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Before you disclose too much information at your next job interview, check out these tips for what not to say. Job interviews are your time to shine. But when it comes to your next job interview, the big question really is – How much could be too much information to disclose? Self-disclosure in a job interview is not about baring your soul or your personal life. It is about giving the interviewer a sense of your true personality and how it suits the role you are applying for. By following these simple tips, you can make sure you disclose just the right amount of personal information at your next job interview. What not to do Magnifying your weaknesses Don’t say you’re nervous or uncomfortable (even if you are). You should always try and convey a confident, positive demeanour. Focus on challenges you have overcome and how you achieved that development. Portray desperation While you may feel like this is the last job left for you in the entire world, the reality is that’s not true. Desperation is rarely attractive, especially to employers. They want to hire someone who wants that job because they will add value to the company and they know they have the skills to do the job well. Over-share Discussing things not related to your professional self is not appropriate for interview. Topics to avoid include: future holiday plans, why you disliked a previous employer, what you had for dinner the night before, personal problems like a breakup or sick children, how much you love your pet or your views on religion or politics. Lie If you are nervous, or think your answer is not making enough of an impact, don’t fall into the trap of embellishment. Changing the facts, making results more impressive or flat-out lying will not make you look better in the long run and you would likely be caught out. Keep talking If you are a ‘talker’ consider the STAR method, and stick to it with questions. Discuss the Situation, Task, Action and Result and use that to demonstrate the skills or scenario they are asking about. Embrace the silence at the end of your answer, it provides the interviewers time to process too. Remember to breathe. If you find it hard to control the amount of personal information you disclose, think about why you do it. Are you unprepared for the interview and searching for content to answer to the questions? Do you talk fast and blurt things out when you are nervous? Are you worried your answers aren’t good enough and maybe, if you keep talking, the length of the answer will improve the quality? Whatever the reason, inappropriate self-disclosure is not the way to make a good impression in a job interview. Prepare for the interview, and have answers to commonly asked interview questions ready. Remember, the fact that you have an interview indicates that you are on a short list, and the selection panel want to find out more about the relevant qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience you have to do the job. This is your opportunity to show them why you would be a great fit for their company. For more information or guidance on interview techniques and career planning, contact the Career Development team at USQ Student Services. usq.edu.au careerhub.usq.edu.au n o t d i sc l o s e . . . Y o u s h a l l social.usq.edu.au CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 29.2.3 12.2015 Graphics © Shutterstock
