Interview Prep: What is the Last Book You Have Read?

What’s the last book that you read?

This is a question you may get at some interviews. The purpose is to find out more about you as a person based on the idea that your reading habits give some indication about your personality and interests. The question has another purpose also – to get a sense of your curiosity and thirst for knowledge, your desire to learn, and grow. These qualities have gained great importance in an economy that is constantly evolving through technology. Employers want people who will continue learning throughout their careers.

What’s the best way to answer this question? It’s best to be honest in your response. The hiring manager might notice if you name a book you haven’t read, and then you will appear dishonest.

Name Something Recent.

Also, be sure to name something you have read recently. There are several reasons for this. It’s better to be honest and admit that you haven’t read anything recently than make something up. Also, if it has been a long time since you read the book, you probably will not remember it as well as something more recent, and you won’t be able to talk about it as well.

Choose a Relevant Book.

Avoid naming books that will make you look superficial or shallow, such as pulp fiction novels. Choose a book of substance, one that will make a good impression. You have a wide range here. To make the best impression, you should name a book that relates to your profession. But other choices work well here too, such as nonfiction or works of literature.

Talk About Why You Chose a Specific Book.

Also, in your answer, explain why you chose to read the book, give a short summary of it, and explain what you learned from reading it. If the interviewer has also read the book, you can ask what they think about it. This could be an opportunity to establish a rapport with the hiring manager.

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