Why What Are My Interests Might Be Your Secret Weapon For Acing Any Interview
Written by
James Miller, Career Coach
Interviews, sales calls, and even casual networking conversations often include questions that seem like small talk, yet they carry significant weight. One such question, often phrased as "What are your interests?", can feel deceptively simple. However, mastering how to discuss what are my interests effectively can differentiate you, showcase your personality, and even reveal crucial transferable skills. This isn't just about sharing hobbies; it's a strategic opportunity to connect, build rapport, and highlight your suitability for a role or program [^1][^2].
Why Do Interviewers Ask About what are my interests?
The primary reason interviewers inquire about what are my interests goes beyond mere curiosity. They're trying to understand you as a whole person, not just a resume. This question serves several key purposes:
Assessing Alignment and Motivation: For professional roles, interviewers want to gauge your enthusiasm for the job and your career path. Knowing your professional interests helps them see if you're genuinely passionate about the work [^1].
Gauging Cultural Fit: Your personal interests can reveal whether you'd thrive in the company's environment and contribute positively to the team [^1][^3]. Do you engage in team activities? Are you curious and continuously learning?
Revealing Transferable Skills: Hobbies and interests often cultivate valuable skills like teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and creativity, which are highly relevant in professional settings [^2].
Building Rapport: Sharing authentic interests can create a human connection, making the interview feel more like a conversation and less like an interrogation [^4].
It's crucial to understand the distinction between "professional interests" (areas within your career that genuinely excite you) and "personal interests" (hobbies or activities outside of work). Sometimes, clarifying which type of what are my interests the interviewer is asking about can help you tailor your response effectively [^1].
How Can You Identify and Articulate what are my interests Effectively?
To confidently answer questions about what are my interests, self-reflection and strategic preparation are key.
Reflect on Your Professional Passions
Think about specific projects, tasks, or areas within your career or studies that truly engage you. For instance, if you're a marketer, is it the creative brainstorming phase, the data analysis, or the client interaction that energizes you most? Highlight these specific professional interests to show your genuine motivation [^1].
Highlight Relevant Hobbies That Showcase Transferable Skills
Your hobbies are goldmines for demonstrating soft skills. When considering what are my interests to share, focus on those that align with qualities valued in the job or program you're applying for.
For example, consider how different types of what are my interests can highlight valuable skills:
| Interest Type | What It Shows | How to Present It |
| :--------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Team sports | Teamwork, leadership, communication | "My passion for soccer has taught me invaluable lessons about collaboration and effective communication under pressure." |
| Chess or Puzzles | Analytical and problem-solving skills | "Solving complex chess problems has honed my analytical thinking, a skill I believe is essential for [job requirement]." |
| Creative pursuits (writing, art) | Creativity, attention to detail | "My love for creative writing helps me think innovatively and pay close attention to detail, which I apply to [work task]." |
| Volunteering/Community Service | Empathy, social responsibility, initiative | "Volunteering with [organization] has deepened my understanding of community needs and strengthened my organizational skills." |
Personal Interests to Show Cultural Fit
Beyond skills, personal what are my interests demonstrate your well-roundedness and how you might contribute to the team's dynamics. Choose interests that reflect positive use of your free time, like sports, volunteering, or learning new languages [^3]. These can be conversation starters and help build a genuine connection.
What Are Common Challenges When Discussing what are my interests?
Even with preparation, candidates often face hurdles when discussing what are my interests:
Uncertainty About What to Share: Many struggle with identifying which interests are appropriate or how to connect them to the job [^1][^3].
Over-sharing or Being Too Vague: Giving too much irrelevant personal information or, conversely, providing generic answers that don't differentiate you [^2].
Fear of Being Judged: Worrying that certain hobbies or what are my interests might be perceived negatively, leading to a hesitant or inauthentic response [^3].
Lack of Clarity on the Question: Not knowing if the interviewer means professional or personal interests can lead to an off-target answer [^1]. When in doubt, it's perfectly acceptable to politely ask for clarification.
What Actionable Advice Can Improve Your Response to what are my interests?
To turn what could be a small talk question into a powerful moment, follow these practical tips:
Prepare and Practice: Identify 2-3 specific what are my interests that you can genuinely discuss. Make sure they either relate to the role or demonstrate valuable skills and values important to the employer [^2].
Be Authentic: Choose interests that are genuinely important to you. Authenticity shines through and makes you appear sincere and confident [^1]. Don't invent hobbies just to impress.
Link Interests to Job Skills: Always connect your what are my interests back to the role. For example, if you enjoy hiking, you might mention how it fosters perseverance and problem-solving in challenging situations, linking these to the job's demands [^2].
Keep It Positive and Engaging: Use this opportunity to showcase interesting facets of your personality and enthusiasm. Your energy can be contagious [^4].
Use Interests to Connect: If you’ve researched the company culture or if the interviewer reveals some of their own what are my interests, gently align your answers to build rapport. This shows you've done your homework and are attentive [^1][^4].
Balance Professional and Personal: If the interview is mid-stage, focus more on professional what are my interests. If it's at the beginning or end, personal interests can be more appropriate for building rapport [^1]. If unsure, ask for clarification: "Are you curious about my professional interests related to the role, or my personal hobbies outside of work?"
Whether it’s a job interview, a college application, or a sales call, thoughtfully presenting your what are my interests is more than just sharing trivia. It's a strategic way to differentiate yourself, show authentic passion, highlight transferable skills, and demonstrate cultural fit, ultimately contributing to a memorable and successful interaction [^1][^2][^3].
How Can Verve AI Copilot Help You With what are my interests?
Preparing for an interview often means anticipating questions like "What are your interests?" and crafting compelling, authentic responses. The Verve AI Interview Copilot can be an invaluable tool in this process. It helps you practice your answers, providing real-time feedback on your clarity, confidence, and how well you connect your personal narrative to professional objectives. With Verve AI Interview Copilot, you can refine how you articulate what are my interests, ensuring your responses are concise, engaging, and relevant to the role. This preparation helps you walk into any professional conversation feeling more confident and ready to make a strong impression. Experience the difference with Verve AI Interview Copilot at https://vervecopilot.com.
What Are the Most Common Questions About what are my interests?
Q: Is it okay to mention a hobby that isn't directly related to the job?
A: Yes, if you can link it to a transferable skill like discipline, teamwork, or problem-solving.
Q: Should I share a very niche or unusual interest?
A: Be mindful. If it's too niche, ensure you can explain it simply and relate it to a positive trait without oversharing.
Q: What if I don't have many interesting hobbies?
A: Focus on professional development interests, learning new skills, or even simple activities that show positive traits.
Q: How long should my answer be when discussing what are my interests?
A: Keep it concise, 30-60 seconds is ideal. Focus on quality over quantity, highlighting key takeaways.
Q: Can discussing what are my interests hurt my chances?
A: Only if you overshare, discuss controversial topics, or fail to connect it positively to the professional context.
[^1]: The Muse
[^2]: Management.org
[^3]: YouTube - CareerVillage.org
[^4]: CareerVillage.org
