How to answer “Tell me a fun fact about yourself”

You’ve navigated the trickiest parts of the job interview, articulating your professional background and why you’re the best person for this job. Then, just as you feel you’re on the home stretch, the hiring manager asks, "So, can you tell me a fun fact about yourself?" This common interview question can feel like a curveball, but it’s a golden opportunity to connect with your interviewer on a more personal level and secure that dream job.

This question isn't a test with a right or wrong answer. It’s a chance for the interviewer to see the real you behind the CV. Knowing how to answer this question is a crucial skill in today's hiring process, allowing you to showcase your personality and leave a lasting impression. It can differentiate you from other candidates and show how you’d fit in with your future co-workers.

What is the purpose of this question?

In a professional setting, this question serves a clear purpose. The hiring manager is trying to gauge your personality, cultural fit, and ability to think on your feet. It's an effective way to move beyond your professional life and get a glimpse into your personal life. Your response gives them an idea of how you might interact during team-building activities or casual workplace conversations.

It's also a subtle test of your communication skills. Can you share something interesting without it becoming a long, rambling story? A well-chosen fun fact can be a great way to find common ground and spark follow-up questions, making the interview feel more like a natural conversation. It helps them understand the person they might be hiring in real life.

Key tips for crafting the best answer

The goal is to share a memorable and positive personal anecdote. Your answer should be brief, engaging, and suitable for professional settings.

Here are some top tips:

Connect it to the role: If your unique hobby relates to the job, that's ideal. For example, if you've helped organise community events and are applying for a project management role, that’s a perfect professional fun fact to share.
Showcase a transferable skill: Do you speak other languages or know sign language? Mentioning a unique skill demonstrates your commitment to self-improvement and learning. Perhaps you have a black belt in a martial art, showing discipline.
Highlight your personality: Talk about a unique travel experience (is your dream vacation scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef?), a passion for reading industry books, or show your artistic side. Maybe you love hiking or teach a photography course in your spare time. This helps the interviewer see you as a well-rounded individual.
Strike the right balance: The fact should be personal, but not too personal. Share something that reveals a positive trait, not a controversial opinion or your biggest fear.

Examples of fun facts to use

Feeling stuck for an interesting fact? Here are a few examples of fun facts to get you thinking

"A personal fun fact is that my favourite hobby is cooking authentic Italian food ever since I spent a summer in Rome when studying abroad for my master's degree."
"I’m one of five siblings, and I taught my two younger sisters how to play two different musical instruments."
"My first memory is from my first concert. It sparked a lifelong passion, and now I listen to my favourite podcast about music history every week."
"My most prized possession is a copy of my favourite book, signed by the author, which I received from my best friend."

These examples of fun facts are light, positive, and provide a window into your personality. They offer a great starting point for more conversation.

Ideas for your "fun fact" answer

A sporting achievement, like running a marathon or winning a local tournament.
The most interesting place you have travelled to and a key lesson you learned there.
A unique skill you’ve developed that showcases creativity or problem-solving, like designing puzzles or crafting intricate models.
The fact that you share a birthday with a famous historical figure.
A family tradition that is unique or quirky.
Your experience as an extra in a film or television show.
The first dish you learned to cook perfectly.
A time you met a celebrity in an unusual circumstance.
Your secret to solving a Rubik's Cube.
The story behind a unique or unusual pet you've owned.
A volunteer project you are passionate about.
The most unusual food you have ever tried.
Your ability to identify a song within the first few seconds.
A surprising historical fact about your hometown.
Having an identical twin and a funny story about it.
The story of how you learned a niche skill, like juggling or unicycling.
A time you won an unexpected award or competition.
Your collection of something unusual (e.g., vintage maps, comic books).
Being a former spelling bee champion.
The most memorable piece of advice you’ve ever received.

What to avoid when you're specifically asked

Just as a great answer can help your chances, a poor one can be a red flag. When you share random facts, it's vital to know what to steer clear of, especially in your next interview.

"I don’t really have one": This response can make you seem unprepared or uninteresting. It's a better idea to have a few fun facts ready to go.
Anything unprofessional: Don't shoot yourself in the foot with a seemingly funny story about your worst job. Remember, this is still a professional environment, even if the question is casual.
Oversharing: Avoid overly personal information about your life. The hiring manager doesn't need to know every detail. Keep your answer concise.

This question is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your personal brand and connect with the hiring manager on a human level. It’s not just for job interviews; it's also useful for networking events and ice breakers at a new job. By preparing a few example answers, you can transform a potentially awkward moment into a highlight of your interview, supporting your quest for career advancement.