Whether or not to include hobbies and interests on a CV has been a topic of debate for a long time now. While some people believe that it can add a personal touch to your application and help you stand out from the crowd, others argue that it can be irrelevant and take up valuable space that could be better used to highlight your professional qualifications and experience. In this article, we’ll explore both sides of the argument to help you decide whether or not to include hobbies and interests on your CV.
Why Including Hobbies and Interests on Your CV Matters
When it comes to creating a CV, many job seekers tend to focus on their professional qualifications, work experiences, and relevant skills. However, including hobbies and interests on your CV is equally important. While some may argue that personal interests are irrelevant and don’t add any value to the job application, there are several reasons why you should consider highlighting your hobbies and interests on your CV.
Firstly, your hobbies and interests can provide insight into your personality and character. Employers are not just looking for candidates with the right qualifications and experience, but also those who are a good fit for their company culture. Including your hobbies and interests on your CV can help employers to determine if you would be a good fit for their team.
Secondly, hobbies and interests can also demonstrate transferable skills that could be relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are an avid reader, it could indicate that you have strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Similarly, if you enjoy playing team sports, it could suggest that you are a good team player and have strong communication skills.
What to Consider When Including Hobbies and Interests on Your CV
While including hobbies and interests on your CV can be beneficial, it is important to consider what you include carefully. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which hobbies and interests to include:
- Relevance: Consider how relevant your hobbies and interests are to the job you are applying for. If you are applying for a job in marketing, for example, mentioning that you enjoy photography could be relevant as it demonstrates your creativity and visual skills.
- Professionalism: Make sure that your hobbies and interests are appropriate and professional. Avoid mentioning anything that could be controversial or offensive.
- Balance: While it is important to showcase your personality and interests, it is also important to strike a balance. Don’t spend too much space talking about your hobbies and interests. Instead, focus on providing a brief overview of what you enjoy doing in your spare time.
Examples of Hobbies and Interests to Include on Your CV
Here are some examples of hobbies and interests that could be relevant and appropriate to include on your CV:
- Volunteering: If you volunteer for a charity or community organization, it demonstrates that you are committed to making a positive impact in your community. It also shows that you have good organizational and teamwork skills.
- Travel: If you enjoy traveling, it could demonstrate that you are open-minded, adaptable, and able to handle new experiences and challenges.
- Creative pursuits: If you enjoy painting, writing, or playing music, it could indicate that you are creative and have strong attention to detail.
- Sports and fitness: If you enjoy team sports or fitness activities, it could demonstrate that you are a team player and have strong communication and leadership skills.
Common Misconceptions About Including Hobbies and Interests on Your CV
Misconception #1: Hobbies and Interests Are Irrelevant
One of the biggest misconceptions about including hobbies and interests on your CV is that they are irrelevant. However, as mentioned earlier, hobbies and interests can provide valuable insights into your personality, character, and skills. They can also help you stand out from other candidates who may have similar qualifications and experience.
Misconception #2: Including Hobbies and Interests Can Be a Liability
Another common misconception is that including hobbies and interests on your CV can be a liability. While it is true that some hobbies and interests may be inappropriate or controversial, as long as you are mindful of what you include, there is no reason why they should be a liability. In fact, if you choose the right hobbies and interests to include, they can actually work in your favor.
Misconception #3: Including Hobbies and Interests Is a Waste of Space
Finally, some job seekers believe that including hobbies and interests on their CV is a waste of space. However, as long as you are concise and focused, including hobbies and interests can actually help you to showcase your personality and stand out from other candidates. Just make sure that you don’t spend too much space talking about your hobbies and interests at the expense of your professional qualifications and experience.
FAQs: Should I Put Hobbies and Interests on My CV?
Why should I include my hobbies and interests on my CV?
Including your hobbies and interests on your CV can give hiring managers a better idea of who you are as a person and what you are passionate about. It can also serve as a conversation starter during an interview and can help you stand out from other candidates. In some cases, it may even be relevant to the job you are applying for, such as if the job requires teamwork and you list playing team sports as one of your hobbies.
Should I include all of my hobbies and interests or just the ones that are relevant to the job?
It is best to only include hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job or that showcase a skill or trait that the employer is looking for. For example, if you are applying for a job in marketing and you list blogging as one of your hobbies, it can show that you are a skilled writer and have experience with content creation. However, if you love knitting but it has no relevance to the job, it may be best to leave it off.
Are there any hobbies or interests that I should definitely not include on my CV?
It is best to avoid listing any hobbies or interests that could be seen as controversial or offensive. This includes things like political or religious affiliations, extreme sports or activities that could be considered dangerous, or anything that could indicate a lack of professionalism. It’s also important to avoid listing any hobbies that could be seen as time consuming or potentially interfere with your work schedule.
Should hobbies and interests be listed separately on my CV or included in my personal statement?
It is up to personal preference as to where to include your hobbies and interests. Some people list them separately under a heading like “Other Interests” or “Hobbies”, while others include them as part of their personal statement at the beginning of their CV. Either way, it is important to keep it brief and only include relevant information. Remember, the focus of your CV should be on your professional skills and experience, not your hobbies and interests.
How much detail should I include about my hobbies and interests?
When listing your hobbies and interests, it’s best to keep it brief and to the point. A simple sentence or two for each hobby or interest is sufficient. You don’t need to provide a detailed explanation of what you do, just enough information to give the employer an idea of what you enjoy doing in your spare time. Remember, the goal is to provide some insight into your personality and interests, not to make your CV a list of your hobbies.
