It is increasingly challenging to secure a job in today’s competitive market.
Regardless of the field you are in, the number of job opportunities available is often lower than the number of applicants. Therefore, it is crucial to excel in interviews and secure a position as quickly as possible.
One common interview question that can arise, regardless of the job you have applied for, is “What are you passionate about?”
Providing a valid and convincing answer to this question can greatly increase your chances of success.
So, how should one respond when asked about their career passion? How can you address the interviewer’s concerns in the most appropriate manner?
Let’s explore this process using an example to gain a better understanding.
How to Answer:
What is your Passion – What Are You Passionate About?
Let’s learn how to talk about your passions in a way that will impress your interviewer.
Example Interviewer: “So, what is your passion?”
Apparent intention of the question:
The interviewer wants to gain insight into your behavior. They are interested in understanding your motivational traits and whether you actively pursue your passions.
It is not necessary for the interviewer to know if you have turned your passion into your profession, but they want to gauge whether you are genuinely engaged in something that interests you.
If you regularly dedicate time to your passion, it is likely that you will be more fulfilled, leading to better job performance. However, it would be ideal for the interviewer to learn that you have transformed your passion into your profession.
Example Interviewee 1: “I am passionate about meeting and interacting with people. I love socializing and remain actively involved with my contacts at all times. I am an enthusiastic member of community groups, church choirs, and the neighborhood sports team.”
Example Interviewee 2: “I enjoy spending time playing the guitar. It provides me with an opportunity to unwind and reflect on the day’s activities. Unfortunately, due to my unpredictable work schedule, I haven’t been able to dedicate as much time to it lately, but I hope to resume soon.”
If the interviewer is seeking a “Sales Executive,” they would likely favor the first interviewee as their passion aligns with the qualities of an ideal Sales Manager.
Example Interviewee 3: “I am passionate about problem-solving and finding innovative solutions. I thrive on challenges that require me to think critically and come up with creative approaches.
This passion led me to pursue a degree in engineering, where I have had the opportunity to work on various projects that required out-of-the-box thinking.
I actively seek out opportunities to further develop my problem-solving skills, such as participating in hackathons and attending workshops on design thinking.”
Explanation: This interviewee demonstrates a passion for problem-solving and innovation. They express a genuine enthusiasm for tackling challenges and thinking creatively.
Their educational background in engineering aligns with their passion and showcases their commitment to their field of interest.
Example Interviewee 4: “I am passionate about advocating for environmental sustainability. I strongly believe that we have a responsibility to protect the planet and create a better future for generations to come.
I actively engage in initiatives that promote sustainable practices, such as volunteering for local environmental organizations and participating in community clean-up campaigns. I stay updated on the latest environmental issues and strive to make eco-friendly choices in my daily life, from reducing waste to supporting renewable energy initiatives.”
Explanation: This interviewee demonstrates a passion for environmental sustainability. They express a deep commitment to protecting the planet and mention their active involvement in environmental initiatives. By volunteering and participating in community activities, they showcase their dedication to making a positive impact.
Their knowledge of current environmental issues and their personal efforts to adopt eco-friendly practices highlight their genuine interest in sustainability. This passion for environmental stewardship can be particularly valuable in roles that involve corporate social responsibility, sustainability consulting, or environmental advocacy.