Non-native speakers often find it challenging to talk about their hobbies and personal interests during academic interviews.
While these questions might seem simple, they can actually be more difficult to answer confidently than questions about academic achievements or professional experience.
Personal questions can feel awkward or too informal, making it hard to know how much detail to include or how to avoid sounding stiff. However, with the right approach, personal questions are a great opportunity to show interviewers a different side of yourself and to build a stronger connection.
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When asked about hobbies or interests, many candidates focus too much on listing activities rather than explaining why these interests are meaningful. This often results in responses that sound unengaging or overly formal. The key to a successful answer is not just to name your hobbies but to present them in a way that shows your enthusiasm and how they connect to your overall personality or goals. To achieve this, it’s helpful to use a simple framework that keeps your answers structured and engaging.
Interest + Purpose + Connection
One effective way to approach these questions is by using the Interest-Purpose-Connection (IPC) Framework. This framework helps you organize your thoughts and express your interests naturally, without overthinking the details. The IPC Framework consists of three components:
Interest: Begin by introducing the hobby or interest you want to talk about. Keep this part brief and descriptive, focusing on what the hobby is and when you usually engage in it. For example, instead of saying, “I like reading,” a more engaging approach would be, “I love spending my weekends immersed in historical fiction.”
Purpose: In this part, explain why the activity is meaningful to you. Describe what you gain from it, whether it’s relaxation, a sense of accomplishment, or an opportunity to express creativity. Using phrases like, “I enjoy this because…” or “It helps me…” can make your response more dynamic. For instance, you might say, “Reading historical fiction helps me understand different cultural perspectives and inspires me to explore new ideas.”
Connection: Finally, connect this hobby to your personal or professional goals. This part is crucial in academic interviews, as it helps the interviewer see how your personal interests align with your overall aspirations. It also makes your response more relevant to the context of the interview. For example, you could say, “This interest in historical narratives has motivated me to focus on intercultural studies in my academic research.”
This framework is especially helpful for non-native speakers because it keeps the conversation focused and avoids long, rambling responses. By following the Interest-Purpose-Connection approach, you’re able to talk about your interests confidently and show interviewers that you’re thoughtful about how these activities fit into your life.
What hobby to talk about
When choosing which hobbies to mention, consider how they reflect your character and approach to learning. Avoid overly solitary or passive activities unless you can explain how they benefit you personally. For example, if you enjoy a solitary hobby like painting, you could frame it as a way to improve your attention to detail and patience, both of which are valuable skills in research and academic settings. On the other hand, hobbies that involve teamwork, such as playing a sport, can be used to highlight your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others.
One of the challenges non-native speakers often face when talking about personal interests is using language that feels natural and fluent. It’s easy to fall into the trap of using stiff, formal language or overcomplicating your sentences. Instead, use common expressions and contractions to make your speech sound more natural. Phrases like, “I’m really into…,” “In my free time, I love…,” or “One of my favorite ways to relax is…” make your response feel more conversational. This helps you engage the interviewer more naturally and makes you sound more at ease.
For example, instead of saying,
“I am interested in photography because it is a creative outlet,” try, “I’m really into photography because it’s a way for me to express my creativity and capture everyday moments in a unique way.”
Notice how the second version sounds less rehearsed and more personal. Practicing these phrases in advance will help you feel more comfortable during the interview and reduce anxiety when discussing personal topics.
Using the IPC Framework
To put these strategies into practice, consider this sample response using the IPC Framework. Imagine you’re asked about your hobbies, and you want to talk about your interest in hiking.
Start by introducing the hobby:
“I love spending my weekends exploring hiking trails around the city.”
Move into the purpose:
“I enjoy hiking because it helps me disconnect from technology and clear my mind after a busy week.”
Finally, create a connection:
“This time outdoors not only keeps me active but also allows me to reflect on my academic work, making me more focused and motivated when I return to my research.”
Master the Conversation
This type of response is effective because it keeps the conversation flowing while allowing you to express yourself authentically. If you feel nervous discussing these topics, practicing your answers with a coach can be invaluable.
A coach can help you refine your phrasing, offer feedback on your delivery, and make sure your answers sound natural and confident.
If you’re preparing for an academic interview and want to feel more comfortable discussing your hobbies and interests, consider booking a discovery session with OmniInterview. Our coaching sessions are tailored to help non-native speakers articulate their personal stories confidently and in a way that aligns with their academic goals.
Ready to make the most of your interview? Book your discovery session today.
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