Although it may seem like an irrelevant question, interviewers ask “What Do You Do for Fun?” to gain insight into your personality, work-life balance, and ability to fit into their company culture. Crafting a well-rounded response will help you make a strong impression and showcase your unique qualities.
Why Interviewers Ask “What Do You Like To Do Outside of Work?”
Interviewers often ask “What do you like to do outside of work?” as part of common interview questions. When hiring managers inquire about your hobbies and interests, they want to get a broader sense of who you are as a person. This question is important because it provides valuable insight into your personality and potential fit within the company culture.
Employers want to ensure that the person they hire is not only good at their job-related skills but would also contribute positively to the overall atmosphere and cultural fit of the organization. By learning about your hobbies, hiring managers are able to evaluate how well-rounded and versatile you are, which is imperative to cultivate a dynamic work environment.
Your answer to this question allows interviewers to see if your interests align with the company values or if you possess qualities the employer deems important. Additionally, it offers a chance to showcase your creativity, self-motivation, or dedication to personal growth in a capacity outside of your professional life.
Keep in mind that hiring managers are not trying to pry into your personal life; rather, they want to uncover your soft skills and other attributes by understanding what you do for fun. Approach this question honestly and confidently, sharing your interests in a way that demonstrates the value you bring to the company beyond your core job role.
How to Answer “What Do You Do For Fun?”
When asked during a job interview about what you do for fun, think of this as an opportunity to share your hobbies and interests outside of work. Keep in mind that your response should demonstrate your active lifestyle, communication skills, and a healthy balance between work and leisure.
Before you dive into your answer, take a moment to reflect on your hobbies and interests. Consider how they align with the company’s values, mission, or culture. Remember to remain truthful – exaggerating or making false claims will only backfire in the long run.
An ideal response should give a concise yet comprehensive view of your passions. Mention the hobbies or activities you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s painting, hiking, or playing a sport. You can use bullet points or a table format if you have a diverse range of interests.
For instance, you might say:
- “I enjoy staying active by participating in team sports like basketball and soccer. These activities allow me to develop my teamwork and communication skills.”
- “Photography is one of my passions, as it enables me to capture memories and express my creativity.”
- “In my free time, I love to volunteer at the local animal shelter, which not only helps the community but also supports my love for animals.”
Remember to keep your tone confident, knowledgeable, and neutral. Ensure that you focus on your interests and their relevance to the job role.
Example Answers to “What Do You Do For Fun?”
Example 1: “I enjoy spending my leisure time reading different genres of books. This helps me relax, and I love getting lost in captivating stories. I also participate in a neighborhood book club, which allows me to discuss and explore various perspectives on the books we read.”
Example 2: “In my free time, I’m passionate about art and have a proclivity for painting and drawing. I find it therapeutic to create something from scratch and love experimenting with different styles and techniques. I even participate in local art exhibitions occasionally.”
Example 3: “As an outdoor enthusiast, I love hiking and exploring nature. I find it invigorating to be surrounded by the environment and discovering new trails. On weekends, I often go for long hikes with my friends or a local hiking group.”
Example 4: “When I have some downtime, I like to indulge in video games and puzzle-solving. Playing games allows me to unwind, while solving puzzles helps me keep my mind sharp. I also involve myself in a gaming community where we discuss strategies and share updates.”
Example 5: “I have a strong interest in music and enjoy playing the guitar. I find it a gratifying way to express myself and sometimes even compose my own tunes. Additionally, I often attend local musical events to support fellow musicians and enjoy live performances.”
Example 6: “I love cooking and trying out new recipes in my free time. Some of my favorite dishes are inspired by my travels to different countries, allowing me to explore various cuisines. I also enjoy hosting dinner parties and sharing my culinary creations with friends and family.”
Feel free to adjust these example answers according to your interests and hobbies, whether they involve sports, photography, gardening, or any other activity. Remember to be genuine in your response and convey your enthusiasm for your chosen pastime.
Tips for Answering “What Do You Do For Fun?”
Here are some tips to help you craft a strong answer:
- Relate your interests to the job: Consider mentioning activities outside of work that are related to your field or demonstrate skills relevant to the job. For example, if you’re applying for a sales position, you might mention that you enjoy networking events or attending industry conferences.
