Mastering Talent: Avoid the Over-Sharing Trap

Recruiting Wisdom from Pam Rush, Director of Talent Acquisition at ServiceMaster® Brands

As someone who’s spent years in talent acquisition, I’ve seen countless interviews go off the rails—not because the candidate lacked skills, but because they shared too much. We all want to be authentic in interviews, and that’s a good thing. But there’s a difference between being genuine and turning the conversation into a personal therapy session. Interviews are professional interactions, and it’s important to keep the focus on your qualifications and how you’ll contribute to the role.

Oversharing often happens when candidates feel nervous or overly eager to connect. They might start talking about personal hardships, vent about a former boss, or go off on tangents that have little to do with the job. While these stories may be heartfelt, they can distract from your strengths and make it harder for interviewers to see your fit for the role.

To help you stay on track, here are a few things to avoid sharing in interviews:

• Personal drama or emotional struggles – Keep the conversation focused on your professional journey.
• Irrelevant anecdotes – Make sure your stories directly relate to the role or your qualifications.
• Overly casual language or jokes – Maintain a tone that reflects the workplace culture.

One of the most common missteps I see is when candidates speak negatively about past employers. Even if you had a tough experience, airing grievances in an interview can come across as unprofessional (it can also come across as them being difficult). Instead, focus on what you learned and how you’ve grown. Positivity and maturity go a long way towards making a strong impression.

Another tip: keep your answers structured and relevant. Use techniques like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to stay on track and highlight your accomplishments. This helps you avoid rambling and ensures your responses are clear and impactful. It’s okay to show personality, but make sure it’s aligned with the role and the company culture.

So, before your next interview, take a moment to reflect on what’s truly relevant. Practice your responses, stay mindful, and keep it professional. Avoid the Over-Sharing Trap! You’ve got this—go nail that interview!

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