Did you know that 84% of recruiters prioritize hiring for cultural fit over skills?
That’s why the seemingly lighthearted question, “What do you do for fun?” isn’t just small talk—it’s a subtle way for interviewers to evaluate how well you might align with the company’s culture.
But here’s the catch: it’s easy to misstep. Being vague can make you seem disengaged. Being too enthusiastic might not appear professional.
To help you ace this tricky question, here are 7 smart ways to craft a thoughtful and impactful response that works to your advantage.
1. Understand Why They’re Asking
Interviewers ask this question to see a glimpse of your personality beyond your professional qualifications.
They want to know how you spend your time, what motivates you, and whether your interests align with the company culture. For example:
- A tech startup might appreciate someone who enjoys learning about emerging technologies in general - it need not overlap with their primary role.
- A creative agency might value someone who paints or writes poetry.
Pro Tip: Highlight hobbies that demonstrate transferable skills. For example, organizing community events showcases leadership and teamwork—qualities that employers love.
2. Choose a Hobby That Reflects Positive Traits
Your hobby says more about you than you think. It reveals aspects of your character, work ethic, and even creativity.
There are certain qualities underlying common habits:
- Reading: Shows curiosity and a commitment to learning.
- Playing team sports: Demonstrates collaboration and perseverance.
- Cooking or baking: Suggests patience, creativity, and an eye for detail.
Also Read: What are some of the most commonly asked interview questions?
3. Tailor Your Answer
Do you have any habits or interests aligning with the values or interests of the company? For instance:
- Maybe you teach coding for fun if you are applying for a tech job?
- Interviewing at a creative agency? Bring up painting, photography, or allied interests, if any.
This approach demonstrates alignment with the company’s overall culture without being overtly strategic.
Also Read: How to answer "Tell me about yourself" interview question?
4. Be Authentic but Selective
Honesty is key, but that doesn’t mean you should list every single hobby. Instead, focus on one or two interests that are both authentic and relevant. For example:
- Instead of vaguely saying, “I like to travel,” say, “I enjoy exploring lesser-known destinations and learning about different cultures. It’s taught me adaptability and broadened my perspective.”
Similarly, even hobbies that seem unrelated—like gardening or knitting—can be framed to show patience, creativity, or mindfulness.
Pro Tip: Think about hobbies that have helped you grow as a person or build skills that apply to your career. For example, “Yoga has helped me develop discipline and stay calm under pressure.”
5. Keep Your Answer Concise and Engaging
While it’s tempting to dive into the details of your favorite hobby, keep your answer concise. The goal is to pique interest and make a positive impression—not overwhelm the interviewer.
For example:
- Good: “I love photography because it helps me see the world through a creative lens and express myself in unique ways.”
- Too Much: “I got into photography three years ago, and now I use a Nikon D5600 with a 35mm lens. I’ve been experimenting with street photography and portrait lighting…”
Strike the right balance by keeping your answer short yet enthusiastic.
Also Read: How to use the STAR method to answer interview questions?
6. Be Prepared for Follow-Up Questions
Your answer might spark curiosity, so be ready to elaborate. If you mention running marathons, you could share your training strategy.
If you talk about baking, have a favorite recipe or success story in mind.
This extra detail can make you more relatable and memorable to the interviewer. However, don’t let the conversation stray too far from your professional relevance.
Also Read: How to answer "Walk me through your resume" interview question?
7. Inject a Touch of Humor (When Appropriate)
A little humor can make your answer more engaging and help you stand out—provided it aligns with the tone of the interview.
For example:
- “I love crossword puzzles. It’s like a daily workout for my brain, and thankfully, I don’t need a gym membership for it!”
Just ensure your humor doesn’t come off as flippant or unprofessional.
Also Read: What are some great sample answers to the interview question "What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect
Nailing the “What do you do for fun?” question can make a difference in how interviewers perceive you.
Answering this question successfully requires preparation, authenticity, and self-awareness. A well-thought-out response can leave a lasting impression and set the tone for a positive interview experience.
And if you want to boost your interview prep, Hiration has your back!
With our Mock Interview Practice module, you can rehearse and refine your responses while getting personalized, AI-driven feedback.
Plus, our Resume Builder and LinkedIn Optimizer ensure you stand out at every stage of your job search.
Let Hiration help you turn tough interview questions into career opportunities!
