How to Showcase Your Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume and Stand Out from the Crowd

As a job seeker, you already know how challenging it can be to get noticed by hiring managers. If you want to increase your chances of landing an interview, one of the best things you can do is showcase your hobbies and interests on your resume. Doing so can help you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate your unique personality and skills. In this article, we’ll explore some tips for how to do this effectively.

Why Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume?

Some job seekers might wonder if it’s even worth it to include hobbies and interests on their resume. The short answer is yes. Here’s why:

– It can help you stand out: Hiring managers look at dozens (if not hundreds) of resumes for any given position. If you can include something that makes you unique or memorable, you’ll be more likely to catch their attention.
– It can show your skills and personality: The hobbies and interests you choose to include can give hiring managers a sense of your personality and the skills you bring to the table. For example, if you’re an avid rock climber, it could demonstrate that you’re a risk-taker and have good problem-solving skills.
– It can help you connect with the hiring manager: If the hiring manager shares one of your hobbies or interests, it can create an instant connection and help you build rapport.

How to Choose Which Hobbies and Interests to Include

Now that you know why it’s important to include hobbies and interests on your resume, let’s talk about how to choose the right ones. Here are some things to keep in mind:

– Make them relevant: Choose hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a job as a writer, including “reading” as a hobby could demonstrate your love of literature and writing.
– Highlight unique skills: Think about hobbies and interests that demonstrate skills that might not be obvious from your work experience. For example, if you’re a photographer, it could demonstrate your attention to detail and creativity.
– Keep it concise: You don’t need to include every single hobby or interest you have. Choose a few that are most relevant and impactful.

Where to Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume

Once you’ve decided which hobbies and interests to include on your resume, you need to figure out where to put them. Here are some options:

– In a dedicated section: If you have several hobbies and interests to include, you might want to create a dedicated section on your resume. This could be titled “Hobbies and Interests” or “Personal Activities.”
– In the summary or objective: If you don’t have a lot of hobbies and interests to include, you could mention them in your summary or objective statement instead. For example, “Creative writer with a passion for hiking and photography.”
– In the experience section: Depending on the hobby or interest, you might be able to include it within the experience section. For example, if you’ve done volunteer work related to your hobby, you could list it as a separate experience.

Examples of Hobbies and Interests to Include

Still not sure which hobbies and interests to include? Here are some examples:

– Running (demonstrates discipline and perseverance)
– Cooking (demonstrates creativity and attention to detail)
– Playing a musical instrument (demonstrates a commitment to learning and the ability to focus)
– Blogging (demonstrates strong writing skills)
– Learning a new language (demonstrates an interest in other cultures and a commitment to personal growth)

Conclusion

Including hobbies and interests on your resume can be a powerful way to differentiate yourself from other job seekers. When done right, it can demonstrate your personality, skills, and unique qualities. Just remember to keep it relevant, concise, and professional, and you’ll be well on your way to standing out from the crowd.