Why Including Your Personal Interests on Your CV is More Important Than You Think
The standard approach to writing a CV is to focus on qualifications, experience, and skills. Yet, including your personal interests on your CV could be the missing piece that lands you the job you want.
Your Personal Interests Give Employers an Insight into Your Personality
When you include your personal interests on a CV, you give employers a glimpse into your personality, which could be the key to making you stand out from other candidates. Your personal interests give employers an idea of how you spend your free time, what your hobbies are, and what you are passionate about. This insight can make you more relatable to the employer and help them understand what type of person you are beyond just your qualifications and work experience.
For instance, if you are applying for a job in a creative industry, such as graphic design, your interest in photography or painting could demonstrate your artistic side, which is a key asset for the role. Or if you are interested in hiking or rock climbing, it could indicate your adventurous spirit and willingness to take on new challenges, which could be valuable in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
Your Personal Interests Can Demonstrate Your Transferable Skills
Many personal interests can demonstrate transferable skills relevant to your desired role. For example, if you are a member of a community group or charity organization, it shows your ability to work in a team and your commitment to helping others. Similarly, if you are a musician or play a sport, it can showcase your discipline, determination, and ability to work towards a goal. These skills could be highly desirable to employers, regardless of whether they are explicitly stated in the job description.
Your Personal Interests Can Add Value to Your CV
Beyond demonstrating your personality and transferable skills, your personal interests can also add value to your CV. For instance, if you are fluent in a second language, it could be a valuable asset in a global company. Or if you have experience in event planning or marketing through personal projects or volunteering, it could showcase your adaptability in a fast-paced work environment.
Furthermore, personal interests can provide an opportunity to demonstrate your innovative thinking or problem-solving skills. For example, if you have created a blog or run social media accounts related to a particular interest, it shows your ability to be creative and think outside the box.
Conclusion
In conclusion, including your personal interests on your CV can provide employers with unique insights into your personality, transferable skills, and value you could bring to the role. By showcasing your interests, you could differentiate yourself from other candidates and demonstrate a depth of character beyond your qualifications and work experience. If done correctly and with professional language usage, including your personal interests will add a personal touch to your CV and make you stand out from other candidates, which could help you land the job you want.
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