This is how you answer the question “What are your hobbies?” during a job interview

“What are your hobbies and interests besides work? Can you tell us about yourself?” Is that question really asked during a job interview? Can’t answer honestly. Drinking wine and watching Netflix probably won’t help you land that job. Why not spend your weekend with more interesting hobbies?

Don’t worry, with good preparation, you know exactly how to answer this question best.

Why this question is being asked

The question “What are your hobbies and interests?” may feel a bit like a stranger among all the questions about your experience and good and bad qualities. And while at first glance the question has nothing to do with work, it’s more important than you might think.

Your future employer is looking for the most qualified candidate and someone who fits within the current team. What you prefer to do in your spare time says a lot about who you are as a person and whether you fit into the company’s culture.

This does not mean that you can cheerfully answer “wine and Netflix” when asked about your hobbies. Yes, chances are the person in front of you does that in his or her spare time, but it doesn’t say anything about who you are as a person. It is not distinctive at all and makes you want to be that among all those other candidates.

Hobbies you can name

What are hobbies you could mention during a job interview? Hobbies like yoga, running or fitness show that you take your health seriously. Volunteering or coaching football are also interests that you can name. They show that you enjoy working with people and taking care of someone other than yourself.

Do you want to keep developing yourself? For example, do you read many mindset books, listen to many podcasts, learn a new language, or do you like to do a course? These hobbies also put you in a positive light. This shows that you are eager to learn.

Make sure the hobbies you mention are your interests. Otherwise, you will fall through the basket. When answering, the other person immediately notices if you are not sincere. So don’t be afraid to share your hobbies. If you love sudoku or embroidery and do a lot of it in your spare time, tell me. Not only is it distinctive, but it also tells you that you enjoy solving puzzles (i.e., problems) or being creative.

Always check whether the hobby or interest you mention aligns with the position you are applying for. It is best to emphasize the hobbies that will help you in the workplace.

Suppose the interview shows that you are very passionate about people (for example, through your volunteer work) and apply for a position where you hardly interact with others. In that case, an employer can determine that you may not be the right person for the job.