How much personal information should you provide in a job interview? (Tell me about yourself)

There are some questions we expect to be asked in a job interview, such as why we want the job. We may also be asked to go into detail about our past work experience and what we would contribute to the new role, as well as our plans for the future.

In addition, potential employers often want to know more about our hobbies and interests. This can mean revealing more about ourselves and giving the interviewers a small glimpse into our personal lives, which can be a little nerve-wracking.

So how should you answer the dreaded “tell me about yourself” question – and why do employers want to know? And perhaps most importantly, how much personal information do you have to provide?

“In today’s job market, it’s not just about hiring a professional with the right skill set. More and more companies are using chemistry-style interviews to ensure they find professionals who share the company’s values,” says Emma Louise O’Brien, head of careers training at Renovo, an outplacement provider that supports employers and employees through redundancy .

“Employers use these interview formats as a way to match employees to a role to maximize strengths and ensure there is a fit with the company culture.”

Read more: Are multiple interviews putting off job seekers?

This style of interview can be part of a pre-screening interview or a final stage in the decision-making process, O’Brien explains. “The hiring manager or recruiter is trying to figure out who you are in a short period of time. Questions are open-ended and may not be work-related. For example, what do you like to do in your spare time? Prefer to start or finish a project? How do you motivate yourself?” she says.

Jane Ferre, an executive career coach, says the “tell me about yourself” question is a popular way to start an interview and get the candidate to relax and talk. “Bad interviewers will arrive anxious, and asking this question will give them a chance to catch their breath,” she says. “This is a useful question for the interviewer to ask as they can pick up points that can be explored further in the interview.”

The story continues

However, this isn’t just a time to focus on your hobbies and interests, but a chance to position yourself as the ideal candidate for the role from the start, Ferre says.

“My advice would be to always keep it professional,” she adds. “There’s a fine line between finding some commonality that the interviewer and candidate can relate to, but don’t feel like you have to reveal too much personal information that could affect you being offered the job.” You should modify your answer to focus on what you know the interviewer is looking for and choose the most relevant examples to meet those needs.’

Read more: What to tell companies on your resume about a leave of absence

When you are asked about yourself and your interests, your nerves are easily broken. Even the most confident candidates can feel nervous at a job interview, which can lead to people babbling. However, it is important not to reveal too much information or get involved.

“Pick two or three interests that energize you and expect follow-up questions,” says O’Brien. “We’re seeing more interview questions about how you used your time during the lockdown.”

Honesty is usually a good policy, but instead of talking about cocktails and Zoom quizzes, maybe it’s better to think about all the skills you’ve developed during the lockdown.

“Think about how you would react to it beforehand,” says O’Brien. “Were you homeschooled? If so, have you improved your communication skills? Did you do something DIY that improved your project management skills? Or have you improved your technical skills through the use of remote technology?’

You will still need to give an authentic answer. The employer must also appreciate that the lockdown was a difficult time for many and that not everyone was able to learn a new language or gain a qualification.

Read more: How to deal with anxiety when starting a new job

“Thinking about your answer beforehand will ensure you are confident in your delivery. No more than four or five minutes, and make it clear whether they want you to talk about your professional experience or more about you and your interests,” says O’Brien. “Some companies ask this question and they’re looking for a five-minute summary of your career to date and how it matches the role they’re recruiting for.”

And remember, it’s important to avoid giving out information that could lead to discrimination. Although it is illegal, unscrupulous employers can still use some information against you.

“You don’t need to state whether you’re married, your religion, how old you are, or whether you have children,” says O’Brien. “This shouldn’t happen, but some companies may have preconceived ideas about the ‘ideal’ candidate and should not ask these questions in an interview. It’s a two-way process, it has to be right for you as a candidate too.”

Watch: How to answer tough interview questions