TMAY - okay to get personal? - interview/networking Q
Gonna try to make this a quick post and I'm sure it's an odd question.
Crafting some behavioural answers for SA 2026 -- For your TMAY, how personal can you get with it for interviews and also networking? Is it expected to be very surface level things, ex: growing up, spark, experience, done (generalizing) -- or can you kind of get more deep with it. Example: (my main question): When I was 16, a direct family member passed away extremely suddenly (sibling/parent) and it forever changed every single action I would take the day after it happened. Changing me, how I carried myself, felt day to day, led to my spark for finance, my want to "grind", my uni choice, etc.
The last thing I want is to come off as me putting this in my TMAY or talking about it for some shot at pity from the interviewer/person I'm talking to, or anything remotely close to that, I could care less. It's because when something like that happens so drastically with no warning it changes you without question, takes your life on a completely new course and is the 1 reason I am who I am today.
I'm just curious if it's common or even just okay to get this personal in interviews or when networking -- if it would make people uncomfortable (coming on too strong) or would somehow be seen as trying to get pity, etc - then I'd refrain from talking about it -- I'm sure I'm coming off as socially inept, but would love an outside perspective just because I genuinely don't know, since of course it's a touchy subject especially for ppl you're just meeting.
Thanks for any help
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's generally advised to tread carefully when incorporating deeply personal stories into your TMAY (Tell Me About Yourself) or networking conversations. While personal experiences can add depth and authenticity, they should be framed in a way that highlights your professional growth and resilience without making the other party uncomfortable or giving the impression of seeking pity.
For example, if you choose to include the story about losing a family member, focus on how it shaped your values, work ethic, and ambitions. Keep the narrative concise and professional, ensuring it ties directly to your career motivations and goals. Avoid delving too deeply into emotional details, as this could make the conversation feel too heavy or personal for a professional setting.
Remember, the goal is to connect with the interviewer or networking contact on a professional level. If you're unsure, you can test a more general version of your story that emphasizes the lessons learned and how it influenced your career path, without going into the specifics of the loss. This approach ensures you maintain professionalism while still sharing a meaningful part of your journey.
Sources: 10 Friendly Reminders While Networking for SA Programs (from a BB Analyst Perspective), Networking as a woman - my experience and questions, Should you bring up personal financial problems in an interview?, Networking as a woman - my experience and questions, Protips: Not Being Awkward
Commodi aut molestiae error hic architecto delectus voluptatem ipsum. Molestiae alias fuga tempore ex et. Aut aliquam ut sed veniam autem.
Voluptatibus dolore debitis omnis facilis aut soluta non. Autem vel eos mollitia fugiat porro consectetur sunt. At qui voluptatem harum assumenda. Recusandae voluptatem aut at eum perferendis.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...