What are your hobbies and interests? What do you like to do in your free time? What are you passionate about? These are a few commonly asked questions during an interview.
Hiring managers often ask these hobby-related questions to get a better sense of understanding about yourself. They seek to understand your personality, and interests and build a vision to understand if you’re a good fit to the company’s culture. While this question might sound like a casual conversation during an interview it is important to respond very thoughtfully and strategically to create a positive opinion about you.
Therefore this blog, will discuss how to skillfully answer the interview question “What are your hobbies?” along with examples to master your interview preparations.
What do the Interviewers Want to Know?
When your interviewer asks you to describe your hobbies and interests, they are aiming to understand your life outside your work. They want to understand your personality, interests, and hobbies to know whether you’re a perfect fit for the organization. Your hobbies serve as a window to what are you passionate about! Talking about hobbies in interview reveals your traits such as teamwork, dedication, or creativity. Additionally, they highlight what you like to do in your free time.
Moreover, your interests and hobbies bring out your skills relevant to the job you’re applying for, and your communication and decision-making skills. Besides, describing your hobbies in interview can help you connect with your interviewer personally and build a rapport from the start. Therefore, talk about your hobbies that genuinely interest you and align with the job requirements.
Related: Tips to Prepare for a Walk-in-Interview: A Quick Guide
Tips for giving – what are your hobbies’ best answers
Be Honest
The first rule of giving an interview is to be genuine and honest. Talk about your hobbies that genuinely interest you and those that reflect your personality. Here, your honesty helps you develop a genuine connection with your interviewer.
Relevance
Select hobbies that add value to the job you’re applying for and that demonstrate your skills. For example: if you’re applying for the position of a content writer, and you enjoy both photography and writing, here make sure to emphasize your passion for writing first, as this will add more value and relevance to the job role.
Collaborative Skills
Create a balance between individual and group hobbies. Emphasize the hobbies and interests that involve communication and collaboration as well, such as team sports and community volunteering. This highlights your adaptability and ability to collaborate with others and effectively communicate your skills for teamwork.
Avoid Controversial Hobbies
Make sure to avoid hobbies related to your political interests. Discussing such topics during an interview can cause discomfort, as you might not have an idea about the interviewer’s interests in political views or the company’s cultural environment, therefore, it is best to avoid these controversial topics.
Consider Companies Culture
Research before you attend an interview, consider the company culture and values when discussing your hobbies and interests. Choose hobbies that align with the organization’s ethos and showcase your fit within the culture of the organization.
Examples of How to Answer “What Are Your Hobbies?”
Example 1:
Interviewer: What are your hobbies and interests?
Candidate: Trekking is one of my favorite hobbies as it allows me to explore new places, challenge myself physically, and connect with nature. I often go on trekking trips with my friends, where we navigate different obstacles and enjoy the breathtaking views along the way. This hobby motivates me with qualities like resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are directly applicable to my work and help me reach my goals
Example 2:
Interviewer: Describe your hobbies.
Candidate: In my free time, I enjoy gardening and cultivating various plants and flowers. It’s a therapeutic activity that allows me to connect with nature and take a break from the stress of everyday life. I’m also an avid reader and love diving into different genres of literature, expanding my knowledge and imagination. I’ve found that my attention to detail in gardening translates well into my role as a project manager, where I ensure that every aspect of a project is well-planned and executed.
Example 3:
Interviewer: What do you like to do in your free time?
Candidate: I enjoy participating in sports like marathon running and cycling. Training for these events keeps me physically fit and disciplined. Additionally, I’m involved in mentoring programs for underprivileged youth, where I can make a positive impact by sharing my knowledge and experiences.
Example 4:
Interviewer: What are you passionate about?
Candidate: I’m passionate about cooking and experimenting with different cuisines. It’s like stepping into a creative world for me, and I often find inspiration from different cultures and culinary traditions. This hobby has taught me the importance of experimentation, attention to detail, and adaptability. All of which are valuable skills in a dynamic work environment.
Example 5:
Interviewer: What is your favourite hobby?
Candidate: My favourite hobby is photography. I find joy in capturing moments and expressing myself through visuals. Additionally, I enjoy playing the guitar. It not only helps me relax but also allows me to challenge my creativity through music composition. These hobbies have taught me the importance of attention to detail and creativity, which I apply to my work.
Conclusion:
When asked to describe your hobbies in an interview, it’s essential to answer with confidence, enthusiasm, and most importantly honesty. Your hobbies and interests reflect your skills and values and the person you are outside your work life too. Here, the interviewer tries and understand your personality and suitability for the role you are applying for. Therefore make sure to answer this question with the tips provided and get your desired interview result.
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