WHAT YOUR PERSONAL INTERESTS

SAY ABOUT YOU IN A JOB INTERVIEW

Tips, suggestions, and inspiration from GennGlobal

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever been asked a peculiar question

during an interview?

Questions like “what animal would you describe yourself

as?” and “what are your interests and hobbies?” might

sound unimportant, but these questions do serve a

purpose for interviewers.

Next, we will discuss what exactly these questions

are attempting to determine, and how to best

answer them.

“So, what’s your favorite colour?”

WHY ASK THESE QUESTIONS?

Your hobbies say a lot about who you are as an

individual outside of work; your personal interests

provide a wider context for you as a complete

person to prospective employers.

This can be useful information for employers for two

main reasons:

It allows them to make a better judgment call on how

well you might fit into the company culture.

It lends insights into how well you will perform as an

employee.

ARE YOU A TEAM PLAYER?

One key thing that employers will want to know is

how well you work as part of a team.

Workplaces, more than ever before, depend on

teamwork and close communication between

colleagues.

If you participate in team sports, or other activities

that require a lot of cooperation with others, then

you may be a more attractive candidate for jobs on

a team or in a management position.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional development is incredibly important in

the workplace because continued learning and

growth are necessary for the ongoing success of

both employees and companies.

Therefore, hobbies requiring a great deal of work to

perfect, such as playing an instrument or pursuing

other time-intensive fine arts, can show that you

have dedication and a desire to constantly improve

and learn.

PASSION AND DETERMINATION

Employers might also want to learn how passionate

and determined you are as a person.

These kinds of personal questions are often asked to

gain insights to your idea of work-life balance.

If you don’t provide an answer about your hobbies

or personal interests, this might read as a red flag

because it infers that you aren’t enthusiastic about

position in question.

Similarly, employers might worry that a lack of

hobbies or personal life could be indicative of

“workaholic” tendencies.

HOW DO YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?

Now that we know why employers might be interested in your hobbies, how do you go about answering these types of questions?

First, remember to always answer truthfully.

Also, don’t panic: even if you have somewhat unconventional hobbies, your answers to these questions are rarely (if ever) deal breakers.

Frame your responses to questions about your hobbies in ways that bolster your professional clout.

Equate your experience on a local football league to being a strong team player; draw a parallel between your piano-playing skills and your desire to be constantly growing as a professional.