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What Do You Like To Do For Fun?: Why It Is Asked & How To Answer [With Sample Answers]

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Imagine having a successful interview, but then you get to a seemingly random open-ended question.

Are you struggling to answer “what do you like to do for fun?” You’re not alone.

It’s difficult for many to tell an interviewer what they like to do for fun, and it’s hard to correctly prepare a professional answer.

Keep reading to learn why you may receive this question.

Then, consider a few sample answers to help you create the perfect response for your next job interview.

Why Do Interviewers Ask “What Do You Like To Do For Fun?”

The simple answer is interviewers ask this question to get to know you as a person rather than as a professional employee.

Also, it’s a chance to see if your interests align with what you’ll be doing as an employee.

Plus, it’s the kind of question that proves whether or not you’ll enjoy talking to the employees around you.

Hearing what you like to do for fun can build relationships in the workplace.

Your enjoyment doesn’t need to fit in with company culture, but it benefits trust and team building.

What Is the Interviewer Looking For?

An interviewer is looking for the depth of your character.

So when you’re talking about what you do for fun, you’re essentially mentioning a few hobbies that you have.

With that in mind, the interviewer is looking to see if you have hobbies that create a work-life balance that doesn’t contribute additional stress to your life.

In addition, you want an interviewer to know that you’re dedicated to the position.

Here is another way to think about it, someone who spends time on the couch could seem less ambitious than someone who brings energy and innovation to a work environment.

Also, a hiring manager is looking to see how you talk about the things you like to do for fun.

If you’re unable to speak passionately about what you enjoy doing for fun, then how is an interviewer supposed to believe what you’re saying?

How To Answer “What Do You Like To Do For Fun?”

Giving memorable answers is the best way to answer this interview question.

Remember to talk about what makes you happy while still sounding professional and mention certain hobbies you might have in your free time.

When you sit with a hiring manager, you must remember to directly answer “what do you like to do for fun?” and not deviate from the question to discuss various hobbies. 

Also, you don’t want to sound unsure of yourself.

As long as you remain confident and concise when telling an interviewer what interests you, you’ll leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.

What To Focus on When Answering This Question

The question “what do you like to do for fun?” is an important, open-ended interview question, and the goal is for an interviewer to learn more about you.

Here are a few things to focus on when answering this question:

  • Think of a list of things you like to do for fun.
  • Choose hobbies that make you look best as a candidate.
  • Focus on things that make you unique.
  • Focus on tying your hobbies back to the job.

Everyone has something in their life that they like to do for fun.

Focusing on hobbies that interest you or have allowed you new experiences is important.

Passion and curiosity are valued qualities that employers look for in a candidate.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

An interviewer looks for unappealing or dangerous answers to “what do you like to do for fun?”

We’ve found some things to avoid when answering, “what do you like to do for fun?”:

  • Avoid talking about anything political.
  • Avoiding mentioning anything potentially illegal.
  • Don’t mention hobbies that make you sound unreliable.
  • Don’t say that you don’t have any hobbies.

Nobody wants to ruin their chances of getting a new job, so putting your best foot forward during an interview is essential.

Plus, you can take these avoidances into other common interview questions.

Examples: How to Answer “What Do You Like To Do For Fun?”

If you receive the question, “what do you like to do for fun?” you can use these sample answers to find ideas and create different responses to help you make the most of every interview.

Example Answer 1

“Since I was in high school, I’ve been a part of a volunteer group at my local library.

My favorite part of this group is reading to the kids.

I’ve had a passion for literature all my life, and it’s wonderful to see the kids gaining that same passion over time.

Reading to the kids gave me the aspiration to become a teacher.

The kids must have somewhere safe to read and write when not at school.

It warms my heart to hear how much a child loved being at the library.”

Why This Answer Works

We like this answer because it’s relevant to your prior work and volunteer experience.

Also, it correlates to the job the applicant is currently applying for.

You’re sharing your passion for teaching and using specific skills and attributes to help younger kids.

