How much do you tell recruiters about your personal situation?

Question

I am working at a contract position right now. They normally withhold money from my paycheck for child support. My ex-husband has custody of my daughter. I gave it to him during the divorce.

The recruiter that I got the job through just called and said that they got a notice from the court to withhold from my paycheck. She called and asked if it was an erroneous notice. I said No, that's fine and please mail me a copy. She said she would drop it off to me. I said I would prefer she mail me a copy.

How much information should I share with the recruiter? I did not go into detail and don't feel that I have to. I do feel ashamed to be divorced and not have custody of my child.

Hopefully, this is a temporary position and I won't have to deal with her for too long.

Answer 1

You have no obligation to share your personal situation with a recruiter or employer, beyond the information that they receive from the court. A withholding order does state the purpose of the garnishment, so they will know it is for child support purposes. Beyond that, if you are asked, just say that you prefer to keep your personal life out of the workplace.

Good luck.

Answer 2

It's none of the company's business unless it directly affects them in some way - which it doesn't. You shouldn't feel like you have to disclose any information that you're not comfortable giving. If the company has any questions, they'll ask you. Otherwise, leave it alone. (I'm a hiring manager, and I never cared whether employees were having their paychecks docked for any reason. It was none of my business, and I always found that they would tell me - even ask my advice - when they were ready and when they felt comfortable).

Answer 3

Let it ride. You don't have to explain anything.
If the recruiter asks, tell them it's personal.