The question, “What do you like to do?” is common in job interviews and networking conversations. Many individuals find this inquiry challenging, perceiving a separation between their personal interests and professional qualifications. This hesitation stems from uncertainty about how much personal detail is appropriate. Preparing a thoughtful answer transforms this seemingly casual question into a unique opportunity to present a complete picture of oneself.
Understanding the Interviewer’s Goal
Interviewers ask about personal interests to gain a broader understanding of the candidate beyond the resume. This inquiry serves as an informal assessment of cultural fit, determining how well an individual might integrate into the existing team and company environment. The response offers a glimpse into a person’s underlying personality traits and values.
For example, community volunteering suggests social responsibility, while competitive sports indicate a drive for self-improvement and teamwork. The interviewer seeks a well-rounded person whose passions contribute to their overall character and ability to manage stress.
Structuring the Perfect Answer
A strategic answer should follow a clear, three-step formula to maximize its professional impact. First, briefly state the interest or hobby, keeping the description concise and enthusiastic. Choose an activity you genuinely enjoy and can discuss with passion.
Second, connect the interest directly to a relevant soft skill or professional trait that the activity helps develop, such as attention to detail or perseverance. Finally, link that trait back to the requirements of the job or the company’s stated values. This structure frames your personal life as a positive contributor to your professional potential.
Choosing Interests and Mapping Them to Professional Skills
The selection of a personal interest is purposeful, as different activities highlight distinct attributes valuable in a workplace setting. The goal is to choose activities that showcase transferable skills not apparent from your professional history alone. Mapping hobbies to specific traits allows you to control the narrative about your non-work persona.
Hobbies that demonstrate leadership and teamwork
Interests involving coordinating or collaborating with groups are effective for showcasing interpersonal skills and organizational ability. Organized group sports, such as soccer or basketball, demonstrate teamwork and the ability to work toward a shared goal. Coordinating a local volunteer effort or leading a book club highlights organizational skills and the capacity to motivate others. These activities communicate comfort with taking initiative or working effectively within a group dynamic.
Hobbies that emphasize focus and discipline
Activities requiring sustained effort over long periods illustrate self-motivation and consistent application. Training for a marathon or triathlon requires structured planning and adherence to a demanding schedule, demonstrating perseverance and goal orientation. Mastering a musical instrument or completing a complex crafting project suggests an ability to maintain focus and execute with precision. These pursuits imply a disciplined approach to tasks and an understanding of delayed gratification.
Hobbies that show creativity and problem-solving
Pastimes involving innovative solutions or non-standard perspectives showcase creativity and problem-solving. Personal coding projects or writing fiction highlight an ability to think outside established parameters and build something new from an abstract concept. Photography or complex cooking require technical skill combined with an artistic eye, showing attention to detail and capacity for creative execution. Mentioning these interests demonstrates an aptitude for analytical thinking and an innovative mindset.
Hobbies that reflect continuous learning
Interests focused on acquiring new knowledge or skills show intellectual curiosity and a commitment to personal growth. Actively learning a new language, pursuing specialized certifications, or engaging in intensive reading demonstrates a proactive approach to self-improvement. These choices signal a growth mindset and motivation to expand capabilities. This aligns with roles requiring adaptability and keeping pace with industry developments.
Delivering the Response with Professionalism
The execution of your answer is as important as the content, requiring an enthusiastic yet measured delivery. Maintain a positive and genuine tone, allowing your passion for the activity to come through without becoming overly casual. The response should be concise, ideally lasting no more than one or two minutes, to respect the interviewer’s time and avoid rambling.
Avoid using highly technical jargon specific to the hobby, as this can confuse the interviewer. When discussing photography, for instance, focus on the problem-solving aspects of composition rather than specific lens specifications. Ensure the transition back to the professional context feels natural.
Interests and Topics to Avoid
Certain categories of personal interests are inappropriate for a professional interview setting because they can distract the interviewer or suggest poor judgment. Avoid any activity that is overly controversial, such as strong political or religious activism, as it can be polarizing. Similarly, avoid discussing non-productive or passive activities, like excessive video gaming, which may suggest a lack of drive.
It is also wise to refrain from mentioning anything perceived as risky or dangerous, such as extreme sports, which might raise concerns about reliability. Finally, avoid sharing overly personal or sensitive details, such as detailed family or health issues. The goal is to provide insight into your character without inviting scrutiny.