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. The guide below explains what the interviewer really wants to find out and offers tips on answering this personal question.
Why Interviewers Ask About Your Passions
Hiring managers often care about more than just your resume. They want to know who you are beyond your work history. When they ask about your passions, they’re aiming to:
- Get a sense of what excites you
- Understand how your interests and values might complement the team
- Learn whether your personal drive will translate into professional enthusiasm
They’re not expecting you to say you spend weekends reading work reports or that you’re only passionate about job-related tasks. They want to see that you have genuine interests—like animals, sports, volunteering, music, or anything else you truly love.
Your level of enthusiasm is especially important. The way you talk about what fires you up can suggest how you’ll engage in your role. It also helps interviewers picture you as a teammate and discover if your personal passions are compatible with the company culture.
How to Answer “What Are You Passionate About?”
Share an actual passion you truly care about
Be honest about something you sincerely value. It’s natural to sound more energetic and convincing when talking about a real interest. Interviewers can often tell when you’re not being genuine.
Reflect on what actually gets you excited. It might be playing an instrument, volunteering in your community, coding new apps, or spending time outdoors. Choosing something you care about makes it easier to recall concrete examples, which helps you speak confidently.
Here are a few ideas:
- Art and creativity: Talk about painting or drawing, how you express yourself through color and form, or your experiences showing your work in local art events.
- Community service: Discuss organizations you actively support and why they matter to you. Maybe you volunteer at a local food bank or participate in fundraising events.
- Technology and innovation: Describe coding or building your own tech projects at home, emphasizing the problem-solving aspect you find fulfilling.
Pick something that demonstrates your commitment and initiative
Employers appreciate dedication and a drive to improve—traits that also benefit you at work. When deciding which passion to talk about, pick something that highlights these qualities.
Possible options include:
- Investing time and effort: Training for a marathon, which requires consistent practice and discipline.
- Taking on leadership roles: Organizing events for a community group or leading a team in a club.
- Pursuing personal growth: Teaching yourself a new language or skill through online courses.
Example: “I’m passionate about environmental conservation. I started a neighborhood recycling program and organize monthly clean-up events at the local park. Making a positive impact on the environment is something I deeply care about.”
Show your enthusiasm and explain why it matters to you
The interviewer wants to see genuine excitement. Even if your passion doesn’t relate directly to the job, the skills or lessons you’ve gained can still be beneficial at work. Showing that you’re motivated in your personal life often suggests you’ll bring energy to professional tasks, too.
When discussing your passion, try the following:
- Describe what draws you in: Mention what sparks your interest and keeps you engaged.
- Share how it has shaped you: Talk about new skills you’ve learned or ways you’ve grown personally.
- Connect it to personal growth: Explain how this passion has improved your confidence or taught you discipline.
Example: “I’m passionate about playing the guitar. Music has always been central to my life. Practicing daily taught me discipline, and performing at small venues pushed me to overcome stage anxiety. It boosted my confidence and reminded me that progress happens with consistent effort.”
How Not to Answer
Avoid forcing an unnatural connection to the job
There’s no need to twist your passion to make it sound perfectly aligned with the position. If there is a genuine link, it’s fine to mention it, but don’t force it. Interviewers want an authentic view of who you are.
Steer clear of inappropriate or unprofessional topics
Use good judgment when selecting what to share. Avoid topics that might be awkward or not suitable for a professional setting. Sticking to “safe for work” passions keeps the focus on your positive qualities and professionalism.
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 motivated me to help families facing the same difficulties. I participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s annually and even helped organize it this past year.”
Why this works:
This response shows a real commitment and a heartfelt reason for caring about this cause. Your mention of helping run the event highlights your leadership and organizational skills.
Example #2
“I’m really into beekeeping. I developed an interest after visiting a bee farm, and now I maintain a few hives at home. It’s so different from my day-to-day job, but I love how it connects me with nature. Taking care of the bees is both rewarding and calming.”
Why this works:
This answer stands out because it’s unique and clearly genuine. It demonstrates that you have a life outside of work and that you’re dedicated to learning new skills.
Example #3
“I’m passionate about playing soccer. I’ve been part of a local team for years, and we practice weekly. It’s a great workout and helps me stay focused on teamwork. Working toward common goals on the field carries over into my professional life—I collaborate better and communicate more effectively.”
Why this works:
This example highlights commitment, physical health, and the value of collaboration. It shows that regular practice improves both fitness and social skills, which can translate into strong teamwork at work.
Many candidates find it surprising when asked about their passions, but this question can actually be one of the easiest to answer. By sharing something that truly interests you, you convey your energy and honesty. Treat this part of the interview as a chance to show your personality. When you’re excited about a topic, the interviewer sees a side of you they won’t see on a resume, which can help you stand out in the hiring process.