The Importance of Being Human
When it comes to writing a resume, the focus is often on highlighting one’s professional experience, education, and skills. However, in today’s job market, employers are increasingly looking for candidates who bring more to the table than just their technical abilities. They want individuals who are well-rounded, passionate, and engaged in the world around them. This is where hobbies and interests come in.
Debunking the Myth of the Sterile Resume
Many job seekers worry that including their hobbies and interests on their resume will make them appear unprofessional or irrelevant. However, research has shown that including these personal details can actually make you more human and relatable to potential employers. It shows that you have a life outside of work and that you have passions and interests that drive you.
Showcasing Soft Skills
In addition to demonstrating your personality and interests, including hobbies and interests on your resume can also showcase important soft skills that employers value. For example, if you list team sports as one of your hobbies, this can indicate that you are a team player and work well with others. Similarly, if you list volunteering at a local charity as one of your interests, this can demonstrate your commitment to community and your willingness to help others.
How to Choose the Right Hobbies and Interests to Include
While including hobbies and interests on your resume can be beneficial, it’s important to choose the right ones to showcase. Here are some tips to help you make the right choices:
Including hobbies and interests on your resume can make you more human and relatable to potential employers, showcasing your personality, soft skills, and passion for life. However, it’s important to choose the right ones to showcase, considering their relevance to the job, your strengths and weaknesses, and uniqueness. When including them on your resume, keep it concise, be specific, and use action verbs to demonstrate your accomplishments and skills.
Relevance to the Job
When deciding which hobbies and interests to include on your resume, consider whether they are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job in marketing, listing your experience with social media or blogging can demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Think about your strengths and weaknesses when deciding which hobbies and interests to include on your resume. If you are naturally outgoing and social, listing hobbies that involve interacting with others, such as team sports or volunteering, can showcase your strengths. On the other hand, if you are more introverted, listing solitary hobbies, such as reading or painting, can still demonstrate your creativity and dedication to personal growth.
Uniqueness and Passion
Finally, consider including hobbies and interests that are unique and showcase your passions. This can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your enthusiasm for life. For example, if you are an avid traveler, listing your experiences and favorite destinations can showcase your adventurous spirit.
Tips for Including Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume
Once you have chosen the right hobbies and interests to showcase on your resume, here are some tips to help you include them effectively:
Keep it Concise
Remember that your resume is a brief overview of your professional experience and skills. While including hobbies and interests can add an extra dimension, it’s important to keep it concise. Limit yourself to no more than three or four hobbies or interests and keep the descriptions brief and to the point.
Be Specific
When listing your hobbies and interests, be specific about what you do and what you have achieved. For example, instead of simply listing “reading,” you could list “avid reader of classic literature, with a particular interest in Shakespearean plays.” This demonstrates your knowledge and passion for the subject.
Use Action Verbs
When describing your hobbies and interests, use action verbs to showcase your accomplishments and skills. For example, instead of simply listing “gardening,” you could write “developed a successful vegetable garden, which yielded a harvest of over 100 pounds of fresh produce.” This demonstrates your ability to plan, execute, and achieve goals.
FAQs – Should You List Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume?
Why Should I List Hobbies and Interests on My Resume?
Listing hobbies and interests on your resume is a great way to show your personality and make yourself more human to the person who is reviewing your application. It can also help you stand out from other candidates who may have similar qualifications and experience. Including your hobbies and interests can also provide insight into your skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and creativity.
What Kind of Hobbies and Interests Should I Include on My Resume?
When selecting hobbies and interests to include on your resume, it is important to choose relevant and appropriate ones. It is best to include hobbies and interests that showcase your skills, passions, and personality. For example, if you are applying for a job in the creative field, listing photography or painting could be relevant. If you are applying for a job that involves teamwork, listing your involvement in a sports team or community group could show your ability to work well with others.
Should I List Personal Information on My Resume, Such as My Hobbies and Interests?
While it is important to make yourself stand out on your resume, you should be cautious about listing too much personal information, especially if it is irrelevant to the position you are applying for. Avoid listing any controversial or revealing hobbies and interests, as this could potentially turn off the person reviewing your application. Focus on listing hobbies and interests that are appropriate and relevant to your career field.
How Do I List My Hobbies and Interests on My Resume?
When listing your hobbies and interests on your resume, it is important to keep it brief and concise. This section should be no longer than a few lines and should be placed near the end of your resume. You should also provide a brief description of your hobby or interest and how it relates to your skills or personality. For example, “Photography: I enjoy capturing moments and have developed an eye for detail, which translates to my attention to detail when working on projects.”
