“What are your hobbies?” It sounds like a break from all the serious questions in an interview. But it is not just there to fill time. The way you answer can tell a lot about how you think, what keeps you going, and even how you work with others. You might even feel odd to talk about personal interests in a professional setting. But don’t brush it off. This question gives you a quiet chance to show a side of you that your resume can’t.
In this blog, you will get unique sample answers to the interview question “what are your hobbies?” We’ll also show you five smart ways to tackle this question, along with helpful tips.
Sample Answers for “What Are Your Hobbies?”
Giving a thoughtful response to this question can leave a positive impression on your interviewer. Your answer reflects more than just your interests—it highlights qualities that may align with the role.
Below are “what are your hobbies” example answers to help you understand how to respond in a clear and meaningful way.
Sample Answer 1 – Reading Books
If you are expecting reading books hobby interview questions, this answer can help you connect your reading habit with real skills.
“I enjoy reading nonfiction books, especially on psychology and human behaviour. It helps me understand how people think, which I find useful when working in teams or dealing with clients. It is more than a pastime for me. It has shaped how I observe and communicate. In fact, reading regularly has improved my focus and patience, which I believe are valuable in any role.”
Sample Answer 2 – Travelling
For those facing travelling hobby interview questions, here is a smart way to talk about it in a professional setting.
“Travelling has always been a meaningful hobby for me. I like visiting new places not just for sightseeing but to experience different cultures and ways of life. It has taught me to adapt quickly, stay curious, and communicate with all kinds of people. I think these are helpful skills in a professional setting, especially when working in diverse teams or dealing with customers.”
Sample Answer 3 – Cricket (Playing/Watching)
If you are preparing for cricket hobby interview questions here is a thoughtful response.
“Cricket has been a big part of my life since school. I used to play regularly and still enjoy weekend matches with friends. Playing cricket has helped me develop discipline, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure. Even as a viewer, I try to follow strategies and leadership styles during the game. It might sound simple, but it has taught me a lot about staying calm and focused.”
Note – This answer also works well for playing cricket hobby interview questions.
Sample Answer 4 – Diary Writing
For those who enjoy journaling, here is a realistic way to respond to diary writing hobby interview questions.
“I maintain a personal journal and write in it almost every day. Diary writing helps me organize my thoughts and reflect on how I handle situations. Over time, it has improved my clarity of thinking and self-awareness. It is a quiet activity, but one that has strengthened my communication and helped me stay mindful, both useful qualities at work.”
Sample Answer 5 – Painting or Drawing
Here is how you can answer painting as a hobby interview questions in a way that feels relevant and professional.
“I enjoy painting in my free time, especially landscapes and nature-inspired pieces. It allows me to focus deeply and express creativity in a way words cannot. While it is a relaxing activity, it has also taught me patience, observation, and attention to detail – qualities I apply when handling tasks that need focus and precision.”
General All-Round Answer (for Any Job Role)
Need a balanced reply for the “tell me about your hobbies” interview questions? Here is one that fits most roles.
“Outside of work, I enjoy a mix of activities like, reading, playing cricket, and volunteering on weekends. These hobbies keep me balanced. Reading helps me learn and stay mentally sharp, cricket teaches me teamwork, and volunteering gives me a sense of purpose. I believe hobbies add depth to a person and often influence how we show up in our professional life.”
Bonus Sample – Interests Instead of Hobbies
If the interviewer asks about interests instead of hobbies, here is a solid what are your interests sample answer to consider.
“One of my core interests is exploring how technology impacts human behaviour. I follow podcasts, blogs, and online courses on this topic. It is not a hobby in the traditional sense, but it keeps me intellectually engaged and aligned with industry trends. This interest often leads to new ideas or ways of solving problems at work.”
Note – Many recruiters often ask “what are your interests?” interview question instead of hobbies.
How to Use These Sample Answers
These what are your hobbies example answers are here to guide you, not to be memorized word-for-word. The key is to personalize your response so it reflects who you truly are. Interviewers look for honesty, clarity, and relevance—so aim to create what are your hobbies best answer that feels authentic to you.
Think of these as reference points to help you prepare for hobby interview questions answers in a confident and natural way.
