TMI: How Personal is too Personal?

Shell Bongares • July 29, 2019

They say honesty is the best policy, and I am a firm believer in that.

Talk to anyone who knows me on a personal level, and they’ll tell you I’m a very open and honest person. However, there is a clear line between being honest and over-sharing. This is definitely tricky and can be difficult to discern at times, but one of the best ways of figuring out this dilemma is by asking yourself:

  • am I truly comfortable disclosing this to a potential employer/my future boss?

Or moreover,

  • is this morally appropriate to say in a professional setting?

Even with those questions, you may just be someone who’s quite comfortable at disclosing anything and everything about yourself which can be quite refreshing – but if you’re wanting to get the job, you need to ensure that you’re putting your best impression forward. That means having to really think about whether what you’re saying is particularly relevant to the question that was asked.

Here are a few general tips to remember:

DON’T:

  • go on long-winded, unnecessary tangents
  • give out specific names of (ex-)colleagues/clients/customers and talk about their personal lives
  • talk about an ex-colleague’s failings and what they did or didn’t do

DO:

If you can sense yourself starting to ramble a little too much or you feel like you’re droning on and on, you’re probably at that point of over-sharing. As much as the potential employer/hiring manager/recruiter you’re interviewing with may be nice, welcoming, and approachable, that doesn’t mean they aren’t oblivious to what you are revealing about yourself and your previous experience. After all, their job is to discern whether you would be the right fit for the role.


Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people

Australia   I   United Kingdom

In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.


Share insights

Recent articles

By Nicole Consterdine February 19, 2025
Looking for the best time to land a job in Australia? Data shows that August and May offer the best opportunities, while January is the most competitive. In a recent discussion, Nicole Consterdine, Recruitment Consultant at People2People, shared expert insights on how job seekers can use seasonal trends to their advantage. From optimising your job applications to leveraging networking opportunities, understanding hiring patterns is key to job search success. Want to know how to make your job search strategy work for you? Read on to discover the best times and methods to secure your next role!
By Nicole Consterdine February 18, 2025
Australia’s disability employment rate is improving, but the gap remains significant. Mandatory disability reporting could increase transparency, drive accountability, and help businesses become more inclusive. In a recent discussion, Peter Bacon, CEO of Disability Employment Australia, highlighted how employer engagement and normalising disability at work can bridge this gap. Simple workplace adjustments and better support for disclosure can make a difference. Inclusive hiring is not just ethical—it benefits businesses, too. Are you ready to make your workplace more inclusive and future-proof your hiring strategies? Read on to find out how!
By Erin Devlin February 16, 2025
Australia’s employment market is heading into 2025 with a mix of challenges and opportunities. While unemployment remains steady at 4.1%, skill shortages in healthcare, construction, and education persist. Insights from people2people Victoria Managing Director Erin Devlin and RCSA Head of Advocacy Brooke Lord reveal how legislative changes, workforce adaptability, and emerging skills like AI are shaping the market. Discover strategies for job seekers and employers to thrive amid these shifts, including insights on in-demand sectors and future trends.
By Erin Devlin February 12, 2025
With only 55% of Australians satisfied with their jobs, workplace happiness is a growing concern for businesses. Key factors influencing satisfaction include purpose at work, supportive management, and work-life balance, while stress and lack of career progression contribute to dissatisfaction. Insights from Erin Devlin, Managing Director of people2people Victoria, highlight actionable strategies, such as tailoring solutions to generational needs, improving leadership, and fostering a culture of trust and communication.
By Colleen Deere February 9, 2025
Discover how the legal market in Western Australia is evolving with insights from Colleen, people2people Perth Legal Team Leader, and Manuela Kacomanolis, Wills and Estates Solicitor at DFG Legal. Learn about the shift to digital property transactions, the impact of AI on legal advice, and the growing demand for estate planning as intergenerational wealth transfers increase. Uncover practical strategies to navigate these changes and seize emerging opportunities in the legal industry. What challenges and opportunities will define the future of WA’s legal sector?

Latest Media Features


Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us
Share by: