Ideal Ways To Answer 'What Are Your Interests?'

An interest is something you are curious about and have a desire or will to learn more about it. An interest can be focused on an activity, idea, event, or topic and can be short-lived or can span a longer period of time. Interests show your desire to know more about something and having interests, whether they be grounded in your personal life or influenced by your profession, show that you have a growth mindset and are always seeking to better yourself and become a more informed individual.

Interviewers can ask this question to understand how your lifestyle and values relate to the position you are seeking. Your response to this question can provide insight into the kind of employee you will be and how well you can fit into the culture of the company. Answering confidently about your interests will indicate your strong communication skills and show that you value learning in all aspects of your life. Relating your interests can also help interviewers understand better your complete skill set and how your abilities fit the needs of the position.

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Effectively explaining what your interests are and knowing how that response is relevant to the position you seek can help you show a hiring manager that you are a viable candidate. Your response to this question is an opportunity to further convey the soft skills or transferrable skills you can apply in your role. Use the steps below to help you plan your own response to the question, “What are your interests?”:

1. Review the job qualifications and responsibilities. Revisit the official job description listed on the company website and identify the key components and skills required to successfully complete the job. Look at the company’s mission statement and familiarize yourself with the values of the company through their online presence on social media, any non-profit organizations they support, and other information found on their site or through external media releases, articles, and reports. This will help you determine the company culture.
2. Identify applicable interests. Select the interests you hold that align with the values and interests of the company.
3. Determine the skills you’ve acquired. Indicate how the interests you hold and the skills you have and will acquire through the pursuit of your interests can help you in the daily tasks of your job responsibilities. You should be specific and list your strengths like adaptability or responsive listening and other crucial skills that can help show you are a good candidate for the job.
4. Connect your interests and the position. When establishing a connection, you should be as specific as possible to express your knowledge of your interests and skills as well as your familiarity with the company. For example, you can indicate how an interest in the wellbeing of animals supports the company’s participation in the annual pet adoption telethon.
5. Use an example when possible. To further elaborate upon your interests, consider providing clear examples when possible. Give quantifiable information in the form of numbers, dates, and exact actions you have taken. Consider implementing the STAR technique where you present a situation and the task that needed attention. Indicate the actions you took and the results. This method helps to focus your answer and provide crucial details that highlight your abilities and knowledge and that you may otherwise miss.

Some interests you can consider when planning your own response to the question “what are your interests?” are:

• Environmental conservation
• Nature
• Animal rights
• Travel
• Foreign or new cuisine
• Reading
• History
• Foreign languages
• Art
• Music
• Research
• Meditation
• Volunteerism

Depending on the exact position you are applying for and the industry you’re in, there are many ways to properly address this question. You may even discuss an interest that doesn’t immediately seem to relate directly to the role but has a connection based on relevant skills. Here are some examples of good responses to the question about your interests to help you prepare for an interview:

Example 1: Sales associate

I have an outgoing personality and I am interested in helping others. I think one of the most gratifying things is to assist customers in selecting quality products that fill a need or satisfy a want. Besides helping people, I am interested in communications and persuasion. I am taking a persuasive writing class currently that has helped me see how careful selection of language can persuade others to make decisions and form opinions based on my presentation of ideas. I look forward to using my communication skills and persuasive abilities to up-sell products for the company and show customers the value of high-end products.  

Example 2: Teacher

I have always been interested in helping others feel a sense of accomplishment. To do this for my students, I focus on creating lessons that gain their interest quickly. This creates curiosity in the topic we are studying and inspires them to search for answers. Students, and adults, learn best from one another, and I take an interest in finding alternative ways to deliver lessons and help them accomplish their learning goals in an engaging way. 

One of my most recent experiences was an instance where one of my students was struggling with understanding rhetorical devices. It was challenging to create a lesson that piqued her interest in a topic she was hating. I used social media posts to harness her interest. It was a relatable vehicle for her and she felt comfortable. We worked together to analyze the message of each image and slowly she saw how those strategies are used to influence opinion. She passed the district benchmark examination testing that skill and could tutor other students struggling with the same concept.

Example 3: Marketing director

I love puzzles and competition. Right now I am finding chess very interesting. I enjoy trying to figure out different ways to solve some consistent problems. In chess, I am particularly impressed with how players must be able to somewhat successfully predict the outcome of a game before it is completed. I apply this skill in my work when planning out and creating campaigns. 

I try to find fresh ways to solve the problem of reaching our target audience and understand that the competition in our industry makes us all better because we are constantly changing. I think that keeping the mind sharp through problem-solving and critical thinking offered in games like chess and other strategy-focused puzzles makes me a better creator and leader for my team.

Example 4: Account manager

I am obsessed with organization. I want to know every possible way to order items and I am constantly looking for different methods to help streamline my life and work. I have a strong desire to work more effectively and efficiently, and being extremely organized is one of the best methods. I recently read a book about minimalist living and I found that when I applied those ideals to my workspace, my productivity increased immensely. I could communicate with multiple clients more rapidly daily, and I had the answers to important questions ready when asked. 

Example 5: Event planner

I love trying new cuisine. As soon as a new restaurant opens, I gather my friends and family to join in on the experience. Particularly when experiencing food from different regions, I like to see the new and inventive ways that flavors come together. It usually inspires me to learn about different cultures and see how history has really shaped and influenced food. 

My most recent client was hosting an event where he needed to be sensitive to many people’s different needs. He was having difficulty finding menu items that would appeal to his guests. I was able to suggest a good selection of appetizers for him to choose from. Because a lot of the food was new to his guests, they enjoyed the experience and were able to discover some new likes as well. The event was a success and helped my client land the project he desired.

Interviewers ultimately want to know who you are as person to understand who you will be as an employee. Explaining what are your interests in an engaging and relevant way during your job interview can show your true strengths and values. Share what your interview experience was like for any company.