How to Answer: What extra-curricular activities interest you?
15. What extra-curricular activities interest you?
How to Answer
The types of extra-curricular activities that you choose to give your time to will tell the interviewer a great deal about you and your personality. Make sure to keep your answer appropriate. Holding the title of 'Beer Pong Champion' isn't what the interviewer is after. Perhaps you volunteer on the side, spend a lot of time with your little brother, take pottery classes, or are taking sommelier courses. This question is one that you can ask in return if you want to build further rapport with your interviewer!
Answer Example
"I am currently training to run a marathon which takes up a lot of my extra time. I run nearly every day, between 15-25 miles per day, with two alternate rest days. Have you ever competed in a race? I am nervous and will take any advice I can get!"
Admin
"I have a creative edge, in addition to my penchant for organization and communication. I take watercolor painting classes at the community arts college. I have met some great new friends with similar interests, and my painting skills have greatly improved. I would love to show you my work sometime! Have you ever painted?"
Manager
"I have a strong interest in reading, and try to read one book per week. It sounds like a lot, I know, but I am so dedicated to my personal and professional development that I make sure to take the time for this. So far, I have read 36 books on leadership. Could you share with me your favorite book?"
Marketing
"In my spare time, I like to manage my blog. It's called 'The Everyday Sommelier' where I discuss wine and food pairings, but for the layman. I am by no means an expert on wine, but I am learning a lot through the research I conduct and the comments left on my blog by readers. Also, I have learned a great deal about blogging! Do you consider yourself quite familiar with wine? There is so much to learn!"
Retail
"Fashion design is a solid interest of mine, and I spend a lot of time looking at the new designer collections from the mainstay designers such as Gucci, Chanel, Tom Ford, and the like. I want to be a personal shopper with an esteemed store like yours, and so I find that this hobby also benefits me, career-wise. Who would you say is your favorite designer to watch?"
Sales
"I like to spend my extra time volunteering at the Children's Hospital. My little brother was very sick a few years ago and the efforts the staff put in to save his life were unforgettable. I vowed that I would help whenever I could. I have met some great people this way, and it's been an excellent method for building my network in the city as well."
Teacher
"I spend much of my extra time as the assistant coach for our school's co-ed soccer team. I also help the drama club with their set design every year. Each semester I choose to dedicate my time to one extra-curricular directly involved with the school."
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