"What is the last book you read?" might come off as an ice breaker or a conversational interview question but holds equal importance as any other HR interview question. If you are wondering how, then keep reading.
In this blog, we will not only provide tips to answer, "What is the last book you have read?" but also the common mistakes to avoid along with sample answers.
But first, let's find out why recruiters ask "What is the most recent book you have read?"
- Why do recruiters ask "What is the most recent book you have read?"
- How to answer "What is the most recent book you have read?"
- Common Mistakes to Avoid when answering "What is the most recent book you have read?"
- Sample Answers to “What is the most recent book you have read?”
Why do recruiters ask What is the most recent book you have read?
Recruiters can ask this interview question in many forms like "What is the most recent book you have read?"/ "What book are you reading currently?"/ "What is the last book you read?"
However, the motive behind asking this interview question is the same, to learn more about the jobseeker. The books you read can show your characteristics, values, and interests outside your job.
How to answer What is the most recent book you have read?
Choosing the right book
When preparing for a job interview, the question "What is the last book you read?" often crops up.
It's more than just small talk – it's a chance to make a lasting impression. So, how do you choose the right book that showcases your strengths and aligns with the interview context?
Think Relevance, Not Randomness
First, ditch the books irrelevant to the job or industry. Choose one that subtly reflects your skills and aspirations. If you're applying for a creative writing position, discussing a classic novel might be fitting.
For a data analytics role, mention a book on statistics or artificial intelligence. This showcases your alignment with the company's values and interests.
Passion Over Perfection
Don't feel pressured to name-drop the latest bestseller. Authenticity trumps trendiness. Choose a book you genuinely enjoyed and can discuss with enthusiasm.
Your genuine excitement will be contagious and leave a positive impact on the interviewer. They're not looking for literary critics; they're looking for someone with genuine intellectual curiosity and passion.
Non-Fiction: Friend or Foe?
Non-fiction can be a great choice, especially for roles requiring specific expertise. Mentioning a business biography or industry-related book demonstrates your proactive learning and knowledge base. Just be sure it's a book you can discuss engagingly, avoiding dry technical jargon.
Remember, the Book is Just the Hook
While the book itself matters, it's just the opening line. Be prepared to dive deeper. Share what drew you to the book, what insights you gained, and how it relates to your career goals or personal values.
This personalized narrative reveals your critical thinking, communication skills, and overall passion for learning.
Bonus Tip: Don't panic if you can't think of a perfect fit! Pivot the conversation towards your reading habits, mentioning your preferred genres or highlighting how you prioritize continuous learning. The key is to showcase your intellectual engagement and curiosity genuinely.
Building the structure
The moment arrives. "What is the last book you read?" echoes through the interview room. Breathe easy, bookworm! We've got a winning framework to turn this question into your bridge to success.
The Three Pillars:
- The Foundation: Start strong with the book's title and author. This builds instant context and sparks the interviewer's curiosity. Briefly summarize the book's core theme or plot without revealing spoilers. Think of it as a movie trailer, piquing their interest without giving away the ending.
- The Bridge: This is where your book becomes your bridge to the interview. Share what drew you to the book, what resonated with you, or how it surprised you. Did it challenge your perspective? Did it offer valuable insights? Weave your own experiences and opinions into the narrative, showcasing your critical thinking and ability to connect ideas.
- The Destination: Now, gently link your book to the interview context. If it's a leadership book, highlight how a particular leadership principle resonates with your approach. If it's historical fiction, mention how it relates to the company's values or industry challenges. This demonstrates your ability to apply knowledge and think strategically.
Remember, this is not a book report – it's a conversation. Avoid dry academic jargon and embrace your natural enthusiasm. Use anecdotes, personal reflections, and even humor to make your answer engaging and memorable.
Bonus Tip: Practice your answer! Rehearse with a friend or in front of the mirror, refining your structure and ensuring your passion shines through.
Adding depth and intrigue
"What is the most recent book you have read?" You've got the title and author on your tongue, but the interview deserves more.
Here's how to add depth and intrigue, turning your book choice into a conversation starter that reveals your unique talents.
Go Beyond the Surface
Don't just name-drop. Share what drew you to the book – a captivating review, a personal recommendation, or a specific theme that resonated with your current interests or career goals.
This showcases your curiosity and initiative. Did you find the writing style surprising? Was the plot twist unexpected? Share these discoveries, demonstrating your critical thinking and ability to analyze information.
Connect the Dots
Weave your book into the fabric of your interview. Did a character's leadership style resonate with your own? Did a historical event shed light on a current industry challenge?
