How to Discuss Your Hobbies and Interests in a Job Interview

When heading into a job interview, there are several topics that may come up during the conversation. While it is important to have a solid work history and a strong skill set, interviewers also want to learn more about you as a person.

One topic that may be addressed during an interview is your hobbies and interests. While it may be tempting to simply say that you enjoy reading or watching TV, this isn’t the best approach. In this article, we’ll offer tips on how to discuss your hobbies and interests in a job interview in a way that will help you stand out and leave a positive impression on your potential employer.

Why Do Interviewers Care About Your Hobbies and Interests?

While it may seem like discussing your hobbies and interests has little to do with your ability to do a job, that’s not necessarily true. In fact, many interviewers are interested in hearing about your extracurricular activities because it can offer insights into your personality, work ethic, and other areas that are crucial for success in the workplace.

For example, if you are an avid runner, an interviewer may take that as a sign that you are disciplined and able to set goals for yourself. Likewise, if you are heavily involved in a volunteer organization, it demonstrates that you have a strong sense of community and are willing to go above and beyond to help others.

Tips for Discussing Your Hobbies and Interests

So, how can you effectively discuss your hobbies and interests during a job interview? Follow these tips:

1. Be Genuine: The most important thing to remember is to be honest and genuine when discussing your hobbies and interests. Interviewers can often tell when someone is not being sincere, and it can leave a negative impression.

2. Tie It Back to the Job: While it’s important to be honest about your hobbies and interests, you also want to make sure that you tie them back to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are a graphic designer, you may want to mention your interest in visual arts and how it has helped you in your career.

3. Keep It Professional: While you want to showcase your personality, you also want to make sure that you keep it professional. Avoid discussing anything controversial or potentially offensive, and steer clear of hobbies that may be seen as overly time-consuming or distracting.

4. Use Specific Examples: Whenever possible, use specific examples to illustrate how your hobbies and interests have helped you in your career. For example, if you are a musician, you may want to discuss how your experience performing for live audiences has helped you develop your public speaking skills.

Conclusion

In summary, discussing your hobbies and interests during a job interview is an opportunity to showcase your personality and demonstrate how your extracurricular activities have helped you develop important skills. By being genuine, tying it back to the job, keeping it professional, and using specific examples, you can leave a positive impression on your interviewer and increase your chances of landing the job.