- Show you’re well-rounded: Share a mix of interests that showcase different aspects of your character. You might talk about a sport you play with friends, volunteering at a local organization, or an artistic pursuit.
- Find common ground: While you want to be authentic, it’s also important to think about potential common ground with the interviewer. If you know something about the company culture or the interviewer’s interests, try to touch on activities that might resonate with them.
- Keep your answers brief and avoid ambiguity: Provide a concise but clear answer without over-explaining each activity. This will help you come across as confident and knowledgeable. For example, instead of saying “I like hanging out with my friends,” specify a hobby or pastime that you enjoy doing together, like hiking or playing board games.
- Don’t exaggerate or make false claims: Be honest about your interests, as interviewers can often see through attempts to impress them with exaggerated claims. Stick to the activities you genuinely enjoy and can speak passionately about.
- Consider the balance between personal and professional life: While discussing hobbies like spending time with family or taking care of your kids is important, also focus on the activities that help you maintain a healthy work-life balance or allow you to unwind during your free time.
- Demonstrate your ability to prioritize and handle pressure: Mentioning hobbies that require planning, dedication, or adaptability can showcase your ability to prioritize and handle high-pressure situations. For example, organizing charity events or participating in competitive sports can be a good representation of these skills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Answering “What Do You Do for Fun?”
- Firstly, don’t be too vague in your response. Giving answers like, “I like to watch TV or movies”, may not provide the interviewers enough insight into your personality and interests. Instead, be specific about the TV shows or movies you enjoy and explain how they enrich your life or help you connect with others.
- Secondly, avoid focusing solely on work or your office in your answer. While it’s good to be passionate about your job, interviewers want to know about your life outside of work. Talking about hobbies unrelated to your job, such as volunteering or cycling, shows that you have a well-rounded personality and can maintain a work-life balance.
- Additionally, when discussing your hobbies, do not exaggerate or make false claims. Embellishing your interests might seem like a good idea initially, but it can backfire if your interviewer knows more about the topic or follows up with a question. Be genuine, and only mention activities you genuinely enjoy.
- Make sure your response is not dominated by solitary activities, as this may come across as being too introverted. Including activities that involve engaging with your coworkers or the community gives the interviewer insights into how you build relationships and work in groups.
- Lastly, when discussing non-job-related skills, such as learning a new language or musical instrument, highlight how they contribute to your personal growth and connect with others. This way, you’ll demonstrate your well-roundedness and adaptability in and out of work settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can someone demonstrate their passion for hobbies during an interview?
To demonstrate your passion for hobbies during an interview, discuss them in a way that showcases your enthusiasm and dedication. Share specific examples of your accomplishments or experiences related to your hobbies, and emphasize how they have helped you develop valuable skills.
What are the best ways to answer ‘What do you like to do outside of work?’ in a job interview?
The best approach is to be honest and genuine about your hobbies. Mention activities that showcase your interests, talents, or skills that could tie into your professional life. Keep your answer focused and concise, and if possible, relate your hobbies to the job or company you’re interviewing for.
How can you effectively relate your hobbies to your professional skills?
When discussing your hobbies, highlight the skills you’ve developed through those activities and explain how they align with the requirements of the job. For example, if you enjoy organizing events, you can discuss how this has honed your project management and leadership skills.
What are some common hobbies that people mention when asked about their interests outside work?
Common hobbies include reading, traveling, playing sports, volunteering, gardening, hiking, playing music, cooking, and painting.
Why is it important to have a well-rounded response when asked about what you do for fun in an interview?
A well-rounded response demonstrates that you’re a balanced individual with diverse interests and the ability to manage your time effectively. It also helps interviewers get a sense of your personality and how you might fit into the company culture.
How do you avoid common mistakes when answering ‘What do you do for fun?’ during an interview?
Don’t exaggerate your involvement in hobbies or claim interests that you don’t genuinely have. Be honest, keep your answer focused and concise, and avoid sharing overly personal or controversial topics. Make sure to emphasize the skills you’ve developed through your hobbies and how they apply to the job you’re interviewing for.