Addressing Personal Challenges & Background in Interviews: A Founder's Guidance

A common concern for many facing interviews is how to address a challenging personal background or family situation. Should you share it? If so, how? Here's some guidance.

This is a very good question, and one that many might grapple with when preparing for important interviews. Here's my perspective:

  • 1. No Need to Hide, But Don't Force It

    There is nothing to hide. You must talk about it if asked. But, do not bring this topic in any discussion forcefully.

  • 2. Maintain Emotional Composure

    When you have to talk about it, try to keep emotions in check.

  • 3. Be Concise Unless Asked for More

    Don’t get too much into details unless asked for details.

  • 4. Avoid Blame or Seeking Sympathy

    Do not blame destiny or any individual when talking about this. Do not seek sympathy and this shouldn’t be an excuse for something critical that you couldn’t do in life.

  • 5. Highlight Your Resilience

    You can briefly mention how you faced it all this while. This is a positive that you already have. It would have already made you mentally stronger. You are already a fighter. Thats what you have gained from this. Take pride in what you have successfully faced. Not many of us could have done as well as you in facing it.

  • 6. Showcase Your Contribution (If Applicable)

    Mention what was your contribution in some critical situations, if there was any such contribution.

  • 7. Reflect on Overcoming Adversity

    If there were moments when you were shattered, remember those and remember how you came out of it.

Hope this helps and all the best.

DP

Deepak Parwani

Founder, OpenCanvas (Ex-NDA)