Marsha Hebert 
Did you know that your hobbies and interests could be the key to showcasing your unique potential?
As you sit across the interview table, ready to navigate the intricate dance of first impressions and professional articulation, there's one interview question that often appears on the horizon: "what are your hobbies and interests?"
This seemingly straightforward query holds the potential to reveal much more than your choice of pastimes. In fact, it gives you a chance to infuse your narrative with color, passion, and purpose, transcending the confines of professional jargon.
In this article, we'll explore the art of responding to this question, offering examples, insights, and tips to make your answer shine.
Why does a hiring manager care about your hobbies?
Technically speaking, they don't care – not in a way that affects whether you're offered a job. After all, your hobbies and interests may not directly correlate with your ability to analyze data, write code, or deliver presentations. Yet, beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of information that can influence their perception of you.
Ultimately, there are three reasons they ask, "what are your hobbies and interests?" or “what are your hobbies outside of work?”
1. To gauge your ambition level
Your hobbies can reveal a lot about your level of ambition. For instance, engaging in competitive sports, running marathons, or mastering a complex musical instrument showcases a fervent dedication to improvement and achievement. On the other hand, leisurely activities like reading, gardening, or meditation signify a balanced approach to life.
2. To learn more about your character
Your hobbies also offer a glimpse into your character traits. Someone who enjoys volunteering at animal shelters might have a compassionate and empathetic nature. A person who relishes adventure sports may embody courage and a penchant for risk-taking. These insights help hiring managers to assess whether your personality aligns with the values and attributes they seek in their employees.
3. To determine whether you will fit within the company's culture
Company culture isn't about the tasks and responsibilities – it's about the people who make up the organization. Hiring managers use your hobbies and interests to assess whether you'd mesh well with the existing team. For instance, if a company values collaboration and teamwork, a candidate who participates in team sports showcases their ability to work harmoniously with others. On the flip side, if a company prizes innovation and creativity, a candidate who pursues arts or crafts might be seen as a potential asset.
Crafting your response
Now that you comprehend the motives behind the question, it's essential to craft your response with precision. First, be sure to consider the differences between hobbies and interests.
Hobbies
So what are your hobbies? These are the pursuits that spark your joy and keep your creative fires burning. Whether it's photography, painting, playing a musical instrument, or experimenting with new recipes, hobbies reveal your ability to find pleasure in life's little moments. Here are some examples of things that fall into the realm of hobbies:
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Photography
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Playing the guitar
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Cooking experiments
Interests
And what are your interests? Well, interests encompass a broader spectrum. These are the subjects or activities that captivate your attention and drive you to learn more. It could be an enthusiasm for history, a fascination with astronomy, or a dedication to environmental conservation. Your interests speak volumes about your intellectual curiosity and your willingness to explore new things. Here are some examples of interests:
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Cultural anthropology
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Sustainable living
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Historical fiction
When formulating your response, maintain a balance between your hobbies and interests. This demonstrates your diverse passions while also highlighting your inquisitive nature. Remember, your answer should provide insight into who you are as a whole person, not just an employee.
It's all about what you bring to the table
In your response, it's essential to strike a balance between personal and professional aspects. Remember, you're not just sharing hobbies; you're providing insight into how these activities reflect your character. Follow this formula to construct a compelling answer:
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Highlight a hobby: Begin by mentioning a hobby that resonates with you. This sets the tone for your answer.
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Tie in an interest: Seamlessly transition to an interest that complements your hobby. This showcases your well-roundedness.
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Relevance to the role: Draw a connection between your hobbies and interests and the job you're interviewing for. Highlight transferable skills or values.
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Impact and growth: Explain how your hobbies and interests have influenced your personal growth, enhancing qualities that align with the company's values.
Customize your answer to each job
Tailoring your response to the specific job role is crucial. If you're interviewing for a role that requires creativity, emphasize hobbies like painting or playing a musical instrument. For positions that demand teamwork, discuss team sports or collaborative hobbies. By doing so, you're not just showcasing your personal side; you're demonstrating how your passions can contribute to the company's success.
Would it help to have some example answers?
Ask, and you shall receive. These sample answers are meant to inspire. Use them to come up with something that matches your own genuine experiences, as that will help you to talk about them more intelligently and it will make your answers more authentic.
"Outside of work, I find solace in the art of landscape photography; capturing the world's beauty through my lens brings me peace. I fuse that with my love for adventure, like rock climbing, where the thrill of scaling heights allows me to release stress through something challenging."
This response works because it shows that you are a well-rounded individual who values both creative expression and challenges. The combination of landscape photography and rock climbing reflects a diverse range of interests, highlighting your ambition, creative thinking, and ability to thrive in both artistic and adventurous endeavors.
"My hobbies mirror my fascination with the human experience. As an avid reader of historical fiction, I immerse myself in different epochs, seeking to understand the intricacies of past cultures. Additionally, I nurture my intrigue for astronomy, constantly exploring the cosmos from my backyard telescope. If I can learn something new about history, astronomy, or life in general, then I'm a happy person."
This answer demonstrates that you have a profound curiosity about the world. The choice of historical fiction and astronomy highlights the idea that you seek intellectual depth, appreciate learning, and can bridge your passion for knowledge to the potential demand of a role that requires critical thinking and continuous learning.
"When I'm not immersed in my professional role, you'll find me painting vibrant canvases that reflect my love of creativity and self-expression. Painting is generally for a relaxing Sunday afternoon. You can also find me playing team sports like soccer. I've found that sports are a great outlet for channeling my competitive spirit and collaborative nature, reinforcing the importance of teamwork in both my personal and professional pursuits."
This response paints a picture of someone who values both creativity and teamwork. The mention of painting and team sports underscores a well-rounded personality while also emphasizing skills such as collaboration, adaptability, and effective communication that are essential in both creative and professional environments.
"Cooking is more than a hobby; it's my creative outlet. Experimenting with flavors and techniques allows me to unwind and explore. Additionally, my commitment to sustainable living drives my interest in adopting eco-friendly practices, like not using plastic when I'm storing leftovers, that align with my values both in my personal life and the workplace."
If you are someone who can integrate hobbies with values, this would be a good response for you. The blend of cooking and sustainable living shows a holistic approach to life and work. The commitment to sustainability showcases dedication to causes that align with company values, and the creative aspect of cooking speaks to the ability to innovate and experiment.
"Beyond the office, I immerse myself in playing the piano, a pursuit that nurtures my patience and discipline. I'm also deeply involved with yoga. Not only does it keep me physically active but also reinforces mindfulness and stress management, qualities that seamlessly blend into my professional ethos."
This response reveals that you are someone who values personal growth and well-being. The combination of playing the piano and practicing yoga indicates a commitment to self-improvement, discipline, and mental and physical health. These qualities can translate into your ability to manage stress and maintain a balanced approach in your professional endeavors.
Sometimes a sneak peek is all it takes
At the end of the day, the interview question, "What are your hobbies and interests?" isn't a mere formality but a window into your character. Your hobbies and interests reveal your creativity, curiosity, dedication, and values – qualities that can profoundly impact your potential as an employee and a team member. By embracing this question, you open a door to connect on a deeper level with your interviewer, transcending the transactional nature of the interview process.
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