Example Answer 2

“One of my favorite things to do for fun is play soccer.

I started playing at a young age and was recruited to play in college on a scholarship.

However, the most amazing time I had was when I got to study abroad in Spain and play soccer with an international team.

After a long work week, I love going to the field and playing on my own or with the local rec team.

It’s not as competitive as when I used to play, but running down the field is a great stress reliever.

Recently, they asked me to coordinate the schedule for the entire league, along with home and away games.

A few months ago, I started coaching for the first time.

My son is excited to play, and it’s incredible to pass on my love for this sport.

There’s something so satisfying about creatively thinking about how I will teach the kids to play soccer.”

Why This Answer Works

This answer works because it focuses on something you like to do for fun while reflecting your strengths and values as a player and a coach.

You’re showing how this sport helped you get your college degree and allowed you to travel to another country.

Furthermore, we like this answer because you’re explaining how you’re hardworking and organized since they trusted you to make the schedule.

Coaching your son shows that you are passionate about your family and want to pass on a skill you learned as a child.

Example Answer 3

“I’ve always been a fan of creative writing.

I enjoy writing in my journal in my spare time.

I always want to have my thoughts organized and written on paper.

I aim to spend a half-hour every night making a new journal entry about some of my favorite topics in life.

However, I also use this journal to write about my home life, work, and long-term and short-term goals.

Aside from personal writing, I also have a fiction writing blog that I actively write on and encourage others to do the same.

Whether I’m writing in my journal or keeping up with my writing blog, I find that these hobbies help me keep myself organized for work.

Having certain tasks and projects written down helps me to remain on task and shows me what I need to accomplish.”

Why This Answer Works

This answer works because writing leads to self-reflection while also displaying that you’re a creative thinker.

Plus, stating that you enjoy writing at night shows that you won’t journal while working and that you’re disciplined enough to write continuously each night.

Additional Tips for Impressing an Interviewer Asking What Do You Like To Do For Fun?

We’ve added three more tips for impressing a hiring manager asking, “what do you like to do for fun?”

1. Avoid a Long Pause  

It’s not uncommon for you to need a second or two to come up with an answer.

There’s no shame in taking a second to formulate the proper response.

You want to ensure you’re prepared for your interview and can answer various questions.

If you take too long to answer, an interviewer might think that you’re sharing things that aren’t true, or they’ll be cautious about hiring a candidate that hesitates on an open-ended question.

The best way to impress an interviewer is to take a deep breath and think about what you like to do for fun.

Then, you’ll confidently talk about what you like to do for fun.

2. Prepare for This Question  

Most interviewers aren’t asking this question to trick you.

Instead, they’re looking for a candidate who understands the role and how their personal life could impact their work duties.

It would be best if you prepared an answer this question with examples that don’t overshadow the work you’ll be doing for the company.

3. Be Honest

When you’re telling an interviewer what you like to do for fun, you need to remain truthful because it shows that you’re an honorable candidate.

Additional Questions To Be Aware Of

There are many different questions you have to answer during your next job interview.

Consider being aware of these popular interview questions to help you prepare for your next interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you step in for your next interview, you may still have questions about how to talk about what you like to do for fun.

Here are a few frequently asked questions for you to think about.

What do teenagers do for fun?

Here are a few things teenagers like to do for fun:

  • Dancing
  • Exploring
  • Gaming
  • Makeup
  • Music
  • Photography
  • Reading
  • Sports
  • Traveling
  • Writing

You can take the hobbies you’re passionate about and use them to further your future resume.

How do I find fun in life?

Finding the fun in life revolves around trial and error.

If you don’t try new things, you’ll never find what’s fun.

Wrapping Up

The interview question “what do you like to do for fun?” is a great chance to show a hiring manager who you are outside the workplace.

You’re being allowed to connect with the interviewer in a less formal way, and it’s a great chance to mention what you’re passionate about.

Remember to make your answer personalized based on your hobbies and the job you’re interviewing for.

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