Discussing your hobbies during an interview can help you showcase specific skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you enjoy playing chess, it demonstrates your strategic thinking abilities. Photography as a hobby can emphasize your attention to detail and creativity. Make sure the hobbies you mention are applicable to the skills required for the position. Related: Best Hobbies to Boost Your Resume (Desired Qualities)
Preparation for the Interview Question About Hobbies
1. Assessing Your Hobbies and Interests
Start by making a list of your hobbies and interests. Think about what you enjoy doing in your free time, outside of work or school. Consider the skills and traits these activities showcase about you. For example, being part of a sports team can highlight your teamwork and leadership skills, while painting might showcase your creativity and attention to detail.
2. Aligning Hobbies with Job Requirements
Next, review the job description and make note of any skills or qualities the employer is looking for. Try to identify hobbies or interests that align with these requirements. For example, if the job requires problem-solving skills, you might mention that you enjoy solving crossword puzzles. This way, you are subtly demonstrating how your hobbies support the skills needed for the position.
Avoiding Oversharing
When discussing your hobbies and interests, it’s important to strike a balance between providing relevant information and oversharing. Avoid mentioning activities that might be considered controversial or polarizing, because this could potentially create an uncomfortable situation during the interview. Stick to talking about hobbies that demonstrate your relevant skills and qualities without becoming too personal.
Examples of Good Responses to “What Are Your Hobbies and Interests?”
Answers for Creative Roles
When applying for a creative role, focus on highlighting your creative hobbies and interests that relate to the job. For example:
“In my free time, I like to experiment with digital illustration and create art for my online portfolio. I also enjoy visiting art galleries to stay inspired and keep up with the latest design trends.”
Another example:
“I’ve always loved writing, so I spend much of my free time working on my personal blog, where I share my thoughts on various subjects. I also attend local creative writing workshops to hone my skills and network with other writers.”
Answers for Technical Positions
For technical positions, your answer can focus on interests and hobbies that highlight your technical skills and knowledge:
“Outside of work, I enjoy working on personal programming projects in my favorite language, Python. I’ve developed several web applications and even contributed to some open-source projects. I’m also a part of a local coding club, where we collaborate and learn from each other.”
Another example:
“I’m passionate about data visualization, and I often participate in data visualization challenges online to improve my skills. Apart from that, I love exploring new datasets to uncover interesting patterns and insights, which helps me stay sharp and informed about the industry.”
Answers for Leadership Roles
In leadership roles, you should focus on interests and hobbies that demonstrate your leadership skills, teamwork, and ability to inspire others. For example:
“One of my favorite hobbies is volunteering as a team leader at local community events. This has helped me develop strong interpersonal and organization skills, as well as the ability to manage diverse groups of people.”
Another example:
“In my free time, I enjoy participating in sports like basketball and soccer, where I often take on the role of team captain. These activities have taught me the importance of teamwork, motivation, and effective communication, which are vital when leading a successful sales team.”
Framework for Answering Hobbies and Interests Query
Formulating the Answer
- When answering the interview question, “What are your hobbies and interests?”, start by considering how your hobbies and interests align with the company’s culture and the specific position you’re applying for.
- Focus on activities that demonstrate skills and traits that would be advantageous in the role. For instance, if you’re applying for a position requiring teamwork and communication skills, you might talk about your involvement in a sports team or a community project.
- Take time to reflect on your hobbies and interests on a personal level. Think about activities that provide you with a sense of fulfillment and how they contribute to your overall personal growth. Pick the ones that are more relevant to the job you’re applying for and can generate a conversation during the interview.
- Structure your answer by highlighting the connection between your hobbies and interests and the job requirements. Be specific about your involvement in these activities and how they showcase your strengths.
Maintaining Authenticity
While it’s important to tailor your answer to the position and company, always be true to yourself and your interests. Sincerity will make for a more engaging conversation during the interview. Also, genuine enthusiasm for your hobbies and interests might just spark the interviewer’s curiosity and set you apart from other candidates.
Try not to oversell your interests or exaggerate your involvement in activities. Interviewers have a keen sense of detecting insincerity. If you’re asked further questions about your hobbies, you want to be able to confidently discuss your experiences without being caught off-guard.
Q & A
1. Can you give some examples of common hobbies and interests to mention in an interview?
- Reading about various topics
- Traveling to explore new cultures
- Volunteering for local charities or community events
- Running, cycling, or participating in team sports
- Cooking or experimenting with new recipes
- Learning a new language or musical instrument
2. How can I add a touch of humor while discussing my hobbies in an interview?
To add a touch of humor when discussing your hobbies, try:
- Sharing a funny or relatable story related to your hobby
- Mentioning an unusual or quirky aspect of your interest
- Using a light-hearted tone while discussing your hobby
3. What types of hobbies should I avoid mentioning during an interview?
Avoid mentioning hobbies that may be considered controversial, offensive, or unrelated to the job role, such as:
- Engaging in extreme sports or activities associated with high risks
- Partaking in activities with political or religious affiliations
- Gambling or activities that might raise ethical concerns
4. How can I share my life interests without sounding too personal or off-topic?
To share life interests without sounding too personal, focus on:
- Describing how your interests relate to the job or company culture
- Mentioning transferrable skills, like teamwork, acquired from your hobbies
- Keeping the conversation focused on how your interests can benefit you professionally
5. How do I show genuine passion for my hobbies and interests while answering?
- Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of your interest
- Share achievements or milestones related to your hobby
- Explain why you’re passionate about your hobby, and how it has enriched your life
6. What is the purpose of interviewers asking about hobbies and how should I respond?
Interviewers ask about your hobbies to:
- Understand more about your personality
- Gain insight into your work-life balance
- Discover how you might fit into the company culture
When responding, focus on highlighting the positive aspects of your hobbies and their relevance to your professional life.