This is the question that I find so often baffles candidates and I think that this is because it is in what you do in your spare time that reveals so much more that just your qualifications.   And as such, it can be awkward to answer.  

Talking about yourself  outside of the workplace gives you the opportunity to tell the interviewers more about who you are beyond the paperwork.  They will have already asked the details about the qualifications that you have that are necessary for the role and in enquiring about your hobbies, so the conversation becomes interesting and adds to the connection.

Often I am met with the look that tells me that my client is thinking “but I have no real hobbies …”.  This is a great time to really take notice as to what really  fires you up!  Also, as you spend time becoming more curious as to what fills your day, you might become inspired to take up a hobby and learn something new!

Clues as to how you most enjoy filling your spare time might come in answer to the following: 

• When you are amongst friends, what do you really relish talking about?;
• If in a book and magazine shop, what section of it are you drawn to?;
• What is it in others that you are most curious to know about?;
• In what situations are you particularly happy?;
• What do you dream about doing?;
• Who are the people that you follow on social media – why are you drawn to them?;
• What hobbies did you have growing up and have you followed through with some of them?.

Remember that your interview is a conversation and it might well be a pursuit that you have that makes you stand out from the other candidates.  What you do during your spare time might connect you with the interviewer who has a similar interest.  

Other ways of for interviewers to ask this questions might include:

• What makes you happy?;  What motivates and inspires you?;
• What other interests, apart from work, do you have?;
• Do you have any interesting pastimes or hobbies that you can tell us about?;
• What is important to you?;
• What gives you balance to your working life?;
• What kind of friends do you enjoy being amongst?.

Enjoy this season of interviews and please see them as another way of getting to know yourself better!  Well done.