Books have the power to inspire, challenge, and transform our thinking. So, when an interviewer asks, “What’s your favorite book?” they’re not just probing for your literary preferences—they’re looking for a deeper understanding of who you are. Whether you’re an avid fiction reader or prefer insightful nonfiction, this question provides a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, communication skills, and even how you spend your free time.
It’s more than just a conversation starter. Your answer can reveal what drives you, how you think critically, and how you relate to the world around you. So, the next time this question comes up, don’t just pick a book—use it as a chance to make a memorable impression that could help you stand out in the interview process.
What Interviewers Are Looking for in an Answer
- Passion and engagement: Interviewers want to know if you can discuss a topic you’re passionate about. Your enthusiasm for the book you choose demonstrates your ability to engage with a subject deeply, which can reflect how you approach your work and personal interests.
- Insight into your personality: The book you choose offers a glimpse into your values and interests. Whether you choose a thought-provoking memoir or a captivating work of fiction, your choice can reveal what motivates you and what qualities you admire—whether it’s creativity, resilience, or intellectual curiosity.
- Cultural fit: Your answer can also indicate how well you’d fit within the company culture. Choosing a book that aligns with the company’s values or work environment can demonstrate that you understand and resonate with the company’s mission and vision.
- Knowledge and curiosity: Lastly, interviewers are looking for an intellectually curious candidate dedicated to personal growth. Choosing a book that reflects your desire to learn, improve, and expand your horizons shows that you value ongoing development—both professionally and personally.
How to Answer “What Is Your Favorite Book?”
Be prepared with a few book choices
Having a couple of books in mind before your interview is a good idea. Having a selection of books ready lets you tailor your answer to the mood or tone of the interview, whether it’s more casual or formal. You don’t need to stick to just one book—consider your options based on the interview’s flow.
Example: “If I had to pick, I’d go with Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari. It opened my mind to the evolution of humanity and the way we shape history. It also gave me a lot of perspective on how technology impacts our future, which I find relevant in my work as a software developer.”
Insider tip: Think about how your book choice aligns with the job or industry you’re interviewing for. For example, if you’re applying for a role in leadership, a book about influential leaders or strategies can work well.
Explain why you liked it
Don’t just name a book—tell the interviewer why it struck a chord with you. What did the book teach you? How did it impact your way of thinking or approaching problems? Being able to elaborate on why you chose a book shows that you’re introspective and thoughtful.
Example: “I love The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho because it teaches the importance of following your dreams and listening to your heart, which I believe is essential in both personal and professional growth. It made me reflect on the journey towards my own career goals, especially the challenges and learning experiences along the way.”
Insider tip: Be specific about what resonated with you. Was it the book’s themes? The character’s journey? Or perhaps the writing style? The more personal and detailed your explanation, the more memorable your answer will be.
Stay authentic
While it’s tempting to pick a book that you think will impress the interviewer, it’s crucial to choose one that genuinely resonates with you. Authenticity is key. Your enthusiasm for the book will come through, and interviewers will appreciate your genuine passion.
Example: “I’d have to go with Educated by Tara Westover. It’s a memoir that explores resilience and the pursuit of knowledge. The author’s journey from growing up in a survivalist family to earning a PhD made me reflect on my own path to education and the value of questioning everything.”
Insider tip: If you choose a book that isn’t traditionally “impressive” or widely known, explain its significance to you. This can highlight your unique perspective and personal values.
Make it relevant to the interview
If possible, tie your book choice back to the role or industry you’re applying for. This shows that you can make connections between your interests and the work you’ll be doing.
Example: “I recently read Deep Work by Cal Newport, which focuses on the importance of deep, focused work in a world full of distractions. I find this especially relevant in my role as a project manager, where focus and efficiency are crucial for success.”
Insider tip: Look for a book that relates to a key aspect of the job, such as leadership, innovation, or problem-solving. This connection shows that you think strategically and are aligned with the company’s values or goals.
Keep it professional and thoughtful
Remember, while you want to be genuine, you’re still in a professional setting. Avoid books with overly casual themes or ones that could be considered inappropriate or too personal. Aim for a balanced answer that conveys both your personality and your professionalism.
Example: “I would pick The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg because it explores how small habits can create significant changes. As someone who strives for continual self-improvement, I found it helpful in both my personal and professional life.”
Insider tip: If the book is slightly more unconventional or personal, make sure you frame it in a way that relates to your values or your professional approach.
How Not to Answer
- Don’t pretend: Avoid claiming a book you haven’t read just to impress the interviewer. If you get caught, it could hurt your credibility.
- Don’t choose overly controversial books: Avoid books with divisive or controversial themes that could alienate the interviewer or be seen as inappropriate in a professional setting.
- Don’t be too casual: Books that are overly casual or non-professional, such as light romance novels or fantasy books without clear relevance, might not convey the level of seriousness expected in a job interview.
- Don’t choose a book you haven’t read in a long time: If you haven’t read a book recently, discussing it with enthusiasm and insight may be hard. Stick to books you can speak about with passion and knowledge.
Sample Answers to “What Is Your Favorite Book?”
Example #1
“My favorite book is The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. It had a profound impact on how I approach both my personal and professional life. The book emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and freeing ourselves from the constant mental chatter that can distract us. I found this particularly useful in managing stress and staying focused, especially during busy periods at work. It taught me how to embrace the present rather than worry about future challenges, which has been a game changer in my productivity and work-life balance.”
Why this works:
This answer highlights personal growth and professional benefits, aligning the book’s message with relevant workplace skills like focus and stress management. It also shows introspection and self-awareness.
Example #2
“I would choose Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. I admire Jobs’ visionary approach to technology and how he revolutionized industries by blending creativity with technical innovation. What I found most inspiring was his ability to overcome failures and his relentless pursuit of excellence, which I try to emulate in my own career. The book also explores his leadership style, and I’ve learned a lot about the importance of resilience and vision in leading teams and managing projects effectively.”
Why this works:
This answer is directly tied to the candidate’s professional values and leadership aspirations, which makes it especially relevant for a job interview. It shows admiration for a respected figure and highlights key qualities that could be valuable in the workplace, such as resilience and innovation.