So you want tell

      Last week, we discussed how employers could find out about you and briefly touched on how you disclose information about you without necessarily  knowing.  This is based on the concept of blind spots.  Imagine being a rectangular window that consists of four panes.  Each pane is different.  One is clear, two are blurry and provide a distorted image and the finally one is completely opaque.  This is because there are things that only you know about yourself, while most things both you and others know about you and there are somethings that no one knows. There is an old saying "If two people know something, then it is not a secret."  In the case of a job search, only the information that you alone know can you control being disclosed, everything else has to be managed.
     Confused?  Let's consider situations that fall in each category.  If you are unemployed, you and your previous employer will know the reasons for the discharge.  This is a clear pane.  Your co-workers may know or believe they know the reasons for your departure.  This is a blurry pane.   Suppose your employer needed to downsize and decided to discharge you.  You may never know all the reasons for their decision.  Again, this is a blurry pane.  If you decided to quit your job, only you know the reasons for that decision.  This is a clear pane.  Finally, you come to work and the doors are locked.  This is an opaque pane because you and others don't know the reasons for this action.  
       How do you get information about yourself?  Reviewing your personal journals are great sources of information and insight.  Tracking your activities over the course of a week or a month can provide you with some insights.  For example, if you log your activities at 30 minute intervals for a week, you will have a good idea on your activities and productivity.   Friends, family, and co-workers can provide some information.  Performance appraisals are sources of information from your supervisors.  Ask questions, on  how to improve your work performance and request information regarding your career ladder from your supervisor during your appraisal.   Perhaps you requested training or being assigned to a special project and your request was denied.  This presents an opportunity for you to ask for feedback from your supervisor.  Every so often, employees have the opportunity to participate in a '360' assessment.  This is a terrific way to gain some insights.  Things that are unknown to both you and other should be left alone while you pursue your goals.
     Comparing yourself with peers can let you know if you are on track or if there are gaps in your life.  This comparison can be tricky if your career path resulted in transversing a social class or if your are in an unique career.
      Disclosing information about yourself during the job interview requires skill.  The employer's questions are designed to get information about you, your skills and ability work in their environment.  Your goal is present yourself in a positive manner.  Disclosing negative information should not be done unless it is absolutely unavoidable.  This is usually when they ask a specific question ie have you ever been convicted of a felony.  You need to develop ways to minimize the impact of this information.  If you are friends with people that routinely do hiring then role play answering the question.  Your representative at Workforce should be able to provide suggestions.  There are job hunt clubs that specialize according to industry and clientele.  Find one that works with your issue and participate. 
     So if your believe you must tell,  take 5.  Make sure it is absolutely necessary to disclose.  Have your facts.  Make sure it is absolutely necessary to disclose.  Be absolutely certain that must disclose.  Present the information in a positive manner and move on.