How to Answer The Interview Question"What Are Your Hobbies and Interests"? (With Sample Answers)

by Daniel Wolken

Published at: December 3, 2023

When an interviewer asks about your hobbies and interests, they're often looking to get a sense of who you are beyond your professional experience and skills. Your response can reveal your personality, passions, and how you might fit into the company culture.

Rather than simply listing your leisure activities, frame your hobbies in a way that shows their relevance to the job or demonstrates transferable skills. For instance, if you enjoy blogging about technology, this hobby could highlight your writing skills as well as your passion for staying up-to-date with tech trends---qualities that are beneficial in many roles.

Prepare an answer that connects your interests to the job, providing a well-rounded picture of yourself as a candidate.

Why Employers Ask This?

When you're in an interview, the question about your hobbies and interests isn't just small talk. Employers probe into your personal activities to glean more about you as a person and how you may fit into their corporate culture.

• Insight into Personality: Your hobbies can shed light on aspects of your personality. If you're into team sports, for instance, it suggests you're collaborative.
• Work-Life Balance: Employers value candidates who have a balanced approach to life. Showcasing your interests suggests that you can manage work with personal growth and relaxation.
• Cultural Fit: Your interests may align with the company's culture or values. For example, dedication to marathon running might resonate with a company that values persistence and goal-setting.
• Relevant Skills: Some hobbies, like coding for technology enthusiasts, could provide additional skills that are beneficial to the job.

How to Answer This?

When preparing to answer the question "What are your hobbies and interests?" focus on relevancy, alignment, and authenticity. Your chosen hobby should illuminate key soft and hard skills, and align with the company's culture.

Selecting Appropriate Hobbies

Begin by making a list of your hobbies and interests, then carefully select which ones to mention in your interview. It's important to be honest; authenticity is easy to spot and helps build trust. Choose those that demonstrate valuable skills, like communication skills if you blog, or teamwork if you play sports. Make sure your hobbies are appropriate and professionally relevant.

• Preparation tip: Reflect on your job search and resume. Consider hobbies that complement your listed experiences.

Relating Hobbies to Job Skills

Your hobbies can be a reflection of hard skills or soft skills crucial for the job. For instance, if you enjoy photography, discuss how it enhances your attention to detail and creativity, both applicable to many roles.

• Research: Understand the job description to find skills that can be linked to your hobbies.
• Example: "As a volunteer coach, I've honed leadership and team management skills."

Incorporating Company Values

Lastly, look into the company's mission and values. If corporate social responsibility is a core value, and you volunteer in local community services, it's worth bringing up. This alignment shows that you've done your homework and are a potential cultural fit.

• Communication: Use this opportunity to articulate how your values align with those of the company.

By mindfully selecting your hobbies and relating them to job requirements and company culture, you set the stage for a compelling discussion that showcases your uniqueness as a professional.

Sample Answers

When answering the question about your hobbies and interests in an interview, aim to demonstrate skills that are relevant to the job while showcasing your personality. Your answer should seamlessly tie in with professional attributes that make you a compelling candidate.

Answer for a Team-Oriented Position

If you're applying for a role that requires teamwork, emphasize hobbies that showcase your ability to collaborate and communicate. A compelling example answer might be:

"I play in a local soccer league, where I've learned the importance of teamwork and strategy. Collaborating with my sports team has helped me develop strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure, which I believe are essential for success in a team-oriented position."

Answer for a Creative Role

For creative positions, it's beneficial to highlight hobbies that flex your imaginative muscles and demonstrate your innovative thinking:

"As a hobby, I enjoy painting and DIY projects which allow me to express my creativity and tend to my attention to detail. These activities not only help me refine my aesthetic and design sense but also reinforce my ability to think outside the box -- a skill I'm eager to bring to a creative role."

Answer for a Leadership Position

In leadership roles, discussing hobbies that involve mentorship or organization can reflect your ability to manage and inspire a team:

"Outside of work, I'm passionate about volunteering and often lead projects for local non-profits. This experience has honed my leadership and stress management skills, as I'm regularly coordinating a diverse group of volunteers while navigating the challenges of various initiatives. I thrive in positions that allow me to empower others and drive positive change."

Conclusion

Remember, be authentic but strategic. It's important that your answers resonate with the role and company to which you're applying. If needed, you can tie your hobby to the job. If you're aiming for a position in a creative field, talking about your passion for blogging or photography could demonstrate relevant skills and a proactive nature.

In summary, the hobbies question helps employers paint a fuller picture of who you are, beyond your professional qualifications and work experience. It's your opportunity to show them how your outside interests contribute to who you would be on their team.

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