Many job seekers often wonder whether they should include hobbies and interests on their resume. While some argue that it adds personality and can make you stand out from other applicants, others believe that it can be irrelevant and take up valuable space that could be used to highlight relevant work experience or skills. In this discussion, we will explore both sides of the argument and ultimately, help you decide whether including hobbies and interests is a good idea for your resume.
The Importance of Including Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume
When it comes to crafting your resume, you want to make sure that you are putting your best foot forward. This means highlighting your strengths, showcasing your skills, and making sure that you stand out from the competition. One way to do this is by including your hobbies and interests on your resume.
While some people may think that hobbies and interests are unnecessary or irrelevant to their job search, the truth is that they can actually be a valuable asset. Including hobbies and interests on your resume can help you stand out from other candidates, show off your personality and interests, and even demonstrate your skills and abilities.
How Hobbies and Interests Can Benefit Your Resume
Including hobbies and interests on your resume can provide a number of benefits:
Shows your personality: Hobbies and interests can give potential employers a glimpse into your personality and what makes you unique. This can help you stand out from other candidates and make a lasting impression.
Demonstrates skills and abilities: Depending on your hobbies and interests, they can also demonstrate skills and abilities that may be relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you enjoy playing team sports, this can show that you are a team player and work well with others.
Makes you a more well-rounded candidate: Including hobbies and interests on your resume can show that you have a life outside of work and are a well-rounded individual. This can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
When to Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume
While including hobbies and interests on your resume can be beneficial, it is important to know when to do so. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Only include relevant hobbies and interests: Make sure that the hobbies and interests you include on your resume are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job in marketing, including that you enjoy photography or graphic design could be an asset.
Include hobbies and interests that demonstrate skills: If your hobbies and interests demonstrate skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for, make sure to include them. For example, if you enjoy writing, this could demonstrate your communication skills.
Don’t include controversial hobbies or interests: While it is important to showcase your personality, you should avoid including hobbies or interests that could be controversial or offensive. Stick to safe topics like sports, music, or travel.
How to Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume
If you decide to include hobbies and interests on your resume, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
Keep it brief: You don’t need to go into great detail about your hobbies and interests. Just include a brief sentence or two about each one.
Use bullet points: Including your hobbies and interests in bullet point format can make them easier to read and can help them stand out.
Place them at the end of your resume: Your hobbies and interests should be included at the end of your resume, after your work experience, education, and other relevant information.
1. Shows your personality
Hobbies and interests can give potential employers a glimpse into your personality and what makes you unique. This can help you stand out from other candidates and make a lasting impression. For example, if you are applying for a job in the creative industry, including your love for photography or painting can show that you have a creative mind and a unique perspective.
2. Demonstrates skills and abilities
Depending on your hobbies and interests, they can also demonstrate skills and abilities that may be relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you enjoy playing team sports, this can show that you are a team player and work well with others. If you enjoy writing, this can demonstrate your communication skills. Including your hobbies and interests on your resume can be a great way to showcase your skills and make yourself a more attractive candidate.
3. Makes you a more well-rounded candidate
Including hobbies and interests on your resume can show that you have a life outside of work and are a well-rounded individual. This can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. It can also demonstrate that you have a balanced lifestyle, which is important in many industries such as healthcare or social work.
1. Only include relevant hobbies and interests
Make sure that the hobbies and interests you include on your resume are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job in marketing, including that you enjoy photography or graphic design could be an asset. However, if you are applying for a job in finance, your love for kayaking may not be relevant.
2. Include hobbies and interests that demonstrate skills
If your hobbies and interests demonstrate skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for, make sure to include them. For example, if you enjoy writing, this could demonstrate your communication skills. If you enjoy volunteering, this could demonstrate your leadership and teamwork skills. Including hobbies and interests that demonstrate skills can help you stand out from other candidates and make you a more attractive candidate.
3. Don’t include controversial hobbies or interests
While it is important to showcase your personality, you should avoid including hobbies or interests that could be controversial or offensive. Stick to safe topics like sports, music, or travel. Avoid topics like politics or religion, as these can be divisive and may turn off potential employers.
1. Keep it brief
You don’t need to go into great detail about your hobbies and interests. Just include a brief sentence or two about each one. For example, “In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball with friends” or “I am an avid reader and enjoy exploring new genres.”
2. Use bullet points
Including your hobbies and interests in bullet point format can make them easier to read and can help them stand out. This can also make your resume look more organized and professional.
3. Place them at the end of your resume
Your hobbies and interests should be included at the end of your resume, after your work experience, education, and other relevant information. This is a standard practice and will help ensure that your resume looks clean and professional.
FAQs: Should I Put Hobbies and Interests on My Resume?
Should I include hobbies and interests on my resume?
It depends on the specific circumstances. If you have limited work experience, including relevant hobbies and interests can help demonstrate skills or experiences that are transferable to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job in marketing, including interests in blogging or social media can demonstrate your comfort with digital platforms. However, if you have substantial work experience, including hobbies and interests may not be as necessary and could potentially waste valuable space on your resume.
What are the benefits of including hobbies and interests on my resume?
Including hobbies and interests can help round out your resume and make you seem like a more well-rounded candidate. It can also help demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for things outside of work. Additionally, if you have relevant hobbies or interests, they can demonstrate skills that are valuable to employers. For example, if you are an avid mountain climber, this could demonstrate perseverance, focus, and a willingness to take calculated risks.
What kind of hobbies and interests should I include on my resume?
You should aim to include hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job you are applying for and demonstrate skills that are transferable. For example, if you are applying for a job in finance, including interests in personal finance or investing can demonstrate your financial acumen. Additionally, including hobbies that involve teamwork, creativity, or problem-solving can also be valuable.
Should I mention unconventional hobbies or interests?
This depends on the job you are applying for and the company culture. Some employers may appreciate unconventional hobbies or interests, while others may find them off-putting. Use your best judgment and consider the company culture before including any potentially controversial hobbies or interests on your resume.
Where should I include my hobbies and interests on my resume?
Your hobbies and interests should be included at the bottom of your resume, after your work experience and education. They should be listed as brief bullet points and should not take up too much space on your resume. Remember, the main focus of your resume should be your work experience and qualifications, so keep your hobbies and interests concise and relevant.
