Including Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume Matters: Why and How to Do It
When it comes to creating a resume, many job seekers focus solely on their professional experience, education, and skills. However, including your hobbies and interests on your resume can actually enhance your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. In this article, we will explore why including hobbies and interests on your resume matters, and how to do it effectively.
Why Including Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume Matters
1. Shows Your Personality and Character
Employers want to hire people who are not only qualified for the job, but also fit in with their company culture and will be easy to work with. Including your hobbies and interests on your resume can help you showcase your personality and character, which can make you stand out among other applicants.
For example, if you list that you are an avid traveler, a recruiter may assume that you are adventurous, open-minded, and independent. These are positive traits that many employers look for in their employees.
2. Demonstrates Your Skills and Accomplishments
Your hobbies and interests can also demonstrate your skills and accomplishments outside of your professional experience. For instance, if you list that you are a marathon runner, a recruiter may assume that you are disciplined, goal-oriented, and have the ability to work hard and achieve difficult tasks.
3. Creates an Opportunity for Conversation During the Interview
Listing your hobbies and interests can also create an opportunity for conversation during the interview process. If a recruiter sees that you are interested in the same hobby or activity as they are, they may be more inclined to connect with you on a personal level.
How to Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume
1. Choose Relevant and Appropriate Hobbies and Interests
Make sure the hobbies and interests you list are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying to be a graphic designer, listing photography as a hobby makes sense since it’s a creative field. However, listing collecting stamps as a hobby may not be as relevant.
Additionally, make sure the hobbies and interests you list are appropriate. Avoid anything controversial or potentially offensive, such as political affiliations or extreme sports.
2. Incorporate Your Hobbies and Interests into Your Work Experience
Instead of just listing your hobbies and interests under a separate section on your resume, try incorporating them into your work experience. For example, if you were the captain of your university’s soccer team, you can include that experience under a “Leadership” section.
3. Use Action Words
When describing your hobbies and interests on your resume, use action words just as you would under your work experience. For example, instead of simply listing “reading,” you can say “avid reader who frequently participates in book clubs and writes book reviews for a personal blog.”
In Conclusion
Including hobbies and interests on your resume can be a great way to showcase your personality, skills, and accomplishments. However, make sure you do it effectively by choosing relevant and appropriate hobbies and interests, incorporating them into your work experience, and using action words to describe them. By doing this, you can increase your chances of standing out among other job applicants and landing your dream job.
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