how to respond to the what brings you joy question

3 min read 17-01-2025

how to respond to the what brings you joy question

The question, "What brings you joy?" might seem simple, but it can be surprisingly tricky to answer. It’s a favorite in job interviews, but it also pops up in casual conversations and even on dating profiles. This seemingly lighthearted query is actually a deep dive into your values, passions, and what truly motivates you. Answering thoughtfully showcases self-awareness and provides genuine insight into who you are. This guide will show you how to craft a compelling response that resonates with authenticity.

Why This Question Matters

This question isn't just small talk. Employers use it to assess:

Culture Fit: Do your values align with the company's?
Motivation: What drives you to excel? Are you intrinsically or extrinsically motivated?
Work-Life Balance: Do you prioritize well-being?
Passion: Are you genuinely interested in the work?

Knowing how to answer this question effectively can significantly impact your success in interviews and enhance your personal connections.

How to Find Your Joyful Answers

Before crafting your answer, take some time for self-reflection. Consider these questions:

1. What Activities Make You Lose Track of Time?

Think about activities you engage in purely for the enjoyment. Is it painting, playing music, spending time in nature, or something else entirely? These activities offer clues to your passions and what truly fulfills you.

2. What are Your Hobbies and Interests?

Beyond simple leisure activities, consider your deeper interests. Do you volunteer for a cause you care about? Are you a voracious reader? Do you enjoy learning new skills? Your passions often connect with what brings you joy.

3. What are You Grateful For?

Gratitude can be a powerful indicator of what brings joy. Reflecting on the things you're grateful for can highlight aspects of your life that you cherish and value.

4. What are Your Strengths?

Often, activities that leverage your strengths bring a sense of accomplishment and joy. Identifying these strengths can help you pinpoint activities that naturally energize you.

Crafting Your Response: Examples and Strategies

Once you have a better understanding of your sources of joy, you can begin to shape your response. Here are some strategies and examples:

Be Specific: Instead of saying "spending time with family," elaborate. "Spending quality time with my family, like playing board games on Sunday evenings, brings me immense joy." The detail paints a clearer picture and makes your response more memorable.
Connect to the Context: If this is a job interview, subtly connect your joys to the job description. If you enjoy problem-solving, and the role involves significant problem-solving, mention that. Show how your passions align with the position's requirements.
Show, Don't Just Tell: Instead of saying "I'm passionate about helping people," describe a time you helped someone and the joy it brought you. Use vivid language and anecdotes to illustrate your points.

Example Responses:

For a job interview (Marketing role): "What brings me joy is the creative process of developing a compelling marketing campaign, seeing my ideas come to life, and ultimately, witnessing their positive impact on a brand's success. I find immense satisfaction in solving complex marketing challenges and watching the results."
For a casual conversation: "Lately, I've been finding a lot of joy in gardening. The process of nurturing plants, watching them grow, and harvesting fresh vegetables is incredibly rewarding and relaxing."
For a dating profile: "I find joy in exploring new places, trying new foods, and sharing those experiences with someone special. I also love to curl up with a good book and lose myself in a captivating story."

Avoid These Pitfalls

Vague answers: Saying simply "spending time with loved ones" is too generic. Provide specific examples.
Negative answers: Avoid mentioning things you dislike or avoid. Focus on the positive.
Overly professional answers: While you should connect your joy to the job in an interview, don't make it sound robotic. Authenticity is key.
Unrelated answers: Ensure your response is somewhat relevant to the context. For a job interview, make a connection to the role, if possible.

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice answering this question aloud. This helps you refine your response and deliver it naturally and confidently. The more you practice, the more comfortable and authentic you'll become. Remember, the key is to be genuine and let your personality shine through.

By following these tips, you can confidently and effectively answer the "What brings you joy?" question, whether it's in a formal interview setting, a casual conversation, or even your online dating profile. It's a chance to showcase your authentic self and create meaningful connections.