Have you ever walked out of a job interview wondering if the version of yourself you just presented was… well, really you? In a world where we’re all coached to give the “perfect” answers, it can feel like authenticity gets left at the door. But what if one simple question could change that—and help hiring managers see the real person behind the resume?
I’ve always believed that the best hires aren’t just the most qualified on paper. They’re the ones who feel like whole human beings, the kind you’d actually enjoy working alongside during late-night project crunches. Turns out, a senior executive at one of the world’s biggest consulting firms feels exactly the same way.
The Question That Reveals Your True Self
Forget the usual suspects like “Where do you see yourself in five years?” or “What’s your greatest weakness?” (We all know the scripted responses to those by now.) Instead, this leader consistently asks candidates about something far more personal: what they love to do outside of work.
Yes, really. Hobbies. Interests. The stuff that used to fill that forgotten section at the bottom of old-school resumes. In an era where most candidates strip their CVs down to pure professional achievements, bringing up personal passions feels almost revolutionary.
And yet, according to this chief people officer, it’s one of the most telling parts of any interview.
Why Personal Interests Still Matter
You might be thinking: why would a high-level executive care about whether I knit scarves or binge true-crime podcasts? Fair question. But here’s the thing—this isn’t about judging your hobbies. It’s about watching how you talk about them.
When someone lights up describing their weekend photography walks or coaching their kid’s soccer team, you get an unfiltered glimpse into what genuinely matters to them. That enthusiasm? That’s hard to fake. And in a professional services environment where teamwork and long hours are the norm, knowing what fuels someone outside the office can be incredibly predictive of how they’ll show up inside it.
“It gives them an opportunity to talk freely about something that’s really important to them and I think it just helps me get a better sense of the person.”
In my experience sitting through countless interviews (both as candidate and interviewer), the moments when people relax and share something personal are often the most memorable. Suddenly, the polished professional mask slips just enough to reveal a real human being.
What Makes a Great Answer?
The beauty of this question is its simplicity—and its trap. Many candidates feel pressure to present an impressive extracurricular life: marathon running, volunteer work abroad, starting a side nonprofit. But that’s not what skilled interviewers are looking for.
Actually, the opposite is true. Honesty wins here, every time.
Some of the most authentic responses I’ve heard over the years?
- “I’m obsessed with restoring vintage furniture—it’s incredibly satisfying to take something old and make it beautiful again.”
- “Most weekends you’ll find me trying new recipes with my partner. Cooking is my therapy.”
- “Honestly? I love curling up with a good fantasy novel and disappearing into another world for a few hours.”
- “I spend a lot of time with my aging parents. That’s where my energy goes right now, and I wouldn’t change it.”
Notice what these answers have in common: they’re specific, they’re personal, and they reveal values without trying too hard. The furniture restorer shows patience and appreciation for craft. The cook hints at nurturing tendencies. The fantasy reader admits to needing escape (something many of us relate to more than we admit). And the family-focused candidate demonstrates loyalty and maturity.
None of them are trying to win a “most interesting person” contest. They’re just being real.
The Danger of Over-Preparation
Here’s where many candidates trip up: they rehearse answers so thoroughly that they sound robotic. Or worse—they tailor their response to what they think the interviewer wants to hear.
I’ve seen it happen. A candidate senses the company values community involvement and suddenly they’re “passionate about mentoring underprivileged youth” despite never mentioning it before. The lack of genuine emotion is palpable.
“I notice when candidates practice a response so much that they come across over-scripted, or if they’re telling me what they think I want to hear as opposed to sharing their real life lived experiences.”
Preparation is important—don’t get me wrong. You should absolutely think about how to present yourself authentically. But there’s a difference between thoughtful reflection and manufacturing a persona.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this approach is how it levels the playing field. Extracurricular impressiveness often correlates with privilege—time and money to travel, train for marathons, or volunteer internationally. By focusing on passion rather than prestige, interviewers can better assess character across diverse backgrounds.
How to Prepare Without Losing Authenticity
So how do you get ready for this kind of question without falling into the over-scripted trap?
First, take some time for genuine self-reflection. What actually brings you joy outside of work? Not what sounds good, not what you think you should enjoy—but what actually recharges you?
Maybe it’s quiet evenings listening to jazz records. Maybe it’s competitive online gaming with friends across the globe. Maybe it’s tending to an ever-expanding collection of houseplants. Whatever it is, own it.
- Identify 2-3 activities that genuinely matter to you.
- Think about why they matter—what needs they fulfill or values they reflect.
- Practice talking about them conversationally (not memorized word-for-word).
- Be ready to share a specific recent example or story.
The goal isn’t to deliver a perfect monologue. It’s to have a natural conversation that reveals something meaningful about who you are when you’re not “on the clock.”
Why Authenticity Predicts Success
Beyond just making interviews more human, there’s real business sense behind seeking authentic candidates.
People who can bring their whole selves to work tend to be more engaged, more resilient, and better team players. When you’re not spending mental energy maintaining a facade, you have more bandwidth for actual work—and for building real relationships with colleagues.
I’ve found that the candidates who answer personal questions most openly are often the ones who thrive longest in demanding environments. They’ve already demonstrated they can be vulnerable in appropriate ways, which translates beautifully to giving and receiving feedback, collaborating through challenges, and leading with empathy.
The Bigger Picture: Bringing Your Whole Self to Work
This one interview question points to something larger happening in workplace culture. After years of “professionalism” meaning leaving your personal life at home, many organizations are recognizing that real people have lives outside the office—and that acknowledging this makes everyone better off.
When leaders signal that it’s safe to share personal interests, they’re also signaling that work-life balance matters. That mental health matters. That you’re valued as a complete person, not just a role-filler.
And honestly? In a job market where burnout remains rampant and quiet quitting makes headlines, that kind of cultural honesty feels refreshing.
Next time you’re preparing for an interview, spend a little time thinking about what makes you light up outside of work. Not because you need another accomplishment to list—but because sharing your authentic self might just be the thing that helps you find a workplace where you can truly belong.
After all, the right job isn’t just about what you can do. It’s about finding a place where you don’t have to hide who you are while doing it.
