Military Careers, Second Careers - Army Times

Know when to share personal information

When presidential candidate John Edwards and his wife Elizabeth publicly disclosed her incurable cancer last month, it put a mark in our minds that cannot be erased.

Now, as Edwards talks about his policies and explains why he is the right person for the job, will we hear what he has to say — or has his personal information overshadowed his message?

If you share personal information in an interview, on your resume or on the Internet, will it put a similar mark in an employer’s mind and overshadow whether you’re qualified for the job?

It depends on the information. But in general, it's a good rule not to share personal information so your qualifications don’t get lost in your story.

In some ways, it’s easy to keep it all business. For example, on your résumé, don't list your marital status or how many kids you have. Don't list your religious or political affiliations or reference to race unless it’s relevant in some way. As far as hobbies go, do any of them make you a more desirable worker?

Someone always points out to me that if you list golf as a hobby, it might spark interest by someone looking at your résumé. Then they tell me how that very listing of golf turned into a friendly conversation once in the interview. I suppose that happens.

But it’s a reach to conclude that just because you play golf, someone will be interested in you as his or her employee.

The fact that you ran the Chicago marathon might be evidence of determination and self-discipline — important qualities. But as a broad rule, when deciding whether to put something on your resume, ask yourself: Does this have anything to do with my ability to do the job or show my potential? If not, leave it off.

Interviews get trickier. Employers might be interested in what you do in your spare time. This can help them get insight into your personality and what kind of worker you’d make. This is your chance to paint a picture of a well-rounded individual by naming professional or community groups you belong to, hobbies, books your read, volunteer activities, classes you’re taking and sports you play.

Do, though, think about potential impact of what you share. Religious and political affiliations shouldn’t make a difference. But this is not a perfect world, so it just might influence interviewers.

I wouldn’t share potentially controversial organizations or groups that indicate political views unless it’s applicable to the job. For instance, if you’re interviewing with a conservative think tank, it makes sense to share that you’ve been a member of the Young Republicans since you were 22.

If you think a membership is relevant, share. A client of mine wanted interviewers to know about his membership in a black fraternity because he was targeting minority-owned companies.

I also had a client who laid everything out in the open because as she put it, "I want them to know who I am and what I'm about."

I think the fact that she has children and is married is irrelevant to her qualifications. My rule: Don't talk about stuff that's not relevant as to whether you’re qualified for the job and could distract the interviewer from what matters.

You’ve seen the trouble people get into posting personal information on the Internet when an employer or recruiter digs it up. Some people think this digital dirt digging is unfair.

But whether sharing personal information on the Internet, in your résumé or in person, while it may seem unfair to be judged by it, you’ve opened the door if you offer it. You never know how someone is going to receive it. Play it safe and stick to what’s relevant.

Andrea Kay is the author of "Life's a Bitch and Then You Change Careers: 9 Steps to Get Out of Your Funk and On To Your Future." Send questions to her at 2692 Madison Road, No. 133, Cincinnati, OH 45208; www.andreakay.com. E-mail: andrea@andreakay.com.