Why should employers be interested in the answer to this question? Is it pure nosiness? Everything you say about yourself contributes to the general impression gained about you. If I tell you that my hobbies are knitting, cookery, needlework, decorating cakes and bird-watching, you have an idea of the sort of person I am. If, however, I tell you that my hobbies include karate, African music, organising a community group, gardening and swimming, the picture is quite different.
You need to think hard about which hobbies and interests to mention. They can illustrate that you have a well-rounded personality and lead a full and satisfying life. Examples of times when you were in a leading or organising role will create a good impression.
There are some interests that we all have in common and these are not worth listing. We all read, watch television and socialise with other people, and these activities should not be part of your answer unless you have something specific to say about them. Be warned that if you mention them, you are likely to be asked either ‘What was the last book you read?’ or ‘Can you tell me about a television programme that interested you lately?’ Details of the latest episode of your favourite soap opera will not suffice!
Do not be too specific about any political or religious interests unless they are of direct relevance to the job in question. It is better just to say, as in the example above, that you are actively involved in the local community. The interviewer may hold different views from your own and what may be a passion to you may be seen as a prejudice to him or her.
You do not have to spend time on all the hobbies that you mention, but be sure that you know enough to talk about the subject in some depth.
Employers often pick on hobbies as an easy area of questioning and will be interested in discussing more unusual choices.
You should have some knowledge of every hobby that you mention, even if you need to say: ‘Well, I am very interested in windsurfing. At the moment I am finding out about it, but I intend to spend some time next summer having a go,’ or ‘I used to play a lot of basketball at school. I’m a bit rusty now, but I watch it when I can and am joining an evening class shortly to brush up my skills.’ The three points to be aware of when answering this
question are:
- Include a variety of interests – some using your mind and some sporting or physical activities to show that you are a lively, healthy and active person. Try to have at least one practical interest and one which uses your mental aptitudes. Include some group activities and some you do on
your own. - Ensure that you have at least one pastime which is different from other people’s and is unusual or will provoke discussion. This makes it easier for employers to ask you follow-up questions and to remember you subsequently.
- Be prepared to discuss any of the topics you mention in some detail.