There’s only so much a potential employer can learn about you from your resume and cover letter, which is why an interview is so important. Job interviews give you the chance to share information about yourself and your capabilities beyond what’s provided in an application. But before you sit down to speak with a hiring manager, make sure you know what’s useful to share — and what you’re better off keeping to yourself.

Whether in person or via phone or Skype, an interview affords you the opportunity to elaborate on your work experience by citing key accomplishments and achievements. At the same time, it enables the employer to get a sense of your personality and whether you would fit in at the company.

Part of what an interviewer might be hoping to gauge is how well you communicate verbally and how adept you are at fielding questions. But keep in mind there are some questions that employers are not allowed to ask — and you are not required to answer. A recent article on the FlexJobs website gives a rundown of seven topics that you’ll want to avoid discussing during a job interview.

For cancer patients and survivors, in particular, it’s important to note that job candidates are not required to disclose information about their health to a prospective employer. Nor are they obligated to share information regarding their finances or their relationship status.

While you’ll want to present yourself as articulate, confident, and comfortable when interviewing, there’s a fine line between being at ease and being an open book. So always be careful not to overshare.

To see FlexJobs’ complete list of “7 Personal Things to Keep to Yourself in a Job Interview,” click here.

For help preparing for your next job interview, read Cancer and Careers’ “Interviewing Methods & Tips.” 

And for expert advice on how to conduct a successful job search, download a free copy of our Job Search Toolkit.