Hi everyone,
During interviews, I often see the question: “Can you tell me something about yourself that’s not on your CV? I’m wondering if an honest answer like:
"I love reading, on almost any topic and in all genres. I’m always looking for a good book.”
would be okay, or if it’s better to take a different approach.
Do you have any advice or examples of answers that effectively show something meaningful or memorable for the interview?
Thanks!
Hi there,
Yes, an answer like that is absolutely okay — but it works best if you add a bit of why it matters. Interviewers ask this question to see you as a person and to understand how you think or what motivates you beyond your CV, not to trick you.
Saying you love reading is fine, but it becomes more memorable if you briefly connect it to something about you. For example, you might mention that reading across different topics helps you stay curious, see different perspectives, or quickly get up to speed on unfamiliar subjects. That subtly reinforces traits consulting values without forcing it.
Good answers to this question are usually:
You don’t need an impressive hobby or a “consulting-themed” answer. A simple, honest interest is often better than something overly polished. Just avoid answers that are too generic with no insight, or too long or rehearsed.
If the interviewer remembers you as “the person who’s genuinely curious and loves learning,” that’s already a win.
Best,
Evelina
The reading answer is fine, but it's a bit generic. A lot of people say they love reading. It won't hurt you, but it probably won't make you memorable either.
This question is a chance to show some personality and stand out. The interviewer wants to see you as a real person, not just a resume. They're also checking if you can communicate something interesting about yourself in a natural way.
If you want to stick with reading, make it more specific. Something like: "I set a goal to read one book a week this year. I'm at 40 so far. Right now I'm on a behavioral economics kick."
It's genuine. Pick something you actually care about. If you force something that sounds impressive but isn't really you, it'll come across flat. The best answers give the interviewer something to ask about. A unique hobby, an interesting project, a quirky interest.
Be yourself, but give them something to remember.
yes, but only if it has a point.
Interviewers are not looking for a fun fact. They want to see how you think and what you value.
Saying “I love reading” is okay, but on its own it’s very common and easy to forget. It works only if you link it to how you work.
Stronger examples:
thus:
Hi!
Short answer: “I love reading” is fine, but a bit generic.
This question is low-stakes, it can be somewhat evaluative, but it's mostly about human connection. A good answer should either:
So instead of stopping at the hobby, add one layer of depth (what you read, why, or what it says about you).
One more tip: if you managed to look up the interviewer’s profile before the interview, and notice a genuine overlap in interests (e.g., sports, books, travel, volunteering), it’s may be worth bringing that up. That often leads to a more natural, memorable conversation.
Caveat: it should be a real interest of yours, not something you make up just because it’s on their LinkedIn, which is usually easy to sus out.
Overall, keep it authentic, concise, and conversational. Perfectly fine to aim to be relatable, not impressive.
All the best!
Hi there,
I suggest them telling something about yourself that "sticks" so that if they have to remember about different interviews that they've given, they'll remember you. Try to think of a very unique interesting story. It's almost as if you're being tested on whether you can entertain and connect with someone. It can be funny or inspiring, etc. but it must evoke a clear emotion in them.
That's perfectly fine.
Just become more specific with it. What sort of books? What's the most recent one you read? Why do you find them so interesting?
The point of these questions is to get a sense of who you are as a person. They can also become an opportunity for connection if the interviewer has a similar interest (or even if they just because curious about yours).
Best,
Cristian
Don't forget that even in that question they're trying to figure out if they should hire you. So don't leave things to chance, and connect that with your personal pitch. Mention how that love for reading and learning translates with your passion for something that is a requirement for consulting (in this case, strong appetite to learn new things, curiosity, good communication, etc. - pick one of these or another one you believe to be relevant and that is truthful about who you are).
That's a very common question, and your instinct to be authentic is correct. The simple answer ("I love reading") is okay, but you're leaving a massive opportunity on the table if you stop there.
Here is the reality of that question: The interviewer is finished assessing your core competence and is now testing for chemistry and passion. They are trying to answer, "Is this someone I would genuinely enjoy being stuck with on a 14-hour flight or during an all-nighter on a client site?" A generic answer, even if true, signals a lack of intensity or depth.
You need to move from the activity to the story and the signal. If you genuinely love reading, don't just state it; give it focus and connect it to a transferable skill. For instance: "I'm obsessed with reading about the history of economic bubbles. I recently finished studying tulip mania, and what fascinates me isn't the disaster itself, but the behavioral psychology behind crowd decision-making—it’s surprisingly applicable to how senior leadership teams get stuck in consensus."
This approach gives the interviewer an immediate, memorable hook, demonstrates passion, and connects back to analytical thinking. Give them something specific that makes you unique—it shouldn't take more than 45 seconds to deliver.
All the best!