Note – If you are unsure how to explain hobbies in interview settings, link them to traits that matter in the workplace—like communication, teamwork, or focus.
“What Are Your Hobbies?” Answer Template
Here is a universal answer template for the question “tell me about your hobbies” in interview. This format works across most roles.
I have been into [Hobby] for [Timeframe]. It started as [How it began], but over time, I realized it helps me with [Skill or mindset].
For example, [Brief, real-life example or detail]. It is something I genuinely enjoy, and it has even influenced the way I [Work-related benefit or approach].
Example Using the Template
“I have been into journaling for the past three years. It started as a way to manage stress during college, but over time, I realized it helps me stay organized and reflect clearly.
For example, I often use journaling to review how I handle setbacks, which has made me more thoughtful in my decision-making. It is something I genuinely enjoy, and it has influenced how I manage projects and feedback at work.”
Why Interviewers Ask About Your Hobbies
This common interview question helps recruiters understand your personality, work habits, and how well you might fit into their team culture.
- It adds depth beyond your resume – The hobbies interview question is not about small talk. It helps employers see who you are outside of work—your values, interests, and mindset.
- It shows qualities that matter at work – When answering the interview question “what is your hobby?” think about what your hobby says about you. Does it reflect discipline, creativity, or curiosity?
- It helps assess your soft skills – Hobbies often reflect valuable soft skills. For example, playing a sport may show teamwork, while writing or painting shows focus and creativity.
- It highlights your well-rounded personality – A thoughtful “what are your hobbies and interests” interview answer gives you a chance to share something personal that might not be visible on your resume.
Also Read - How to Make a Resume in 2025 – Beginner’s Guide with Example
5 Smart Ways to Talk about Your Hobbies in an Interview
Interviewers hear the same hobby answers every day. These five unique ways can help you present your interests with real impact.
- Turn your hobby into a story with a takeaway
Instead of simply saying what you enjoy, turn it into a short story. Maybe you started writing a blog during college or organized a small community sports event. This approach answers both how to tell hobbies in interview and how to make them memorable.
Example:
“During my final year in college, I started a small blog on productivity. It began as a personal experiment but ended up teaching me consistency and time management. That is why writing is more than just a hobby to me.”
- Use your hobby to reveal how you think
Talk about what your hobby says about your mindset. For instance, someone who enjoys puzzles might say they enjoy solving complex challenges step by step. It is one of the clever hobbies to tell in interview situations that show thought process and focus.
Example:
“I enjoy solving Sudoku puzzles in my free time. I like working through problems step by step, which also reflects how I approach tasks at work.”
- Relate your hobby to how you handle stress or recharge
Employers often want to know how you balance work and life. Saying, “I paint when I feel mentally blocked—it helps me reset,” is a smart way to show self-awareness. That’s one of the best hobbies to say in interview settings that value emotional intelligence.
Example:
“Painting helps me switch off after a hectic day. It is quiet, focused, and allows me to recharge without screens or distractions.”
- Tie your hobby to your communication style
If you love reading or diary writing, mention how it improves the way you express ideas. If you wonder how to say hobbies in interview, explain how it influences how you speak, write, or listen.
Example:
“I enjoy reading fiction. It helps me understand different perspectives, which I think improves how I communicate and relate to people at work.”
- Frame your hobby as part of your personal growth
Mention what your hobby has taught you recently—discipline, structure, or empathy. That is how you truly answer how to tell about hobbies in interview without sounding rehearsed.
Example:
“Volunteering on weekends has taught me patience and how to work with people from different backgrounds. It is something that has shaped my outlook.”
How to Answer “What Are Your Hobbies?”
Your answer should sound genuine, reflect your personality, and link your hobby to qualities that matter in a professional setting.
Do’s:
- Be specific – Talk briefly about what the hobby involves and what you enjoy about it.
- Keep it relevant – Pick hobbies that highlight useful traits like focus, discipline, or collaboration.
- Add meaning – Explain how the hobby helps you grow. This is key when thinking about how to explain hobbies in interview situations.
Don’ts:
- Avoid long lists – Stick to one or two hobbies. Quality matters more than quantity.
- Skip vague answers – Don’t just say “music” or “movies” without any context.
- Do not fake it – Only talk about hobbies you actually do—interviewers can tell when it’s made up.
