When it comes to writing a resume, many people wonder whether they should include hobbies and interests on it. Many experts will tell you that it is not necessary to include a list of your hobbies and interests on a resume. On one hand, this information can showcase your personality and add depth to your resume. On the other hand, some hiring managers may view them as irrelevant and prefer to see only professional qualifications.
But what is the difference between the two?
- A hobby is an activity that a person enjoys doing in their leisure time, usually for pleasure or relaxation. It can be something that the person does regularly or occasionally, and it can involve a wide range of activities, such as playing sports, gardening, crafting, cooking, or reading.
- An interest, on the other hand, is something that a person is curious about or likes to learn more about. It can be related to a particular subject, topic, or field, such as science, history, politics, or art. Interests can be pursued through a variety of activities, such as attending lectures, reading books or articles, or engaging in online discussions.
The main difference between hobbies and interests is that hobbies tend to be more active and hands-on, involving a physical or creative pursuit, while interests tend to be more intellectual and passive, involving a desire to learn or explore a particular subject or topic. However, there can be overlap between the two, as a hobby can also be an interest, and vice versa.
Pros of Including Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume:
- Showcasing Your Personality - Helps showcase your personality and give hiring managers a glimpse into who you are beyond your professional qualifications. This can make you a more well-rounded and interesting candidate, which can be particularly valuable if the position you're applying for requires strong communication or interpersonal skills.
- Highlighting Relevant Skills - Certain hobbies and interests can also highlight relevant skills that you possess. For example, if you're an avid traveler, this can demonstrate your ability to adapt to new environments and cultures, which could be particularly relevant if you're applying for an international position or a role that involves working with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Standing Out - Citing unique or unusual hobbies and interests can help you stand out from other candidates. This can be particularly valuable if you're applying for a competitive position and need a way to differentiate yourself from other qualified candidates.
- Showing a Work-Life Balance - Shows that you have a healthy work-life balance, which can be attractive to employers who value their employees' well-being.
- Displaying Personal Achievements - It can be a way to showcase personal achievements, such as running a marathon or winning a chess tournament, which can demonstrate your determination, perseverance, and competitiveness.
- Demonstrating Cultural Fit - This align with the company culture can demonstrate your cultural fit, which can be important for companies that place a high value on culture fit. For example, if you're applying for a position at a company that values sustainability, including your interest in environmental activism could demonstrate your alignment with the company's values.
Cons of Including Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume:
- Irrelevance - Some hiring managers may view hobbies and interests as irrelevant to the job and prefer to see only professional qualifications. Including hobbies and interests that aren't related to the position you're applying for may take up valuable space on your resume and distract from your relevant skills and experiences.
- Risk of Bias - This could potentially expose you to bias or discrimination. For example, if you include your membership in a political organization or religious group, a hiring manager may use this information to make assumptions about your beliefs and values, which could lead to discrimination.
- Space Constraints - Depending on the length of your resume, you may not have enough space to include hobbies and interests without sacrificing more important information, such as your work experience or qualifications.
- Opening Yourself Up to Misinterpretation - Including hobbies and interests that are unusual or uncommon could be misinterpreted or misunderstood by a potential employer. For example, if you have an interest in collecting knives, a hiring manager may question your judgment or safety.
- Distracting from Professional Experience - Depending on the length of your resume and the relevance of your hobbies and interests to the position, including them could distract from your professional experience and qualifications, which are typically the most important factors in hiring decisions.
So, Should You Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume?
The answer ultimately depends on the position you're applying for and the company culture of the organization you're applying to. If you're applying for a job in a creative industry or a position that values interpersonal skills, including hobbies and interests could be beneficial. However, if you're applying for a position in a more traditional or formal industry, it may be better to focus solely on your professional qualifications.
If you do choose to include hobbies and interests on your resume, make sure they're relevant and add value to your application. For example, if you're applying for a marketing position, including your interest in photography could demonstrate your creativity and visual skills. However, if you're applying for a finance position, your photography hobby may not be as relevant.
In addition, including hobbies and interests on your resume can be a way to showcase your personality and stand out from other candidates, but it's important to carefully consider their relevance to the position and company culture before including them.
If you want to read more about building your personal brand as a job seeker, here is a great resource for you!
