How to Answer “What Are Your Hobbies and Interests?” in an Interview

Going for an interview can be a daunting experience for many, and one of the questions that seem to throw even the most experienced job seekers off-balance is the one about their hobbies and interests. This question is quite tricky, as it comes at a time when you are still trying to impress the interviewer with your professional qualifications and abilities. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that answering this question well can show the interviewer that you are well-rounded and can help build a rapport with them. In this article, we will discuss how to answer the question, “What are your hobbies and interests?” in a way that can give you an edge in the interview process.

Why do Interviewers Ask this Question?

Before we delve into how to answer the question, let’s first understand why interviewers ask it. Asking about a candidate’s hobbies and interests is a common practice during interviews, and there are several reasons why. Firstly, it can give the interviewer an insight into the candidate’s personality and interests outside the workplace. Secondly, it can help the interviewer gauge whether the candidate will fit into the company culture and contribute positively to the team. Lastly, it can be an icebreaker and help ease the tension during the interview.

How to Answer the Question

Now that we understand why the question is asked, let’s discuss how to answer it effectively. The key here is to showcase your personality and how your hobbies and interests align with the job and the company’s culture. It’s essential to highlight hobbies that you genuinely enjoy and explain how they have helped you develop important skills that can be transferred to the workplace. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Be Honest and Genuine

When answering this question, it’s crucial to be honest and genuine. Don’t try to impress the interviewer by listing out hobbies that you think they would like to hear. Instead, list hobbies that you genuinely enjoy and can speak passionately about.

Showcase your Skills

When answering the question, it’s best to highlight how your hobbies have helped you develop important skills that can be applied to the job. For example, if you enjoy playing team sports, you could mention how it has helped you develop skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership.

Relevance to the Job

It’s essential to showcase how your hobbies and interests align with the job and the company’s culture. For example, if you’re applying for a job in marketing and enjoy graphic design, you could highlight how your passion for design has helped you develop a good eye for detail and an understanding of the importance of visual communication.

Don’t Overshare

While it’s essential to showcase your interests and personality, it’s also crucial not to overshare. Avoid discussing anything that may make the interviewer uncomfortable or reveal too much personal information. Instead, focus on hobbies and interests that are appropriate for the workplace.

Conclusion

Answering the question, “What are your hobbies and interests?” may seem trivial, but it can have a significant impact on your interview process. It’s essential to be honest, showcase your skills, and relevance to the job while keeping in mind the company’s culture. By doing so, you can build a rapport with the interviewer and show them that you are a well-rounded individual with a lot to offer both in and outside the workplace.