For fresh graduates, hobbies for interview for freshers can be powerful when you lack experience. Activities like reading, volunteering, or learning online show initiative and curiosity.
A well-thought-out what are your hobbies and interests interview answer not only adds personality to your profile but also helps the interviewer see you as a balanced, self-aware individual.
How to Choose the Right Hobbies to Say in an Interview
The “what are your hobbies” interview question might seem casual, but your answer can reveal qualities that match with the role. Employers often use this question to learn more about your personality, soft skills, and cultural fit.
Match your hobby with the job
Think about the nature of the role. Does it involve creativity, teamwork, analytical thinking, or communication?
Here are a few examples –
- For creative roles – Painting, photography, writing
- For analytical roles – Puzzle solving, reading nonfiction
- For people-focused roles – Volunteering, sports, public speaking
When your hobby reflects a skill needed for the role, it adds depth to your profile.
Avoid risky or irrelevant choices
Avoid hobbies that sound too extreme, controversial, or isolated—unless you can clearly explain how they have helped you grow. Keep the focus on hobbies that support your professional image.
How to Present Your Hobby
If you are unsure how to tell about hobbies in interview situations, use this simple format –
- What the hobby is
- Why you enjoy it
- What it has taught you
- How it connects to the role (if relevant)
Choose something genuine and speak about it naturally. A well-chosen hobby, explained with confidence, can quietly strengthen your interview performance.
Common Hobbies for Interview
Below is a list of the best hobbies to say in interview settings based on different professional contexts.
| Hobby | Best for |
| Reading | All roles, especially freshers |
| Writing or Journaling | Creative roles, analysts |
| Playing Team Sports | Sales, marketing, operations |
| Volunteering | Freshers, HR, customer support |
| Painting or Drawing | Design, marketing, product teams |
| Travelling | Client-facing roles, freshers |
| Puzzle Solving / Sudoku | Tech, finance, operations |
| Blogging or Content Creation | Marketing, content, freshers |
| Cooking or Baking | All roles (when explained well) |
These are practical hobbies to say in an interview, but always choose ones that are true to you.
Still unsure which hobbies to tell in interview situations? Pick one you enjoy and reflect on what it has taught you.
Wrapping Up
Answering the “What are your hobbies?” interview question is your chance to show who you are beyond your resume. Pick honest, meaningful hobbies and connect them to your strengths.
Looking for a job that fits your skills and interests? Find top tech roles on Hirist, India’s trusted job portal for IT professionals. Start your search with Hirist today.
Also Read - How to Answer 3 Strength and Weakness in Interview (Best Tips with Answers)
FAQs
How should I answer the interview question what is your hobby?
Pick one or two genuine hobbies and explain what you enjoy about them. Then, briefly connect the hobby to a personal quality or skill that is useful in the role—like discipline, creativity, or communication.
What to say if I don’t have any hobbies?
If you don’t have any actual hobbies, mention simple interests that reflect curiosity or balance—like reading articles, listening to podcasts, or going on walks. You don’t need a formal hobby, but avoid saying “nothing” or “I don’t have any” without offering an alternative.
What are the best hobbies for interview for freshers?
Some great hobbies for interview for freshers include reading, writing, volunteering, coding side projects, blogging, or learning online. These hobbies show a willingness to grow, stay engaged, and build useful soft skills even without prior job experience.
Can you share examples of good hobby interview questions answers?
Yes. Good answers usually follow this structure – name the hobby, explain what it means to you, and mention what it has taught you—like focus, time management, or teamwork. Always keep your answer honest and relevant to the role.
What are your hobbies best answer in short?
A strong short answer could be –
“I enjoy reading and playing team sports. They help me stay focused, think clearly, and work well with others.”
Should freshers mention simple hobbies like drawing or cooking?
Yes, absolutely. For freshers, hobbies like drawing, cooking, journaling, or reading are great choices. They reflect creativity, patience, and personal discipline. The key is to explain what the hobby means to you and what it brings out in you.
How often do interviewers ask the hobbies interview question?
The hobbies interview question is quite common, especially in entry-level or behavioral interviews. It often appears early in the conversation to understand your personality or later to assess cultural fit. While not every interviewer asks it, being prepared always helps.
