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15 QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS
Having other interests can be seen in many different ways, depending on the companies. As we have suggested before, don’t ever lie. Anyway – and without lying - you can give more or less emphasis to your answers.
In some companies, being a fan of a determined soccer team can be a point in favor, but if you are a future good collaborator, they won’t keep themselves from hiring you for the position if you are other team’s fan.
1. Are you interested in sports?
If you are, comment it.
Keep in mind that employers like team sports and when their practice requires training, otherwise, they are considered as a recreational activity.
If you are not interested, say that you understand how beneficial they are, but you are not skillful for them or other answer that may sound adequate to you. Don’t emit judgments that involve other people either in favor or against, center your answer on yourself.
2. What do you do in your free time?
If you have family, you can comment the time you dedicate to them, plus other things you like.
If you are single, you will have other activities. Comment the things that are related to you.
3. Did you have extra curricular activities in your school/university?
Emphasize the part of your history that you may help you enforce the image you want to give. For example: “I led debate groups, among them, a film club and at school, I participated in an election simulation. My extra curricular activities helped me guide myself in my professional elections”.
4. What newspapers do you read? What section(s) interest you more?
“I read….”
If you are a manager you can no longer limited your reading politics and economic sections.
5. What magazines do you frequently read?
Mention business magazines you read with certain frequency. Don’t mention those that you know just by name, they can ask you something you don’t know about them and you will be in trouble.
Avoid mentioning those that can be controversial or originate some type of impertinent conversation, for example, religious ones.
6. What is your favorite television show?
The same comment on question 4 worth. You are expected to watch political and economic programs and international channels. If you said you were interested in sports, you can mention if you watch some program in special or the transmissions of your favorite sport.
7. Can you name the ministers of the executive power (or state secretaries or other functions that can be related to your duty, governors, legislators or judges, etc.)?
If you don’t their name, find them out as soon as possible.
8. Have you ever been boss of… (politic, student participation, etc.)?
This is a good chance to mention your past or current activities.
9. Do you drink in social gatherings?
Answer the pertinent. For example: “I occasionally enjoy a glass of wine, along with a formal diner. But I am not the kind of people who drink a lot”.
10. Do you smoke?
If you do, a possible answer would be: “Yes, I do it with moderation and only in permitted places”.
You can add –if it would correspond-: ‘If in this company it is not allowed then I will adapt to the rules”.
Keep in mind that nowadays, you can’t smoke in many offices and you can get yourself out of the search for this reason.
11. Does your social life include your work mates?
You know your real situation and this topic is seen in a different way, according to the company. Give a balanced answer.
12. As a child, did you participate in activities with some degree of demand from you?
An example of an answer: “My parents encouraged me to develop a sense of responsibility since I was very young. I was part of a chorus at the age of… and I regularly attended to rehearsals; I began helping in the family business at the age of…”.
13. What is the most interesting trip you have ever made?
If you have traveled a lot, comment it with simplicity. If you haven’t traveled simply say it without adding other comments.
14. Do you have any hobby?
Yes, …, or simply, no.
15. Do you like movies? (Theater/opera/ ballet, etc.)
You can’t lie, but remember that a good manager should have a wide culture, further than their specific field.
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