Have you ever been on a first date with someone who shared their life story in the first 5 minutes? I have. As a career consultant I think of the job interview as a “first date” (without the drinks and dinner). Employer gets to know candidate and candidate gets to know employer. If all goes well, it’s the beginning of a match made in heaven (hopefully).
I’ve worked with candidates who never get past first base in the interview process because they don’t know when to stop talking. An employer wants to learn about your professional experience, skills, work ethic and if you’ll fit into their company culture. They don't care if you broke your fingernail on a cab door, got locked out of your apartment, broke up with your boyfriend or just having a bad hair day. If they want to know more about you (provided it’s appropriate), they will ask. Let them take the lead on that one.
I’ve worked with candidates who never get past first base in the interview process because they don’t know when to stop talking. An employer wants to learn about your professional experience, skills, work ethic and if you’ll fit into their company culture. They don't care if you broke your fingernail on a cab door, got locked out of your apartment, broke up with your boyfriend or just having a bad hair day. If they want to know more about you (provided it’s appropriate), they will ask. Let them take the lead on that one.
MY TWO CENTS (for what it’s worth):
Don’t give it all away and be an open book. You can be genuine, professional and charming without bearing your soul.
“Good Night, And Good Luck”
Laura Rivchun
So great to have you address the issue of "over-sharing" which undermines so many people not only in the work arena, but in life in general. People confuse it with honesty and friendliness. You're right that it exposes a lack of professionalism.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to more of your thoughts about career issues, given that the workplace is where most of us spend most of our lives. (Scary thought....)
Susan Lager