There is no correct or incorrect response to this question. In this content, we’ll look at several sample responses to this question. What do you do in your spare time?
However, the answer you give reflects your character. And it influences the interviewer’s opinion of you. The question is an opportunity to give interviewers a sneak peek into your personal life.
The answer can cost or land you the job.
What to Talk about when asked, “What Do You Do in Your Spare Time?”
1. Talk about your friends
Speak about your social life and include interesting activities you do with friends, for example, camping. Also, it shows your interviewer that you have social skills and a life beyond your career.
It confirms that you build and maintain healthy relationships. But, avoid details of crazy things you do with friends such as drinking or smoking. This may portray you as too wild.
2. Tell the truth
Give an honest response; for example, do not talk about an activity you do not know fully. The interviewers may probe more, and if you hesitate or fumble, they may question your integrity.
Also, talk about activities you enjoy; the interviewers can easily identify the excitement and passion you have for these activities.
Your hobbies may also land you more responsibilities if you get the job. For example, if you have an interest in children, they may ask you to oversee a CSR project that involves children.
3. Do Not Talk About Work
This is the one opportunity you have to speak about something else other than your professional life. Do not deviate back to speaking about your career; it may appear to avoid.
Also, highlight interesting aspects of your non-professional life that may interest the interviewers or boost your skills at work.
4. Avoid Partying and Social Media
Everybody loves to get loose once in a while, and social media is an integral part of life. However, interviewers do not need to know the time you spend online or your record-breaking party skills. Keep this information private.
Also, although both are acceptable hobbies, they may reflect poorly in a professional setting.
5. Volunteering and Community Service
Do you have any experience in community service or as a volunteer? Speak about it and present any certificates you may have for your work.
Your interviewers get the impression that you are a caring and compassionate individual, an added advantage in the work environment.
6. Say Little
Do not talk too much about your hobbies. Give detailed information in the shortest time possible.
For example, if you enjoy watching television, speak about your favorite genres in brief and leave the interviewer to probe more if necessary.
Also, talking too much may lead the interviewer to lose concentration, especially if they do not understand your hobby. Your response is an opportunity to shine and let interviewers into your private life.
Keep it brief and interesting. And do not answer the question to look good; rather, give an honest and precise response. If you can, limit your answers to details that may contribute directly to the job in question.
List of Cool Things to Do in Spare Time
1. Get active
2. Take self-guided tours
3. Visit free events
4. Play games
5. Join a social network
6. Do a part-time job
7. Study a new subject
8. Watch TV shows
9. Read books
10. Clean your house
11. Plan big goals
12. Clean up email
13. Call up old buddies.
14. Finish due tasks
15. Expand comfort zone
16. Work as a volunteer
17. Change your lifestyle
18. Spend time with your pet
19. Meditate
20. Take a nap.
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Sample Answers to Leisure Time Interview Question
Below are some sample answers to the “what do you do in your spare time” interview question:
Sample Answer 1
I enjoy going for a walk, or for a hike in nature. Also, as a market research analyst, I spend most of my days in front of a computer, which obviously isn’t the healthiest thing.
That’s why I try to minimize screen time when outside of work, to give my eyes and my back the rest that they deserve. However, you can say that I enjoy being outside and moving when I am not working.
Sample Answer 2
I love to read books on human psychology, actual stories, and also philosophical novels. First I enjoy reading them.
But I also believe that they help me broaden my horizons, and to learn a lot of things that I can use in my work in sales.
If nothing else, they help me improve my vocabulary and communication skills, and also they help my mind relax a bit.
Sample Answer 3
To be honest with you, I enjoy just lying on a couch, reading a good book, or watching a good movie.
In my present employment, I do a lot of physical work and typically arrive home tired. I learned to listen to my body, and it demands rest, so I give it to it.
On weekends, however, I like to do brief trips or ride a motorbike in the countryside.
Sample Answer 4
Leisure time? I do not really have any, to be honest. My kids are still small, and once I come back from work, I try to be with them as much as I can.
They demand attention, and I try to play with them and answer all their questions, because I know it matters to them.
Also, I do not want to say that I do not enjoy my time with them–quite the contrary, it’s great. But it’s not really leisure time.
Anyway, that’s life. I enjoy my role as a father, and so far I’ve done a good job both as an employee and as a family man.
However, I hope to continue with the same trend in your company, if you hire me, of course.
Sample Answer 5
In my free time, I enjoy socializing. Also, I enjoy going out for a cup of coffee or for a healthy snack, and meeting friends. My work is a sort of lonely ride, and when I am not working I try to make up for the time I spend alone.
But it’s not only about drinking or having fun. Also, I try to help my friends with whatever they need. Someone builds a house, another one needs help with his car repair, and so on. I do what I can.
It is pertinent you note that each answer is important. What we enjoy doing in our leisure time tells a lot about our personality, attitude to other people, work, and life.
Try to show them you aren’t bored with life, that you do not live only to work. You enjoy your spare time and do something for your health. Also, show that some passion still burns within you, at least for some activities.
Last but not least, if you identify a hobby you share with your interviewer, talk about it in an interview. It can help you connect with them on a rather personal level, and such a connection is priceless.
StudentsandScholarship Team.
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