “Tell me about yourself” question. While 95%+ of your answer should be professional-focused, you can give them a little look into your life with the last 5%. For example:

“…and outside of work, I am an active runner and biker – I competed in 2 half-marathons last year.”

“…and when I’m not working, I really enjoy oil painting and I’m learning how to use my new air fryer.”

“…and in my free time, I am learning conversational Italian, which I plan to put to good use when I visit Italy next year.”

Here is one example of what not to say; this is from an interview I did when I worked at Truman State University:

“I am a single mother with three preschool-aged children, and I’m in the National Guard.”

Other examples:

“I moved back to town after breaking up with my boyfriend.”

“I really enjoy high-risk activities, including sky diving and mountain climbing.”

“My elderly mother recently moved in with us after my dad died.”

In summary: let the interviewer get to know you as a total person. BUT remember – this is like a first date, so keep it neutral or positive so you don’t scare them off. You want that second date!

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