Why Including Hobbies and Interests on Your CV Could Land You Your Dream Job

Including Hobbies and Interests on Your CV Could Land You Your Dream Job

Are you struggling to make your CV stand out from the rest? Do you feel like you need to add something unique, but don’t know what? Look no further than your hobbies and interests. Including them on your CV can be the key to landing your dream job.

Showcasing Your Personality

Employers aren’t just looking for qualifications and experience; they want to hire someone who will fit in with their team and culture. Your hobbies and interests can showcase your personality and give an insight into who you are as a person. Maybe you volunteer for a charity organization or take part in team sports. These activities show that you are a team player, have good communication skills and are willing to go above and beyond.

Illustrating Transferable Skills

Your hobbies and interests can also illustrate transferable skills that relate to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a marketing role, your experience as a blogger could be valuable. Similarly, if you are an avid traveler, that demonstrates adaptability, open-mindedness, and ability to deal with unfamiliar situations.

Providing Conversation Starters

Interviews can often be nerve-wracking, but discussing your interests can provide a great conversation starter. It shows you are passionate about something beyond work – which can speak loudly to the interviewer. Your interests can provide insight into your personality, provide context, and also allow for personalization within a thank-you email. Making small talk with an employer can make you memorable and help to build a connection beyond just your qualifications.

Providing a Link to Your Digital Personality

Your hobbies and interests can also provide a window into your digital personality. If you have a blog or social media presence, these can be great ways to showcase yourself professionally. Particularly if you’re trying to get a job in social media, digital marketing, or PR, you can demonstrate an understanding of creating content for multiple platforms and across various audiences, which will prove quite valuable in a digital-driven era.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your hobbies and interests don’t just serve as a fill-in on your CV, they can be a valuable addition that could make all the difference in landing your dream job. By showcasing your personality, transferable skills, providing conversation starters and giving a link to your digital personality, you can highlight yourself as a well-rounded candidate who could bring value in areas outside of your main skill set. So, next time you’re thinking about updating your CV, make sure to give your interests and hobbies the importance they deserve.