It can be a plus point for you if you are able to show prospective employers that you’re a well-rounded person. They usually want to see what interesting aspects of your personality can liven up the workplace and what drives you outside of the workplace. It is therefore important that you are able to answer the “what do you like to do for fun” question in a way that will impress them.
Here, we’ll share great insight on how to answer “what are your hobbies” interview questions. You will discover various interview questions about hobbies. We’ll give examples of the best hobbies to mention in interviews and provide pro tips on how to discuss hobbies in interviews.
Interview Questions About Hobbies
“What are your hobbies?” interview questions are a common feature in many interview sessions, and they cut across virtually all job profiles. It may also come in a variety of forms, such as the following:
- “What are your favorite hobbies?”
- “Tell us about your interests.”
- “How would you describe your hobbies?”
- “What do you like to do in your free time?”
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Planning Answers to Interview Questions About Hobbies
The prospective employer is interested in the potential value that your hobbies and interests can bring to the workplace. You therefore need to consider your hobbies in line with this.
Choose hobbies that relate to the job
Your answer to the “What are your hobbies” interview question should be one that you can easily discuss and link to the job role.
For example, you may take a look at all your hobbies and interests and pick hobbies and extracurricular activities that may include the following:
Best Hobbies to Mention in Interviews
When answering what are your hobbies interview questions, you can think of the following best hobbies to mention in interviews.
- Creative arts such as poetry, writing, music, and painting
- travel
- Gardening
- Sports such as league games
- Charity work
- Volunteer services
- Cooking
- Blogging
- DIY Crafts
- Photography
- Reading
- Listening to music such as Pop music
- Podcasting
- Yoga
- Running
- Spending time with loved ones
Consider resulting skills from hobbies
After itemizing your job-related hobbies and interests in a list, it can be helpful to identify the skills and qualities that they have helped you to develop. Then, you can write out the resulting skills and qualities that are associated with each activity.
Examples of skills and qualities that you can relate to your hobbies include the following:
- Team leadership skills
- planning and coordination
- Teamwork
- Creative thinking and problem-solving
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Communication
- Grit and commitment
Associate hobbies with job expectations
In the process of prepping for the interview, you can review the job descriptions and see if you can make a clear connection between your hobbies, resulting skills, and job expectations.
Of course, you will be considering more of those expectations that the interviewer is likely to discuss with you.
For example, you can discuss writing or theatre if the role relates to the creative arts. You can also highlight the professional opportunities you enjoy in the charities or causes that you support.
This step may require you to research the company’s culture and values. A great tip is to visit the “About Us” page of the company website and read about its mission and historical accomplishments.
Likewise, you may visit their social media pages to get a feel of their values. Thereafter, you can draw connections between their culture and values and your hobbies and interests.
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How to Answer “What are your Hobbies” Interview Questions
- You have fortified yourself with a thorough list of your hobbies, the skills, qualities, and values they produce, and the connections between them and the company.
- Take the next step and start planning and rehearsing a brief and compelling response to the “What are your hobbies” interview questions.
- Your answer to the question should indicate the unique value that you can bring to the job role.
- The STAR method is a great approach when citing an example and demonstrating associated skills. It involves describing a Situation, the Task that needs completion, the Actions taken, and the Results.
- Your answer to what are your hobbies interview questions should reflect both confidence and enthusiasm.
Sample Answers to Interview Questions about Hobbies
Your response to what are your hobbies interview questions should tell much about your personality and passions. You should go beyond mentioning one or two of the best hobbies to mention in interviews and try to leave a memorable impression in the minds of the interviewers.
Read on to review exemplary sample answers to interview questions about hobbies that illustrate the value that the hobbies bring to the job role.
Sample 1: Volunteering
“I’m a volunteer at our local food bank, and I participate in the program once every two weeks. During my last shift, I worked with other volunteers to distribute packaged dry food to 500 less-privileged individuals in the community.
My hobby as a volunteer gives me the opportunity to meet new people and serve my community. I share experiences with volunteers and get to meet people from varied backgrounds.
I see that your company has a social community program and spearheads multiple community programs. Do your employees get to be volunteers in such programs?”
Sample 2: Captaining my sports team
“Right from my college days, I’ve played basketball, and I’m now the captain of a local youth basketball club. Playing basketball helps me keep in shape and interact with young people in my community.
As the captain, I have to be a good team player and also guide my team members to improve their game. I had to be there much earlier, and my experience motivated me to do well in leadership roles and tough situations.
I understand that you hold regular company events. Do you also include outdoor activities in such events?”
Sample 3: Traveling
“Traveling is a fun activity that I try to work into my schedule every season. Sometimes, I travel with those who share my hobby and I always get to meet new people. Travelling gives me the opportunity to adapt to new situations and build my planning skills.
Sometimes, I have to manage an emergency, so I always try to be prepared. As a travel agent, I can rely on my planning skills to perform event and travel planning activities.
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How to Discuss Hobbies in Interviews: Things to avoid
Fielding interview questions about hobbies need not seem so fearsome. But answering interview questions about hobbies is not just about knowing what to say. You must also pay attention to what you shouldn’t say.
Here are some tips on how to discuss hobbies in interviews that you can use to build your confidence.
Avoid controversial statements or hobbies
If your answer to what are your hobbies interview questions includes a political opinion or a controversial topic, you may very well divide the room. Moreso, you may not be able to avoid leaving a bad impression on one or more interviewers.
Do not delve too deep into the personal
Keeping your answers short and precise is helpful in more ways than one. You are less likely to make a mistake or reveal too much about your personal life.
For example, it may not do you any good to mention challenging health issues in your family. Neither should you ask your interviewer personal questions.
Do not choose hobbies that do not work for you
The hobbies that you talk about should work in your favor. For example, you should not discuss a hobby that goes against the job role or responsibilities.
Avoid saying too much
While it is good to be passionate and zealous in your answer, you should avoid talking too much about your hobbies. After all, the interview questions about hobbies are not the most important segment.
Avoid saying you have no hobbies
It is advisable to avoid replying to the “what are your hobbies” interview questions by saying that you don’t have hobbies. This is likely to give the interviewer a bad impression.
It is indeed possible for interview candidates to not have a literal hobby. If you fall into this category, you do not need to panic and become awkward. Just consider the question from a fresh perspective.
The objective of the interviewer is to get an idea of your likes and what gives you pleasure. So, think about what you enjoy doing in your daily routine. Mentioning things you like is not a wrong answer to what are your hobbies interview questions.
So you should feel free to be honest in your answer. You may even mention something you’re interested in and back it up with a striking story.
See also: 30+ Reasons To Answer Why Are You Looking For a Job Change
Conclusion
We hope you have learnt how to answer what are your hobbies interview questions. This article explains all you need to know about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Give answers that play up your strengths, speak about an important part of your personal life, and relate to the position you’re applying for.
You may consider the hobbies in the “best hobbies to mention in interviews” segment discussed above and try your hands at them. For instance, you may take up painting, hiking, or learning a new language and see if they resonate with you.
It is best practice to stick to what is true and honest when answering interview questions about hobbies. Some interviewers can tell when you’re cooking something up, and this certainly doesn’t bode well for your performance.
References
- indeed.com – What are your hobbies interview questions
- leverageedu.com – What are your hobbies interview questions
- quora.com – What are your hobbies interview questions
