You’re in a job interview, talking about your skills and sharing your achievements. You think it’s almost over when the interviewer surprises you with a big question: “What are you passionate about?”
This can feel tricky—not just hobbies or interests, but your true passions! In this guide, we’ll explain what the interviewer really wants to know and show you how to answer this personal question.
Why interviewers ask about your passions
Good hiring managers care about more than just your resume—they want to know who you are as a person. When they ask about your passions, they’re trying to get to know you better and see how you’re different from other candidates.
They’re genuinely curious about what makes you excited. They know that people who have interests outside of work often bring energy and enthusiasm to their jobs. Your passions can influence how you act at work and how you’ll fit into their team.
But don’t worry—they’re not expecting you to say you love working overtime or spend your weekends reading reports. They want to see that you’re interested in something outside of your career, like animals, sports, volunteering, or anything else you love.
How you talk about your passion shows them your level of enthusiasm and what you’re naturally drawn to. This helps them imagine what you might be like as an employee and if you’ll be a good fit on their team.
How to answer “What are you passionate about?”
Share an actual passion you truly care about
When the interviewer asks about your passions, they’re looking for authenticity. It’s important to talk about something you sincerely care about, not just something you think will impress them. Genuine enthusiasm is hard to fake, and interviewers can often tell if you’re not being truthful.
Take some time to reflect on what truly excites you. It could be anything—from playing a musical instrument, volunteering in your community, coding apps in your free time, to participating in sports or outdoor activities. By choosing a real passion, you’ll be able to provide concrete examples and speak naturally, which makes your answer more engaging and believable.
For example:
- Art and creativity: If you’re passionate about painting, you might explain how it allows you to express yourself and relax after a busy day. You could share how you’ve participated in local art shows or how you continually work to improve your techniques.
- Community service: If volunteering is your passion, talk about the organizations you support and why they’re important to you. Perhaps you’ve helped at a local food bank or participated in fundraising events for a cause close to your heart.
- Technology and innovation: Maybe you love building websites or developing apps. Explain how you enjoy solving problems and learning new programming languages in your spare time.
Pick something that demonstrates your commitment initiative
Employers are interested in candidates who show dedication and take initiative, both qualities that are valuable in the workplace. When discussing your passion, choose something that demonstrates your commitment and willingness to go the extra mile.
Consider activities where you’ve:
- Invested time and effort: Perhaps you’ve trained for a marathon, requiring regular practice and discipline.
- Taken on leadership roles: Maybe you’ve organized events or led a team in a club or community group.
- Pursued personal growth: You might have taught yourself a new language or skill through online courses or workshops.
Show your enthusiasm and explain why it matters to you
The interviewer wants to see your eyes light up when you talk about your passion. Your enthusiasm can be contagious and gives insight into what motivates you. Even if your passion isn’t directly related to the job, the skills and qualities you’ve developed can be valuable in the workplace. Your excitement shows that you’re energetic and bring a positive attitude to what you do.
When sharing your passion:
- Describe what you enjoy about it: Explain what draws you to this activity or interest.
- Share how it has influenced you: Discuss any skills you’ve gained or lessons you’ve learned.
- Connect it to personal growth: Reflect on how your passion has helped you develop as a person.
How not to answer
Avoid forcing an unnatural connection to the job
When answering this question, resist the urge to artificially link your passion directly to the job you’re applying for, unless there’s a genuine connection. Trying too hard to make your passion seem relevant to the position can come across as insincere or contrived.
The interviewer is seeking to understand you as a whole person, not just as a potential employee. They want to see your authentic interests and what genuinely excites you outside of work. Sharing a real passion—even if it’s unrelated to the job—allows your true personality to shine through and helps the interviewer see how you might fit within the team.
Steer clear of inappropriate or unprofessional topics
It’s important to avoid mentioning hobbies or interests that are not appropriate for a professional setting. Sharing passions that are considered “not safe for work” (NSFW), overly personal, or potentially offensive can make the interviewer uncomfortable and detract from your professionalism.
Instead, stick to discussing passions that are suitable for all audiences—think of activities that have a “PG rating.” This ensures you maintain a respectful and professional tone throughout the interview. By focusing on appropriate topics, you demonstrate good judgment and help the interviewer concentrate on your positive qualities and fit for the role.
Sample answers to “What are you passionate about?”
Example #1
“I’m really passionate about supporting Alzheimer’s research. My grandmother struggled with the disease, and it inspired me to help other families going through the same thing. I participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s every year and even helped organize the event this year.”
Why this works:
This answer shows that you have a genuine passion for a meaningful cause. It demonstrates your commitment by actively participating and taking on leadership roles. It also highlights your compassionate nature and willingness to make a positive impact on others.
Example #2
“I’m really into beekeeping. I became interested after visiting a bee farm, and now I have a few hives of my own. It’s unique, but I love it because taking care of bees is so different from my daily routine. It’s a great way for me to relax and connect with nature.”
Why this works:
This response shares a unique and genuine passion. It shows you’re open to new experiences and dedicated to learning. It also highlights that you have interests outside of work that help you stay balanced and refreshed, which can contribute to overall well-being.
Example #3
“I’m passionate about playing soccer. I’ve been part of a local team since college, and we practice every week. It keeps me active and teaches me a lot about teamwork and dedication. Plus, it’s a fun way to meet new people and work toward common goals.”
Why this works:
This example is great for young professionals. It shows you’re active, enjoy teamwork, and are committed to regular practice. It demonstrates that you value collaboration and have developed social skills that are valuable in the workplace.
An interview question about your passions might seem intimidating, but it can actually be one of the easiest to answer because you get to speak from the heart. Try to share your passion as you would with a friend or family member, and you’ll be right on track for what the interviewer is looking for.