Don’t Talk Yourself Out of the Job: Avoid Oversharing and Overexplaining

Job interviews can feel like high-stakes conversations, and when nerves kick in, it’s easy to over-explain, over-share, or overcompensate. But here’s the truth: talking too much—or talking about the wrong things—can work against you. When you ramble, fill every silence, or rattle off unrelated job duties, it can come across as unfocused, unprepared, or insecure. Confidence isn’t about saying more—it’s about knowing what matters and sticking to it.

It’s normal to want to show the full range of your skills, especially if you're pivoting careers or have a broad background. But if what you’re saying doesn’t align with the role you’re interviewing for, it can dilute your message. Instead of listing everything you’ve done, zoom in on 2–3 accomplishments or skills that directly relate to the job. Interviewers don’t need your whole career story—they need to know how you can solve their current problem.

Also, be mindful of how much space you take up in the conversation. If you’re doing all the talking, you might miss cues, questions, or chances to connect. Interviews are meant to be a two-way dialogue, so keep your answers structured and intentional. Use frameworks like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to stay on track, and remember: leave them wanting more, not tuning you out.