4 things you should never reveal during a job interview

The job interview is your chance to shine by bringing the information in your resume and cover letter to life. Your job application has already passed the initial stages and the job interview can make or break your job search.

An interview is an opportunity for a potential employer to learn more about you and determine if you are compatible with the company’s culture. However, disclosing too much information can hurt your job chances. Below are four things you should never reveal during a job interview.

1. Too much personal data

While interviewers will ask questions to learn more about you, keep your answers professional. Jane Trunka, executive director of the Career Resource Center at Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business in Winter Park, Fla., tells Investopedia that personal data is irrelevant to your ability to perform your job duties. “If the interviewer asks if you have reliable transportation, all you have to say is ‘yes’ and nothing else – no details about how you get your kids to school or the money you dropped to fix your 1992 car Mr.

Unless you need a medical accommodation, Trnka also cautions against disclosing details of your medical history. And she strongly cautions against sharing your personal views on topics like politics, religion and economics — unless those topics are work-related.

These are the types of personal information that many job applicants share while trying to be personable. Kristen Zierau, director of executive recruiting at JMJ Phillip Executive Search in Hills, Mich., says candidates share too many personal details, which can be a deal breaker for a job interview. She tells Investopedia, “The company evaluating you for a job doesn’t need to know how messy your divorce was or that you’re struggling financially.”

And other types of information that may seem innocuous can actually hurt your job chances and stall your job search. Stephanie Kincaid, assistant director of the Wackerle Career Center at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, cautions applicants against disclosing their marital or parental status because it could give employers an opportunity to discriminate against you. “Discrimination may not be intentional, but if you mention that you have young children at home and the job requires several evenings, the interviewer may think you won’t be available for non-traditional hours, even if you know you have reliable childcare .” Instead, focus on sharing information that demonstrates your skills and abilities.

2. Negative feelings towards employers/colleagues

Even if you think you had one of the worst jobs ever, resist the urge to badmouth them during the job interview. Christine Scarth, career services manager at Employment BOOST in Troy, Michigan, says she’s still surprised by how many applicants are willing to throw a former boss or colleague under the bus. “As a hiring manager, all I can think is ‘they’re going to do this to me.’ When you’re interviewing, you don’t have to share that there was a problem with your old boss or co-workers, because if you had a problem there, it can look like you’re going to have that problem everywhere.”

You may be asked about your current or past employment situation, and while you have to answer, Tracy Cashman, Boston-based senior vice president at WinterWyman Executive Search, tells Investopedia that your answer should be short and neutral if you’re still in business. company. “If you are no longer with the company, explain why. If you’ve been let go, be honest, but make a brief statement about what you’ve learned. If by any chance your last manager will still serve as a reference, mention that as well.”

3. Certain reasons for leaving/looking for a new job

Even if you don’t talk negatively about your boss or co-workers, you should be careful when explaining why you want another job. Sure, we’d all like a job that pays over $100K a year, but Cashman cautions against saying you want more money. And it warns that sometimes your answers may not be perceived the way you intended. “For example, ‘I want more room to grow’ could be interpreted as ‘I get bored easily’ by a hiring manager.” She recommends a short statement about how much you enjoyed working for your current employer and how much you learned from it. Then explain that you’re looking for a new opportunity where you can earn everything you want to earn in a new job, and then close by saying that’s why you want this position and want to work for this company.

4. Weaknesses

Our experts have different views on revealing your weaknesses. Jason Ma, San Francisco-based founder, CEO, and lead mentor at ThreeEQ, says, “If you’re asked about your past mistakes or mistakes, answer honestly about what you learned along the way and how you overcame them or how you worked on turning past weaknesses into strengths.” He recommends showing your true character.

However, Chaim Shapiro, M.Ed, assistant director of the Office of Career Services at Touro College in New York, says this question shows whether or not you’ve been trained for your interview. “Don’t respond by giving a real, unaddressed weakness—that will help ensure they move on to another candidate.” Instead, Shapiro recommends focusing on a weakness that can be seen as a strength. But he tells Investopedia readers to skip the “perfectionist” weakness because it’s overused.

The bottom row

While a job interview is an opportunity for potential employers to learn more about applicants, it’s important to avoid the temptation to reveal too much information. Companies don’t need to know you’re in student loan debt or having relationship problems. Wrong personal details can often disqualify an otherwise excellent candidate.