These connections showcase your ability to apply knowledge and think strategically. If the book is relevant to the company's values or mission, subtly highlight the parallels, demonstrating your alignment and understanding of their culture.
Personalize the Journey
Don't be afraid to share personal experiences or anecdotes that connect to the book's themes.
Did a fictional character's struggle mirror your own? Did a chapter offer valuable advice you're applying in your career? These personal touches make your answer relatable and showcase your growth mindset.
Remember to engage the interviewer! Ask them their thoughts on the book or a related topic. This shows your interest in their perspective and fosters a genuine conversation, making the interview feel more like a natural dialogue than a grilling session.
Bonus Tip: Prepare a few "pocket questions" related to your chosen book, ready to spark further discussion if needed. This demonstrates your preparedness and keeps the conversation flowing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid when answering What is the most recent book you have read?
1. Lying
Never try to fabricate your reading habits. It's easily exposed and can damage your credibility. Choose a book you genuinely enjoy and can discuss with enthusiasm.
2. Rambling
Stay focused and concise. Keep your answer within a reasonable timeframe (1-2 minutes) and avoid going off on tangents.
3. Name-Dropping
Don't try to impress with trendy bestsellers or obscure titles you haven't fully engaged with. Choose a book that reflects your genuine interests and values.
4. Technical Jargon
If mentioning a non-fiction book, avoid dense academic language or technical jargon. Explain complex concepts concisely, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively.
5. Negativity
Don't bash the book or its author, even if you didn't enjoy it. Focus on the positive aspects of your reading experience or politely pivot to another book you'd recommend.
6. Over-Confidence
Avoid sounding arrogant or pretentious. Acknowledge your learning journey and be open to the interviewer's perspective on the book.
7. Spoilers
Don't reveal major plot twists or character endings. Keep your answer spoiler-free and focus on the book's overall themes and messages.
8. Lack of Connection
Don't just name the book and leave it hanging. Connect it to your life experiences, career goals, or the interview context in some way.
9. One-Sentence Answers
Don't give one-word responses like "A novel" or "I don't read." Show genuine interest and engagement with the question.
10. Missing the Conversation
Remember, the goal is not just to name a book, but to engage in a conversation. Ask follow-up questions, respond to the interviewer's thoughts, and keep the dialogue flowing.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can turn "What is the last book you read?" into an opportunity to showcase your intellectual curiosity, communication skills, and connection to literature.
So, choose wisely, speak confidently, and most importantly, enjoy the conversation!
Sample Answers to What is the most recent book you have read?
Sample Answer #1:
"The last book I finished was 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' by Yuval Noah Harari.
It blew my mind! I've always been fascinated by history, but this book took it to a whole new level by exploring the big questions about human evolution, our impact on the planet, and what the future holds.
It left me with so much to think about, and I couldn't stop talking about it with my friends."
Sample Answer #2:
"I recently devoured 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success' by Carol Dweck. As a [Your Job Title], I'm constantly looking for ways to improve and push myself.
This book resonated with me by explaining the power of believing in your growth potential. It's changed how I approach challenges and has already benefited my work in [Specific Example]."
Sample Answer #3:
"I'm currently reading 'Cloud Atlas' by David Mitchell. It's a wild ride, weaving together six interconnected stories across different points in time and space.
Each chapter is a whole new world to explore, from a 19th-century composer to a dystopian future. It's challenging, but it's also so imaginative and inspiring.
It's made me think differently about storytelling and the interconnectedness of things.
Sample Answer #4:
"I just finished listening to the audiobook of 'On Writing' by Stephen King. I'm not a writer myself, but I've always admired King's storytelling ability.
The book was like having a masterclass with him, sharing his insights on craft, character development, and the importance of facing your fears. It was practical, funny, and surprisingly motivational."
Sample Answer #5:
"I recently enjoyed a book club read with my friends, 'The House on Mango Street' by Sandra Cisneros. It's a powerful coming-of-age story about a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago.
It raised important issues about identity, belonging, and community that sparked fascinating discussions with my friends. It reminded me of the importance of diverse voices and the power of stories to connect us."
Remember to adapt these examples to your interests, personality, and the context of the situation.
We hope these samples and tips inspire you to craft your own unique and engaging answer to "What is the last book you read?". Remember to always practice prior so you don’t fumble in the interview and can answer confidently.
Also, practice these Basic Interview Questions and Answers to be thoroughly prepared for your upcoming HR interview.
All the Best!
