What are interviewers looking for when they ask about hobbies?

Answer 1

This depends largely on the company, and typically General Manager/Presidents preference. Overall it's a way to assess a persons ability to live a balanced life, or bring a personality trait to the culture that will benefit the organization.

If you are into coaching sports, especially coaching little league, it suggests to the interviewer that you are competitive, can talk to people on multiple levels (i.e. parents, kids, referees, coaches), have multiple forms of spoken communication, etc.

If you are into scrap booking, it suggests that you are social and you value your close friendships. Also, it may indicate a creative bend you have.

I don't recommend to anyone to put their hobbies on their resume. I would however, want all my candidates to be prepared to speak about them. Meaning, if you say you read as a hobby you should be prepared to talk about the types of books you read. Do you read them for enjoyment? Or do you read them to further yourself in business.

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

They are looking for facts that might lead them to think if you qualify for the job position you're applying by trying to understand you as an individual. For most of the positions employers will look for a team player, for some others they'll look for a person that likes "solo" sports/Hobbies and, in general, employers look for well rounded people... this is someone that has a life aside work. This shouldn't be a make-it or break-it question in most of the cases (of course, unless you're looking for an employment in a Hobie's store), its only to know you better / talk to you in a field where both, the interviewer and you, feel comfortable. Again, unless you state a Hobie like "pretending I'm a police officer" or "killing bugs late at night" shouldn't be the question that decides whether to hire you or not.

Answer 3

sports like tennis, swimming, jogging - means you think about health
team sports - means you know how to work in a team
stating one hobby and no others - you could be addicted or obsessed which might interfere with the job
any extreme sports - could mean possible injuries and sick time off.
safest hobbies to mention are the indoor ones,. like reading, playing chess and doing crossword puzzles (or sudoku)

Answer 4

Anything that is legal and does not involve underage children. I always tell employers that I'm on the US Olympic alternate table tennis squad and traing 40+ hours a week.

Answer 5

See if you can work in a team, and to make sure you've got other interests.

Well rounded people are desirable.