What should I do if I’m asked about my hobbies or interests outside of work?

When you’re asked about your hobbies or interests outside of work in a job interview, it’s an opportunity for you to showcase your personality, cultural fit, and the soft skills that you may not have had the chance to discuss through the other interview questions. This question can help differentiate you from other candidates, so it’s essential to approach it thoughtfully. Here are some strategies and insights on how to effectively answer this question.

Understanding the Purpose of the Question

Interviewers ask about hobbies and interests for several reasons:

• To get to know you: Beyond your professional qualifications, employers are interested in finding candidates who will fit well within the team and company culture.
• To gauge your passion and motivation: How you talk about your interests can give insight into your drive and what motivates you.
• To assess soft skills: Hobbies can be a window into your soft skills, like teamwork, leadership, creativity, and time management.

How to Choose Which Hobbies to Discuss

1. Relevant Interests: If any of your hobbies or interests are directly relevant to the job or company culture, mention those first. For instance, if you’re applying for a position at a tech company and you build computers as a hobby, that’s highly relevant. 2. Skills and Qualities: Think about what each hobby says about you. Choose hobbies that reflect skills and qualities valued in the role you’re applying for. For example, team sports can demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and the ability to work under pressure. 3. Diversity of Interests: A range of hobbies can showcase you as a well-rounded individual. However, ensure they are genuine interests. 4. Unique or Unusual Hobbies: Unique hobbies can make you memorable. If you have an interesting hobby that sparks conversation, it can be a good way to make a memorable impression.

Structuring Your Answer

1. Brief Description: Start with a brief description of the hobby or interest. You don’t need to go into excessive detail, but give enough information to explain what the hobby involves. 2. Connection to Skills or Qualities: Next, explain why you enjoy it and how it reflects on your skills or personal qualities. This is your chance to connect your personal interests back to what makes you a great candidate for the job. 3. Relate to the Job or Company Culture: If possible, relate your hobby back to the job or company culture. This shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in fitting in with the company ethos.

Example Answers

Example 1: Team Sports “I play in a local football league every weekend. I enjoy the physical challenge, but what I value most is being part of a team. It’s taught me a lot about collaboration, supporting teammates, and strategic thinking on the fly. I believe these skills are directly relevant to working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment like yours.” Example 2: Creative Pursuits “In my free time, I enjoy photography, particularly landscape photography. It’s a passion that allows me to express my creativity and has honed my eye for detail. I find that this creativity translates well into problem-solving at work, helping me to see solutions where others might not.” Example 3: Volunteering “I volunteer at a local animal shelter on weekends. It’s important for me to give back to the community, and it has developed my organizational and people skills. Managing volunteer schedules and events has also improved my leadership abilities, which I see as beneficial for the managerial aspects of the role I’m applying for.”

Final Tips

• Be Honest: Choose hobbies you are genuinely interested in. Fabricating interests can lead to awkward situations if probed further by the interviewer.
• Practice: Like any interview question, practice your answer but avoid sounding rehearsed. Your enthusiasm should come across naturally.
• Be Prepared for Follow-Up Questions: Interviewers might ask more about your hobbies, so be ready to discuss them in more detail.

Remember, discussing your hobbies and interests in a job interview is not just about proving you’re a good fit for the role; it’s also about showing who you are as a person. This can lead to more meaningful connections with your interviewers and help you stand out in a sea of candidates.