WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME? (4 GREAT ANSWERS to this Tricky Interview Question!)

In this guide, we will teach you how to answer the tricky interview question, “what do you do in your free time?” This is a really difficult interview question to answer, because most people talk about the WRONG things! Avoid these 5 RED FLAG answers!

TO HELP YOU PASS YOUR INTERVIEW, WE WILL COVER THE FOLLOWING 4 THINGS DURING THIS GUIDE:

#1. We will explain 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 if you want to pass your interview, you need to know what it is!

#2. We will then tell you 5 things you should never say you do in your free time during an interview! These 5 things are RED FLAGS to an employer, so make sure you avoid them at all costs.

#3. We will tell you 10 things you can do in your free time that the hiring manager will find interesting and appealing.

#4. We will give you 3 brilliant scripted answers to the interview question, “what do you do in your free time?”, to help you PASS your interview!

Now, whilst it really isn’t anybody’s business what you do in your free time, the hiring manager is asking you this interview question for two reasons:

REASON #1: What you do in your free time often says a lot about your PERSONALITY, your VALUES, your GOALS, and your WORK ETHIC. They want to employ someone who uses their free time in a certain way.

REASON #2: If you are the type of person who BURNS THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS, you are likely to GO OFF SICK more than the average employee, and you are LESS LIKELY TO BE FLEXIBLE in your working hours.

So, as you can see, the answer you give to the interview question, “What Do You Do In Your Free Time?”, is going to contribute significantly to the overall outcome of your interview.

These 5 things are red flags to a hiring manger, so make sure you avoid them at all costs!

#1. Don’t say you GO OUT DRINKING AND SOCIALIZING regularly.

Whilst there is nothing wrong drinking and socializing, the hiring manager could think your concentration levels at work won’t be up to the required standard.

#2. Don’t say you spend your free time on SOCIAL MEDIA.

Again, whilst there is nothing wrong with going on social media, it isn’t really a good use or your time, and you could be the type of employee who is always scrolling on their phone when they should actually be working!

#3. Don’t say you spend your free time PLAYING COMPUTER GAMES.

If you’re on your computer playing games for hours on end, you are less likely to be energized and motivated when you are at work!

#4. Don’t say you spend your free time WORKING.

If you have a second job, or if you are running a business in your free time, these are not good things to say when answering this interview question. If the hiring manager thinks you are also working elsewhere, they won’t be convinced you will be 100% committed to their company.

#5. Don’t say you spend your free time WATCHING TV.

Watching television is actually a good way to unwind and relax. However, if you spend hours on end watching television or YouTube videos (apart from this channel, of course J) the hiring manager might think you are someone who is lazy, and lacks drive, and ambition!

BEFORE WE GIVE YOU THOSE BRILLIANT SCRIPTED ANSWERS TO THE INTERVIEW QUESTION, “WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?”, LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT 10 POSITIVE WAYS YOU CAN SPEND YOUR TIME!

#1. Is to say that you READ.

There are so many benefits to reading, including increased concentration levels, improved use of words and vocabulary, it helps you to learn, it helps you to relax, and it can also reduce stress and anxiety.

#2. Is to say that you have a HOBBY OR PASTIME.

If you have a hobby or pastime, again it can help you to relax but it also tells the hiring manager you are the type of person who has a passion, and you can commit yourself to something meaningful. More often than not, hobbies require the ability to learn and apply yourself consistently over a prolonged period of time.

#3. Is to say that you PLAY A MUSCIAL INSTRUMENT.

Playing a musical instrument is great on so many levels. Firstly, you have to learn how to play the instrument which takes time, effort, commitment, and concentration. Secondly, it often means you play your musical instrument alongside other people. This requires teamwork, understanding, and collaboration skills. Finally, playing a musical instrument is a great way to relax, unwind, and improve your mental health. 

#4. Is to say that you LOOK AFTER YOUR FAMILY OR RELATIVES.

You might be a single parent, or you might be taking care of elderly or sick relatives. If you are a single parent, hats off to you! This takes discipline, patience, understanding, and lots of energy. If you are looking after sick parents or relatives, it shows you to be a compassionate and considerate person. All of these are skills and qualities are very much needed in the workplace, and they will be appealing to the hiring manager!

#5. Is to say that you are PART OF A GROUP, CLUB, OR SOCIETY.

This is a brilliant one to say how you spend your free time. You might sing in a choir, be part of a neighbourhood watch scheme, be a member of a swimming or running club, or even be part or a dancing class. Whichever one it is, if you are part of a group, club, or society, it tells the interviewer you are someone who has good teamworking and communication skills.

#6. Is to say that you STUDY ONLINE TRAINING COURSES.

If you are the type of person who often studies online by way of online videos or training courses through websites such as Udemy.com, this shows you to be someone who wants to continually learn, improve and grow as a person, which can only be a good thing for the employer!

#7. Is to say you KEEP YOURSELF FIT AND ACTIVE.

If you keep yourself fit and active by attending a gym, or by cycling, running or gardening for example, it often means your concentration levels are better than the average person, you have lots of energy, and you can easily deal with the stress and pressures of the workplace.

#8. Is to say that you SPEND YOUR FREE TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

If you spend time with your friends and family it will often mean you are a caring person, you are settled and stable, and you have specific social and interpersonal skills that are undoubtedly going to be useful in the workplace.

#9. Is to say that you have CREATIVE INTERESTS.

Creative interests include painting and drawing, sewing, acting, and even digital photography. Creativity is an invaluable workplace skill that can help a business grow, increase sales, and develop new products and services.

#10. Is to say that you VOLUNTEER.

Volunteering is a great way to use your free time and I guarantee it will impress the hiring manager. If you volunteer, you are probably a caring person with a selfless attitude who always puts the needs of others before your own.