How to Answer: What do you like to do in your free time?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Correctional Officer job interview.
11. What do you like to do in your free time?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to gain insight into your personality and see how you decompress on your days off. Correction officers need to have hobbies or activities that relieve stress since working in the prison system can be quite stressful. It is essential that correction officers take care of themselves mentally and physically, and the interviewer wants to see how you achieve this.
Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on three or four activities or hobbies you enjoy doing in your free time. Naming various activities gives the interviewer a more well-rounded insight into what inspires and motivates you.
Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid saying that you enjoy doing something that the interviewer may deem unprofessional or immature. For example, if you say you enjoy getting drunk with your buddies or playing video games all day in your free time, the interviewer may not agree that those are healthy and productive ways to spend your time. It is best to keep those activities to yourself, and instead, tell the interviewer how you like to play a particular instrument, go fishing, exercise, or spend time with your family.
Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"In my free time, I enjoy martial arts, reading true crime novels, and going to my son's hockey games. I also recently started learning to play the guitar, so I like to practice playing on my days off."
Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"Since I am indoors for the majority of my work, I enjoy being outside as much as possible on my days off. I enjoy spending time on my boat fishing with my wife and two kids, mountain biking, and kayaking. These activities let me spend quality time with my family."
Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022
Experienced Example
"In my last job, I was working 50-60 hours per week, so I mostly slept and caught up with chores around the house in my free time. What I enjoy doing, though, is trail running, CrossFit, and going to the firing range. Those activities help me decompress from the stressors at work and energize me for my next shift."
Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022