Hobbies and Interests in CV: How to Make Optimum Use of this Section

Your CV is one of the most important factors that help in deciding your next move in the job search process. Drafting the perfect CV requires a lot of time and efforts to be put in. From experience, qualifications and skills, each section in your CV should add relevance for the reader. When writing a CV, there are a lot of uncertainties about what to include and what not to include.

One such section that brings a certain amount of uncertainty is the hobbies section. There are a number of questions that strike the brain when it comes to adding hobbies in your CV. This strictly professional document requires you to add in some extra-curricular activities for the employer to get to know you as a person.

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Why Does the CV Require a Hobbies (Interests) Section?

There are a number of reasons that you should add a hobbies section to your CV. While your qualifications and experience makes you fit for the job, your hobbies define you particularly as a person. Also, relevant hobbies added to your CV demonstrates to the employer some of the relevant skills required for the job. Secondly, it makes your CV look more personalized and helps you stand apart from the competitors.

Lastly, adding relevant hobbies to your CV gives you to talk about something in an interview apart from role related subjects.

The Focus on Adding Relevant Hobbies

It is better to include a hobby to help you sell yourself rather than leaving the space blank? No, not necessarily. Unless your interests are related to the job you are applying to, the skills might not help you grabbing the job.

Unfortunately, not everyone enjoys rock music or is a fan of folk dance. So, wherever possible use your hobbies and interests section to support your application and to sell the idea of you being the perfect fit for the job.

Also when adding hobbies, make sure that the hobbies you are adding are relatable by the employer. Be honest and authentic, positive and passionate, unique and concise.

The Employer’s View?

Talking about the employer’s view, this section is very subjective. Some employers might find it as a crucial part of a well compiled application, while some others may only relate to it when you have checked all other boxes.

In general, a recruiter will only be interested in your hobbies if they have relevance to the job you are applying to.

No Hobbies? What Should You Write?

If you cannot think of any particular interests or passion that you can document supporting your application, do not be tempted to add the clichés. Eating out, socializing with friends, etc. are definitely not adding to your application. Avoid writing them in your CV.

If you really want to add something to your resume to make it more fruitful, take up volunteering. Not only is it a great hobby, it can help you build a stronger background in the industry you decide to put your foot in.

Some Examples of Hobbies (Interests)

Here are some examples of hobbies you can add in your resume and what they tell about you to the employer.

Who Should Add This Section?

If your hobby directly relates to the job applied, include it. But if you have a considerable experience you can probably avoid it as it might unnecessarily increase the length of your resume. A hobbies and interests section is a must for:

-  Fresh Graduates

-  Candidates with no experience in the applied field

-  Candidates applying to roles directly related to hobbies

How to Talk About Your Hobbies at the Interview?

Resumes are meant to have the information that takes you to the next level. Honestly, hobbies have nothing great to add to the value you can bring to the role. However, whether you have a hobbies section in your CV or not, the interviewer can question you on your interests. This helps them to understand you as a person and how you fit in the organization.

Wait for the interviewer to put up a question to you.

Concluding Words

Resumes must be concise and should be able to catch the recruiters’ attention in less than 10 seconds. Hence, it is important that whatever you are including should be related to the job you are applying to. Remember to consider each job application personally and decide on hobbies that bolster your resume making you appear as a stronger candidate.

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