Hopefulgrad87 Posted February 5, 2015 Share Posted February 5, 2015 Since I submitted my personal statement, I have broken up with my girlfriend and subsequently moved to a new state. I have an interview and my new job is relevant to the work. When the interviewer asks why I moved, how truthful should I be? If I mention it was due to a relationship ending, this could be worrying to them how I'd handle it in grad school or they may think I was too open with personal details. Thoughts? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chubberubber Posted February 5, 2015 Share Posted February 5, 2015 I always think that honesty is the best approach. I even told a POI during an interview that part of the reason I was interested in their program is because my wife's family is in the area and it didn't seem to have negtively affect my application... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidwesternAloha Posted February 5, 2015 Share Posted February 5, 2015 You don't even have to mention the breakup. Just state you received a job offer that was really great, so you took it to gain relevant experience prior to starting grad school. You said the job is related to your field of work, so, they don't need to know all the details. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chubberubber Posted February 5, 2015 Share Posted February 5, 2015 I never understood why not be personal, but Iguess it's a cultural difference kindda thing... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidwesternAloha Posted February 5, 2015 Share Posted February 5, 2015 I never understood why not be personal, but Iguess it's a cultural difference kindda thing... In the US, it's generally advised to keep business and personal life separate. That's not always the case, but when you don't know the interviewer's perspective, you should stay cautious. Nothing wrong with being personal, but being too personal can have some impact Hopefulgrad87 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopefulgrad87 Posted February 6, 2015 Author Share Posted February 6, 2015 Thanks for the replies. The reason I am wondering about mentioning the breakup is because before I moved, I was at a job that was very relevant to the clinical work I'd be doing in the grad program. Though, my new job has a different age group and settings, but same principles. Won't she wonder why I decided to readily to pick up and move from the previous, more relevant position if I just say because I got offered a new job? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidwesternAloha Posted February 6, 2015 Share Posted February 6, 2015 No. The new job could have way higher pay, for all the interview knows. It's not her business to pry, even if she wonders. A concise answer should be sufficient. Your situation is not uncommon, I promise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chubberubber Posted February 6, 2015 Share Posted February 6, 2015 If the interviewer does ask, you can always say that you wanted to expand your professional scope so that you'll have a broader perspective as a clinician though your promary interests remain with the field of your first job. Again- if it was me, I would have still said the truth becuase I think it would make me seem more personable (for the same reason it's customary to put DOB and marital status on one's C.V in my home country), but I realize it's not common in the U.S... Hopefulgrad87 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopefulgrad87 Posted February 6, 2015 Author Share Posted February 6, 2015 Alright, I think I got some good ideas. I greatly appreciate your input! And it is reassuring to hear that it isn't uncommon. Thanks again, everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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