Normally, the best advice is to keep your interview answers totally professional. But, there may be times when it’s okay to talk about your personal life. These may include discussing limitations on your ability to work overtime due to health or family situations. Or maybe leaving work on time everyday is important because you have to pick up your young children from day care. This post discusses when its appropriate to discuss your personal life, and when you should hold back.

When You Are Asked for Information

It’s always okay to provide information about your personal life when the interviewer or recruiter asks you about it. Feel free to talk about your family and two dogs, but be careful not to overdo it. They may be asking to make you more comfortable in the interview process. Be careful not to take this as an opening to talk about your problems or challenges, unless they directly relate to your ability to carry out your job functions.

If They Ask If You Have Any Questions

This is your chance to find out if the company has ‘family friendly’ policies and to tell them that you have needs in that regard. It’s a great way to see if the position is a good fit with your needs and their requirements. It’s better to find out about that now than to run into difficulties later on.

After They Make You an Offer

If you want to try and secure any type of flexible working arrangements, now is the time to provide your rationale and make your request. It is also important that you share with your employer any limits that you might have on working conditions or hours.

Don’t Mention It

If you do your research properly, you probably have a good idea about the culture and working environment of the company. If the job and the company are right, maybe you can avoid mentioning some of these issues at all. Another option is to wait until you are settled in and feel more comfortable talking about your personal situation and how your new employer might be able to help you.

If you are looking for a job in the GTA or Southwestern Ontario, talk to the experts at HCR Personnel Solutions. We don’t just make promises. We deliver results.