How To Sound Professional About Your Personal Life

Perhaps one of the most uncomfortable parts of any job application or resume is discussing your personal life. You want to come across as professional but not robotic—so how can you strike the right balance?

Many people feel that their personal lives and careers are separate and should remain private. While that might be true, you can’t avoid this question, whether it's on a job application or during an interview, so it’s best to be prepared with thoughtful answers.

Sounding Professional Without Being Robotic or Controversial

When asked to “Tell Us a Little Bit About Yourself” on a resume or application, here are a few ways to respond:

I’m Very Passionate About…

You’ll need to complete this sentence, but make sure to choose something unrelated to work. Some good examples might be:

• Baseball

• Raising birds

• Gardening

Topics you should avoid (even if you're passionate about them):

• Religion

• Politics

I Can Sum Myself Up in 3 Words…

Or four—keep it short and straightforward. You might say something like “Love My Camera” or “Live to Go Camping.” Since most hiring managers dislike long resumes, brevity is always appreciated.

After Googling Myself, I Found…

This is a creative and unexpected answer. Just ensure what you fill in is neutral and paints you in a positive, human light.

Since I Was (5/6/7) I’ve Always Been Fascinated With…

At that age, it’s unlikely you were interested in anything controversial. This response allows you to share something personal you’ve loved for years (like dogs, race cars, or acting). Keep it short, such as: “Since I was 5, I’ve always been fascinated with dogs. I even started a dog-walking business as a teen.”

Be Professional, Not Controversial

Ultimately, you should be hired based on your experience and strengths, but the reality is that some hiring managers may dismiss your application if your personal answers seem too unusual or touch on controversial subjects that might suggest you won’t fit into their company culture.

The Bottom Line

Be real and friendly. Make the hiring manager feel like they were glad to take the extra moment to read your answer.

Mike Cioffi is the founder of Talent Traction. You can reach him directly at [email protected] if you have any questions about this article.