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I had two interviews that asked what I do for fun. It strikes me as such a bizarre question. Are they trying to look for weaknesses, like if someone says they like to dance and go out they interpret that as the person is undependable and has a drinking problem?
I answered traveling, and it turns out I just visited the manager's favorite place in the US. I got the job. Coincidence?
It is an icebreaker. They want to see how you converse when you are not working from prepared, scripted answers.
There is usually no ulterior motive, although some managers might favor people with similar interests. That is a pretty poor item to consider when making hiring decisions I think.
I had two interviews that asked what I do for fun. It strikes me as such a bizarre question. Are they trying to look for weaknesses, like if someone says they like to dance and go out they interpret that as the person is undependable and has a drinking problem?
I answered traveling, and it turns out I just visited the manager's favorite place in the US. I got the job. Coincidence?
One reason is probably to legitimately make small talk and to get to know you.
But the other reason is probably to see if you want to do your job.
If you were interviewing for a job an electrical engineer, and you liked tech and to write code in your spare time, then I would assume that at least half of the time at work might be enjoyable to you. Meanwhile, another person interviewing for the same job who loves sports and travel, well he might hate every second of his job. You don't really want that as an employer.
I actually think it's one of the more useful 'behavioral' questions, because most people won't be thinking about it and will tend to answer it truthfully.
*shrug* My experience has been every time they ask about my personal interests, I get the job. When they don't, I don't get the job. So I tend to view those questions as a good sign.
One reason is probably to legitimately make small talk and to get to know you.
But the other reason is probably to see if you want to do your job.
If you were interviewing for a job an electrical engineer, and you liked tech and to write code in your spare time, then I would assume that at least half of the time at work might be enjoyable to you. Meanwhile, another person interviewing for the same job who loves sports and travel, well he might hate every second of his job. You don't really want that as an employer.
I actually think it's one of the more useful 'behavioral' questions, because most people won't be thinking about it and will tend to answer it truthfully.
If you are right I should never have gotten a job. I'm not interested in what I do at all. Then again, find me a compliance person who says they read SEC regulations in their spare time and you've found a liar. No one would do anything related to compliance outside of work.
I ask the question to see if the interviewee has some semblance of life balance. People with no interests other than their work tend to have emotional baggage we don't need in the workplace.
I got asked that question today. Mentioned my love for jazz and that one sentence sparked a 10 minute conversation on music and such. The guy asked me for a second interview before I hung up the phone.
One reason is probably to legitimately make small talk and to get to know you.
But the other reason is probably to see if you want to do your job.
If you were interviewing for a job an electrical engineer, and you liked tech and to write code in your spare time, then I would assume that at least half of the time at work might be enjoyable to you. Meanwhile, another person interviewing for the same job who loves sports and travel, well he might hate every second of his job. You don't really want that as an employer.
I actually think it's one of the more useful 'behavioral' questions, because most people won't be thinking about it and will tend to answer it truthfully.
I disagree
My hobbies have absolutely nothing to do with my career. I am a software developer but I am VERY low-tech when I'm at home. I only just recently got a smart phone (and I wasn't really pressing to get it.) no gaming system, and just my oldish MacBook for personal use (I do have a desktop for work-related stuff.)
As Fishbrains mentioned, I think it's easier to notice the BS and brown-nosing when you are asked more personal less-scripted questions.
In the past, my interviewer(s) have been more interested in my hobbies which become long discussions and they start asking me questions ..less and less interview/work related and more just actual conversation/small-talk.
It also allows them to see how personable you are, and gives them a better view of your personality.
In my opinion, it helps them remember you, which can be a every good thing.
Because its more important to socialize/party/hobnob in and out of the workplace these days than it is toooooooo.... Work and do your job
Thus why the economy is in the complete tank and america is falling behind the rest of the world at a rapid pace
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