Have you ever found yourself caught off-guard when someone casually asks, “So, what do you do for fun?”
Whether it’s during a first date, job interview, networking event, or casual conversation, that seemingly simple question can feel oddly pressure-packed. Are you supposed to sound adventurous? Creative? Chill? The way you answer can shape someone’s impression of you—sometimes more than you think.
As a content strategist who’s navigated dozens of awkward icebreakers and helped brands craft authentic messaging, I’ve learnt that this question isn’t just small talk. It’s a chance to express who you are—without sounding rehearsed or robotic.
In this article, I’ll break down how to answer “What do you do for fun?” with confidence, personality, and a sprinkle of strategy. Whether you’re introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in between, I’ve got you covered.
Why Your Answer Matters More Than You Think
Before we dive into examples, let’s unpack why this question is so common—and so impactful.
It Builds Rapport Instantly
Research from Harvard Business School shows that people feel closer and more engaged when personal interests are shared early in conversation. It humanises you beyond your job title or resume.
It Reveals Your Personality
Your hobbies and interests often give away a lot about your values, social preferences, and mindset. Saying “I love hosting game nights” paints a very different picture from “I go on solo hikes every weekend.”
It Can Influence Opportunities
Surprisingly, personal answers in job interviews or networking chats can influence hiring decisions. A 2022 LinkedIn report found that 40% of recruiters say they remember candidates more for their soft skills and hobbies than technical answers.
Types of Responses (With Real Examples)
Let’s break it down into categories—because one size doesn’t fit all. Below, I’ve included examples I’ve either used myself or seen work well in real-world scenarios.
1. The Passion-Driven Answer
Perfect when your hobby ties into creativity, persistence, or learning—great traits to highlight in most settings.
“I enjoy writing short stories and flash fiction. It started as a way to unwind, but now it’s a creative outlet I genuinely look forward to. I’ve even had a couple published in online journals.”
Why It Works: It’s not just about what you do, but how it makes you feel and how seriously you take it.
2. The Social Connector
Ideal if you’re extroverted or enjoy collaborative fun.
“I host monthly trivia nights at a local café with friends. It’s the perfect mix of fun and chaos—and planning the questions is half the fun.”
Pro Tip: These answers are memorable and often spark follow-up questions.
3. The Solo Explorer
Great for introverts or those who prefer personal downtime.
“I love solo urban photography walks. Just me, my camera, and the city—I’ve got an Instagram series I’ve been curating over the years.”
Added Bonus: If applicable, you can link to your work or hobby page. That adds credibility and tangibility.
4. The Growth Seeker
Showcases curiosity, ambition, and continuous learning.
“I’ve been learning how to cook foods from different cultures. I’m currently on a Thai cuisine kick. Last week’s green curry was a bit of a disaster, but it’s part of the process.”
Why It Feels Authentic: Sharing failures makes you more relatable and less rehearsed.
Expert Tips: How to Craft Your Answer
Tip #1: Avoid the One-Word Trap
Saying “reading” or “music” without context is vague and forgettable. Try this instead:
“I’ve been obsessed with reading memoirs lately. There’s something about real-life resilience stories that keeps me hooked.”
Tip #2: Use the ‘Why’ Behind the Hobby
Go a layer deeper and explain why it matters to you. This gives your answer warmth and personality.
“I started gardening during lockdown and found it’s the one thing that makes me log off on weekends. Watching things grow feels oddly grounding.”
Tip #3: Sprinkle in Storytelling
Share a moment or experience related to your hobby.
“I once spent six hours assembling a LEGO Hogwarts Castle—only to have my cat knock it over the next morning. It became an unexpected bonding moment with my niece who helped me rebuild it.”
What If You Don’t Know What You Do for Fun?
That’s more common than you’d think. Life gets busy, and sometimes we forget what genuinely brings us joy.
Here’s a simple 3-step approach:
1. Reflect: Think about moments when you lost track of time. What were you doing?
2. Experiment: Try new activities—board games, painting, hiking, coding, improv, photography.
3. Reclaim Old Joys: Sometimes the hobbies we loved as children still have a spark for us. Did you love storytelling? Building stuff? Solving puzzles?
Personal Note: I rediscovered my love for sketching after picking up an old notebook during a move. It’s now one of my favourite stress-busters.
Responses to Avoid (And Why)
❌ The Try-Hard Answer
“I free-climb cliffs every weekend and build robots from scratch.”
Unless this is truly your life, it sounds performative or embellished.
❌ The Vague Answer
“I like hanging out and stuff.”
This doesn’t give any insight and ends the conversation prematurely.
❌ The Overly Self-Deprecating One
“I don’t really have a life. Just Netflix and surviving.”
Relatable, maybe. But not very engaging.
FAQs
What if I don’t do anything “interesting” for fun?
You don’t have to be skydiving to sound engaging. It’s about how you describe your hobby and the meaning behind it.
Can I talk about TV or gaming?
Absolutely—if you frame it well. “I’m into narrative-heavy games like The Last of Us because the storytelling rivals most films I’ve seen.”
Is it okay to say I don’t know?
It’s okay to be honest, but follow it up with curiosity: “I’m still figuring that out. Lately I’ve been trying a few things—right now, pottery has my attention.”
Should I tailor my answer depending on the context?
Yes. For job interviews, lean into productive or team-oriented hobbies. In social settings, go with what lights you up most.
Final Takeaway
The next time someone asks, “What do you do for fun?”—see it as a golden opportunity, not a test.
You don’t need a glamorous hobby or a polished script. You just need an honest answer that says something real about you.
So—what do you do for fun? Drop your go-to answers in the comments. I’d love to hear them.
Read Also: How to Respond When Someone Says ‘You Deserve Better’
