Latest / Interview Prep with Fexingo: Behavioral Questions, Case Studies, and Hiring Manager Insights / Answering the What Do You Do in Your Free Time Interview Question
Transcript
- Lucas: So you've updated your resume, you've rehearsed your 'tell me about yourself,' and then the interviewer leans back and asks, 'So what do you do in your free time?' And suddenly, the easy question feels like the hardest one. Luna: Right, because you're thinking, do they actually care, or is this a trap? Lucas: Exactly. And it's not a trap, but it is a test. And you know, this is the kind of question that separates the candidates who just prepared answers from the ones who can actually hold a conversation. But before we dig in, a quick reminder — if you've gotten value out of these episodes, a couple of dollars a month is genuinely what keeps these going. You can find us at buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo. It helps us keep everything ad-free and focused on the content. Luna: Yeah, and it really does make a difference. Every little bit counts, so thanks to anyone who's already supported the show. Lucas: Alright, so let's talk about why this question even comes up. Hiring managers aren't trying to make small talk for the sake of it. They're looking for signals about who you are beyond the bullet points. Luna: Exactly. And the risk is that you either sound like a robot — 'I enjoy reading and hiking' — or you overshare and mention something that raises red flags. Lucas: Yeah, we've all heard the advice to 'just be yourself,' but that's not helpful. The real strategy is to pick a hobby that reinforces a trait relevant to the job. Think about it as 'passion plus purpose.' You don't just say, 'I run marathons.' You say, 'I run marathons, and it's taught me how to set long-term goals and stick with a training plan even when I don't feel like it.' Luna: That's a great framework. So you're connecting the hobby to a skill or value that matters in the workplace. Can you give us a concrete example? Lucas: Sure. Let's say you're interviewing for a project management role. You could mention that you organize a local community volunteer group. That shows leadership, coordination, and follow-through. Or if you're going for a data analyst position, you might mention you run a fantasy football league and track all the stats yourself. It shows analytical thinking and attention to detail. Luna: And it feels authentic because it's true. You're not shoehorning a corporate buzzword into something you actually enjoy. Lucas: Right. And the key is to be specific. Instead of saying 'I like photography,' say 'I do street photography on weekends, and I've been working on a series about urban architecture.' That gives the interviewer a hook to ask a follow-up, and it makes you memorable. Luna: So what are the common pitfalls? Besides the generic 'reading and hiking' answer. Lucas: The biggest one is mentioning something that could be seen as a liability. I had a client who casually mentioned he spends his free time playing video games, and the interviewer — who was older and not a gamer — took that as a sign of low ambition. It's unfair, but it happens. So you have to read the room. Luna: That's tricky, because gaming actually demonstrates problem-solving and resilience. But you're right, the perception matters. Lucas: Exactly. So if you're a gamer, you might frame it as 'I'm part of an online community where we coordinate strategies for complex team-based games.' That sounds a lot more professional than 'I play World of Warcraft for six hours a day.' Luna: And what about oversharing? Like, talking about a recent breakup or a health issue? Lucas: Yeah, that's a hard no. The free time question is not an invitation to unload. You want to keep it light and positive. If something personal comes up naturally later, fine, but in this context, you're still in professional mode. Luna: So if your hobby is something like knitting, which is maybe seen as 'old-fashioned,' how do you make that work? Lucas: Great question. Knitting actually shows patience, creativity, and attention to detail. So you could say, 'I knit, and I've made gifts for friends and family. It's a way for me to unwind and be creative after a day of analytical work.' That flips the stereotype on its head. Luna: I love that reframe. So the key is to find the transferable skill in whatever you genuinely enjoy. Lucas: Exactly. And one more tip — you don't have to limit yourself to one hobby. You can mention two or three, but keep them connected to a theme. Maybe you're 'someone who likes to stay active and learn new things.' Then you talk about your weekend hikes and your online language classes. Luna: That gives a fuller picture without sounding scattered. Lucas: Yes, and it also shows you're a well-rounded person, which is something hiring managers often look for. They want to know you're not going to burn out and that you have outside interests that keep you balanced. Luna: Now, what if you truly don't have any hobbies? Like, you're a workaholic and your free time is just catching up on sleep. Lucas: I'd say everyone has something. Maybe you cook, maybe you follow a sports team religiously, maybe you're into DIY home projects. The key is to frame it in a way that shows something positive. Even 'I'm a huge football fan' can work if you say, 'I love the strategy of the game and I'm part of a fantasy league where I have to analyze player stats every week.' Luna: So it's all about the framing. Okay, let's talk about the delivery. Should you be enthusiastic? Lucas: Absolutely. This is the one question where you can show genuine excitement. If you're passionate about something, let that come through. It's a chance to show you're a human being, not just a set of skills. Luna: And what if the interviewer follows up with a question about your hobby? Like, 'Oh, you run marathons, which one?' Lucas: Then you're in the clear. That's a sign they're engaged. Just answer naturally and don't over-elaborate unless they ask for more. Keep it to one or two sentences, and then you can pivot back to the job by saying something like, 'But that's just my Sunday hobby. What I'm really excited about is this role because...' Luna: That's a smooth transition. So you're using the hobby to build rapport, but then bringing it back to the professional. Lucas: Exactly. And that's the whole game. You want to leave the interviewer with a clear sense of who you are and how you'd fit into their team. The free time question is your chance to show personality, but you have to keep it purposeful. Luna: Alright, so let's wrap up with a quick summary. What's the one takeaway you want listeners to remember? Lucas: The takeaway is this: don't just answer the question, use it. Pick a hobby that highlights a trait or skill that matters for the role, be specific, and show some genuine enthusiasm. That's how you turn a seemingly casual question into a memorable, positive impression. Luna: Perfect. 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