What extra-curricular activities interest you?
"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?"
"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?"
"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?"
"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!"
"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."
"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."
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!
"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!"
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
"I am currently training to play tennis which takes up a lot of my extra time. I go to tennis twice every week. I like sports, and I like playing different kinds of sports. I learned to swim, basketball, ping pong ball, and badminton, and I'm involved in my high school football team. I am not going to say I am good at all of them, but I enjoy playing them and I am planning to learn rock climbing after tennis.
Marcie's Feedback
Awesome! And how does your love of sports translate into this role? What qualities do you possess (e.g., resiliency, persistence, competitiveness) that enable you to excel in sports and hence in this position? Try to connect the extracurricular activities you participate into the role. Good job!
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