How to Answer "What Do You Do for Fun?" (With Sample Answers)

by Daniel Wolken

Published at: April 13, 2024

When you're in a job interview and the hiring manager asks, "What do you do for fun?" it's an opportunity to showcase your personality and give insight into how your interests and hobbies might mesh with the company's culture.

Your answer can communicate more than just what you enjoy; it tells the interviewer about your creativity, passion, and balance between work and personal life. Answering this common interview question effectively involves selecting hobbies that reflect positively on you as a candidate and connecting them to attributes that are desirable in the workplace.

Whether you're someone who thrives in team sports, pursues creative endeavors, or engages in continual learning, this is the moment to present your activities as a window into your character and potential contributions to the team.

Why Employers Ask This?

When you're in an remote job interview, the question "What do you do for fun?" extends beyond mere curiosity. Employers are aiming to understand more than just your hobbies and interests; they want to gauge your personality and how it might fit within the company culture. Here are some reasons why hiring managers may ask this question:

Cultural Fit: Employers want to ensure that your values and style of interaction align with their organizational ethos. Your leisure activities can offer insight into how you might mesh with the existing team.
Personal Insight: Discussing what you do for fun can reveal your passion and what motivates you, which are qualities that could transfer to your work ethic.
Teamwork and Relationship: How you spend your time outside work may indicate your ability to foster teamwork or build relationships with coworkers.
Work-Life Balance: Sharing your interests shows hiring managers that you value work-life balance and can manage both personal and professional responsibilities effectively.

Employers also consider this one of the more common interview questions to break the ice and see you in a different light---beyond the candidate presenting a polished professional image. Your answer may also highlight unique aspects of your personality that aren't evident from a resume or traditional job competency questions. Thus, your response gives a three-dimensional view of who you are, which enhances their ability to predict your future performance and satisfaction with the job.

How to Answer This Question?

When you're asked, "What do you do for fun?" in an interview, your response gives the interviewer insight into your personality and balance between work and personal life. This question is a chance for you to showcase your character and interests and how they may align with the job's demands.

Highlighting Relevant Hobbies

To make a positive impression, select hobbies that reflect key job-related skills. For example, if you enjoy volunteering, this can demonstrate teamwork and dedication. If your spare time is filled with reading or cooking, it reveals your ability to follow complex instructions and showcases your problem-solving skills. Be honest but choose hobbies that are more likely to resonate with the company culture.

Teamwork: Playing sports, band.
Creativity: Painting, digital art.
Problem-Solving: Chess, puzzles.
Dedication: Marathon training, learning a new language.

Presenting Your Interests Strategically

Your interests are a window into your character, and discussing them strategically can benefit you. Mention that you enjoy photography to highlight attention to detail, or discuss your passion for travel to indicate adaptability. It's crucial that your interests parallel soft skills that are pertinent to the position. Be genuine and ensure that your response feels truthful; hiring managers can usually detect insincerity.

Attention to Detail: Model building, embroidery.
Adaptability: Travel, trying new hobbies.
Communication Skills: Blogging, participating in discussion groups.
Work Ethic: DIY projects, studying part-time.

Providing Example Answers

Craft concise and specific responses that illuminate your genuine interest in these activities. If possible, relate a brief story of a recent accomplishment in your hobby to add depth to your answer. Make your response unique, giving the interviewer a clear view of who you are.

Travel: "I love to travel because it exposes me to new cultures and cuisines, increasing my adaptability and problem-solving skills when faced with new environments."
Sports: "Playing basketball on weekends helps me continue to develop my teamwork and leadership skills."
Video Games: "Engaging in video games has enhanced my hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking, which helps me maintain a sharp focus."

Incorporate these approaches, and you'll be prepared to answer confidently and leave a lasting impression.

Sample Answers And Examples

Good Sample Answers

Outdoor Enthusiast: "I really enjoy hiking and camping. Being outdoors gives me a sense of freedom and tranquility. I've trekked several local trails and am always looking for new routes to explore."
Creative Hobbyist: "In my free time, I love painting and photography. These activities are a form of expression for me. They not only enhance my creativity but also help me see the world from different perspectives."
Community Volunteer: "Volunteering at the local food bank is something I find very rewarding. It allows me to contribute to the community and connect with a diverse group of people."

Bad Sample Answers

Vague and Unenthusiastic: "I like hanging out and just chilling. You know, the usual stuff."
Controversial Activities: "I enjoy debating controversial topics online. It gets quite heated sometimes, but I love a good argument."
Overly Ambitious: "I spend my weekends building a rocket to go to Mars. I'm pretty close to figuring it out."

Conclusion

When responding to "What do you do for fun?" in interviews, including hobbies and interests that can also subtly point to your strengths or skills relevant to the job can leave a positive impression. Your answer should reflect genuine interests that contribute to personal growth and professional development. Avoid responses that lack detail, are potentially divisive, or seem implausible.

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