How to answer interview question, “What do you do in your free time”

There is an interview question that keeps coming up during job interviews, but candidates keep answering it incorrectly and that question is “what do you do in your free time”. In this article, you will learn What Do You Do in Your Free Time Answer.

Majority of candidates think this is an invitation to start talking about how they go out with their friends, drinking, or how they spend loads of time on the internet or scrolling through social media. Those are not the things you want to say in response to this difficult interview questions.

If you have a job interview coming up soon for any role or organization, make sure you read this post from start to finish because you will learn the scripted answer.

How to answer interview question, “What do you do in your free time”

To help you pass your interview, this post will cover the following four things:

  • Reasons why the interviewer is asking you the question, what do you do in your free time. There is a specific reason why this question is being asked and you need to know what it is.
  • List of good things to include in your answer to the interview question what do you do in your free time, and list of things to AVOID.
  • 3 brilliant sample answers to the interview question, what do you do in your free time.

REASONS WHY IS THE INTERVIEWER IS ASKING YOU THE QUESTION, WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?

If you use your free time partying, drinking, and generally burning the candle at both ends, it could mean you will have more time off for sickness reasons, or your energy levels when you are at work will be significantly reduced.

They want to assess what you do in your free time because those candidates who dedicate some of their time to self-improvement and self-development activities are more likely going to be high-achievers in the workplace.

List of things you should avoid saying when answering the question, what do you do in your free time

These five things are red flags to a hiring manager, so make sure you avoid them at all costs.

  1. Do not say you spend your free time watching television or scrolling the internet.

Although there’s nothing wrong with these activities, the interviewer might think you’re lazy.

  1. Do not say you do nothing in your free time.

Although what you do in your free time is nobody else’s business, this is your opportunity to show the interviewer you are active and also someone who is always improving and learning.

  1. Do not say you spend your free time partying, drinking lots of alcohol, or generally burning the candle at both ends.

Don’t forget, if you say any of these things, the interviewer may think your sickness rate will be higher than normal.

  1. Do not say you spend much of your free time on social media.

Again, the interviewer might think you’re lazy and you don’t have much ambition.

  1. Do not say you spend some of your free time side hustling, doing other jobs, or running your own business.

The interview will definitely be concerned that your attention and passion will be elsewhere and not focused on your work for their company.

5 great things to say when answering the interview question, what do you do in your free time

1. Saying that you spend a lot of your free time looking after your children or loved ones, or just spending time with your family, show your priorities are right, you have good morals, and you are a caring person.

All of these things are great qualities that a hiring manager will look for.

2. Saying you spend some of your free time in the gym, out walking or running, or generally taking care of your health and well-being will tell the interviewer you have good energy levels and you are less likely to take time off for sickness reasons.

3. Saying you spend some of your free time reading either fiction or non-fiction books tells the hiring manager you are able to sit down and apply yourself.

You most probably have good concentration levels, you are patient and you want to improve and develop.

4. Saying you spend some of your free time studying for an exam or learning online training courses shows you aspire to be better both personally and professionally.

These types of free time activities will be attractive to all hiring managers.

5. Saying you spend your free time partaking in a niche hobby, interest, or playing team sports is a great thing to say in response to this tough interview question.

It shows you are passionate about something, you can apply yourself, you are a good team worker, and you can learn new things.

All of these things will be appealing to the hiring manager.

What Do You Do in Your Free Time Sample Answers

Below are 3 brilliant example answers to that really difficult interview question, what do you do in your free time?

Question: What do you do in your free time?

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME ANSWER OPTION 1:

“I spend my free time by working out, going to the gym, and generally keeping myself fit and active. This helps me to maintain concentration levels for when I am at work, and it also helps to boost my energy levels too.

In my free time, I also like to read non-fiction books because I have a passion for learning and self-development. When I’m not keeping fit or reading, I like to relax and unwind by spending time with my family and my loved ones.”

Question: What do you do in your free time?

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME ANSWER OPTION 2:

“I spend most of my free time taking care of my children. Being a single parent takes up most of my spare time, and although I really enjoy raising my children and giving them a secure and safe home, it doesn’t really leave much time for anything else.

However, my parents are always on hand to take care of my children whenever I need to work extra hours or when I want to see my friends. And if I do ever get any free time, I also enjoy reading books and listening to music.”

Question: What do you do in your free time?

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME ANSWER OPTION 3:

“I am currently studying an online training course in my free time that will give me a qualification in computer studies. I am doing this simply because I want to broaden my skills and knowledge for when I am at work.

I’m very passionate about self-development and I like to be working towards achieving something in my free time that helps me to grow professionally.

I also play football at the weekends and I enjoy the competitiveness and the camaraderie that team sports brings, and it also helps me to keep physically fit.”

There’s three brilliant sample answers to that interview question, What do you do in your free time that are going to help you be the standout candidate?

Thank you so much for reading and for paying attention, and I wish you all the best for passing your interview.

by Scholars Hub

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