What do you do in your spare time? Job Interview Question and Answer!

What do you do in your spare time?

The question “What do you do in your spare time?” is a common question that is asked during job interviews. This question is intended to provide insight into your personality, interests, and how you spend your time outside of work. Therefore, it is important to answer this question thoughtfully and strategically to showcase your unique qualities and skills that align with the job requirements. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling answer to this question:

Be honest but professional:
It’s important to be honest about what you do in your spare time, but also keep in mind that this is a professional setting, so you should avoid mentioning anything that could be considered controversial or inappropriate. Your answer should reflect positively on you as a candidate for the job.

Highlight your strengths:
Your answer should provide some insight into your personal qualities, skills, and strengths. Try to think about your hobbies or activities that are related to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job that requires strong communication skills, you could mention that you enjoy public speaking or writing in your spare time.

Keep it relevant:
Make sure that your answer is relevant to the job you are applying for. If your hobby is not related to the job, try to find a way to connect it to the skills required for the position. For example, if you enjoy painting or drawing, you could mention that it helps you develop creativity and problem-solving skills.

Show enthusiasm:
Try to show enthusiasm when talking about your hobbies or interests. This will demonstrate that you are a well-rounded person who is passionate about life and can bring positive energy to the workplace.

Example answer:

In my spare time, I enjoy a variety of activities that help me stay active and engaged in my community. One of my favorite hobbies is running. I participate in local races and have even completed a few half marathons. Running helps me stay focused and disciplined, and I find it to be a great stress-reliever.

I also enjoy volunteering at a local animal shelter. I have always had a passion for animals, and volunteering at the shelter allows me to give back to my community while also doing something that I love. It has also taught me a lot about teamwork and communication, as we have to work together to ensure that the animals are well taken care of.

Lastly, I enjoy reading and writing in my spare time. I find that reading helps me to stay curious and informed about the world around me, while writing allows me to express my creativity and hone my communication skills. I believe that these skills will be beneficial in any professional setting, as they require attention to detail, critical thinking, and the ability to convey ideas clearly.

Overall, I believe that my hobbies and interests have helped me to develop valuable skills that are relevant to the job I am applying for. They have taught me the importance of discipline, teamwork, communication, creativity, and problem-solving. I am excited to bring these qualities to the workplace and contribute to the success of the team.