How much is too much? 

Photo courtesy of bpsufs on flickrThat's a question I get asked a lot by young job interviewers or recent grads. But it is worth a thought for seasoned professionals, as well. In a time when we all know that interviewers are strictly limited in the scope of their questioning, it seems fairly to normal to wonder if sharing even a bit of personal information might be a bit dangerous.

Nope. It's not. And here's why:

1) People hire people, not their resumes. 

Have the courtesy to assume your interviewer has read yours before you meet. Don't answer questions by ticking off the same bullet points, no matter how appropriate that response seems to you. Instead, share stories. Use a simple beginning-middle-end narrative structure. Use short sentences and active verbs. Share examples that illustrate what you learned, give specifics to bolster your credibility. The person across the desk from you will appreciate that you are trying to reach out and communicate like a human being, not an animated fact-sheet.

2) People hire people they remember. 

There is a section of every interview where the interviewer tries to find out more about your non-business pursuits. Sometimes it is the dreaded "So, tell me about yourself" request or its cutesy variant "What makes Beth Beth?" But often the questions designed to find out more about who you are involve your favorite music/book/author, hobbies, or recreational pursuits. Often people are reluctant to answer these honestly, fearing that they "will be judged" by their answers.

Don't worry about that. People will judge you! It is an interview, after all, you are there to be judged.

Answer honestly, and they will see a side of you not covered by your resume. A glimpse of the "whole you." As you prep for the interview, consider the question: "What makes me memorable?" As long as you do not include details from your lovelife, health history, religious beliefs or political affiliation, you can share that nugget of you.  Find a way to work it into the interview. Your questioner will remember you as a real person who has a life outside of work. And there is a good chance you will score bonus point with the answer. An interview can end successfully with the discussion of a mutually admired author. Or it can result in a job offer if the manager needs someone fearless--and you are a weekend sky-diver! In a pool of qualified applicants, it is these things that make you stand out. That are remembered. 

People hire people. Don't get so wrapped up in your resume you forget to be one.