A hobbies and interests section on a CV provides the opportunity for the candidate to showcase their personality outside of their professional skills and experience. Including this section allows potential employers to gain insight into who the candidate is as a person and their extracurricular interests, which could potentially make them a better fit for the company culture. In this context, this article will explore the importance of including hobbies and interests on a CV, tips for writing this section, and examples of hobbies and interests that could be suitable for different types of job applications.
Why are hobbies and interests important in a CV?
When it comes to creating a CV, many seniors may wonder whether it’s necessary to include hobbies and interests. The truth is that hobbies and interests can provide valuable insight into a senior’s personality, skills, and passions beyond their professional experience. Including hobbies and interests in a CV can help seniors stand out from other applicants and demonstrate their well-roundedness.
Hobbies and interests showcase personality
Hobbies and interests can reveal a senior’s personality and character traits that can’t be conveyed through a list of job titles and responsibilities. For example, if a senior lists gardening as a hobby, it may suggest that they have a nurturing and patient personality. Similarly, if a senior lists volunteering at a local shelter as an interest, it may suggest that they are compassionate and empathetic.
Hobbies and interests highlight skills
Hobbies and interests can also demonstrate skills that are relevant to the job. For example, if a senior lists photography as a hobby, it may suggest that they have an eye for detail and are creative problem solvers. Similarly, if a senior lists playing a musical instrument as an interest, it may suggest that they have strong time-management skills and can work well under pressure.
Hobbies and interests show passion
Including hobbies and interests in a CV can also demonstrate a senior’s passion for life beyond work. This passion can be contagious and may impress employers who are looking for employees who are not only skilled but also enthusiastic about life. Employers may be more likely to hire seniors who have hobbies and interests that align with their company’s values and culture.
How to include hobbies and interests in a CV
When it comes to including hobbies and interests in a CV, there are a few things seniors should keep in mind to make sure they’re presenting themselves in the best light possible.
Be selective
Seniors should be selective when choosing which hobbies and interests to include in their CV. They should only include hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job or demonstrate skills that are transferable to the job. Seniors should avoid listing hobbies and interests that may be controversial or offensive.
Keep it concise
Seniors should keep the section about hobbies and interests concise and to the point. They should avoid including too much information or going into too much detail about each hobby or interest. A sentence or two about each hobby or interest is usually sufficient.
Tailor it to the job
Seniors should tailor the section about hobbies and interests to the job they’re applying for. If the job requires teamwork, seniors may want to include hobbies and interests that demonstrate their ability to work well with others. If the job requires creativity, seniors may want to include hobbies and interests that demonstrate their creative side.
Examples of Hobbies and Interests for Seniors
When it comes to choosing hobbies and interests to include in a CV, seniors have a wide range of options. Here are a few examples of hobbies and interests that may be relevant to different jobs:
Gardening
Gardening can demonstrate a senior’s patience, attention to detail, and ability to nurture and care for living things. It may be relevant for jobs in healthcare, social work, or education.
Painting
Painting can demonstrate a senior’s creativity, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. It may be relevant for jobs in marketing, design, or advertising.
Knitting
Knitting can demonstrate a senior’s patience, attention to detail, and ability to follow instructions. It may be relevant for jobs in customer service, data entry, or quality assurance.
Playing music
Playing music can demonstrate a senior’s ability to work well under pressure, time-management skills, and attention to detail. It may be relevant for jobs in sales, finance, or technology.
FAQs for Hobbies and Interests CV
What should I include in the hobbies and interests section of my CV?
The hobbies and interests section of your CV should give potential employers an insight into your personality and interests outside of work. It’s an opportunity to showcase your unique hobbies and activities that set you apart from other candidates. Include activities that demonstrate your creativity, teamwork, leadership, or passion for learning. Be specific in your descriptions and showcase any relevant skills you have gained from your hobbies.
Should I include all my hobbies, or should I pick and choose?
It’s important to be strategic about the hobbies and interests you choose to include in your CV. Only include hobbies that are relevant to the job you’re applying for, and that showcase skills or qualities that could be transferable to the role. You don’t need to include every single hobby you have, but a few carefully selected ones can make your CV stand out.
How do I know which hobbies are relevant to include on my CV?
Consider the job description and the skills required for the position. If the job requires strong communication skills, for example, you could include hobbies that showcase your communication skills, such as public speaking, debating or writing blogs. If the job requires teamwork, you could include hobbies such as team sports or volunteering for group projects. Think about how your hobbies and interests align with the company’s values and mission.
Should I include hobbies that are unrelated to the job?
It’s okay to include hobbies that are not directly related to the job as long as they showcase relevant skills or strengths. For example, if you’re an avid marathon runner, you could mention that as evidence of perseverance and dedication. However, avoid hobbies that may be controversial or offensive.
How much space should I dedicate to the hobbies and interests section on my CV?
The hobbies and interests section should be brief, usually no more than a few lines or bulleted points. Keep it to a minimum to ensure your CV remains focused on your work experience and qualifications. However, if your hobbies and interests are highly relevant to the job, you could include a little more detail.
What should I avoid when writing the hobbies and interests section of my CV?
Avoid clichés and generic hobbies that are unlikely to impress a potential employer, such as reading or watching TV. Also, avoid hobbies or interests that could be perceived as negative, such as excessive drinking or gambling. Be honest and authentic, but don’t overshare too much personal information that is not relevant to the job.
