Why Hobbies and Interests Matter in Your Curriculum Vitae
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, candidates need to find new ways of standing out from the crowd. One way to do this is by including hobbies and interests in their curriculum vitae (CV). This may seem counterintuitive, as it may seem irrelevant to potential employers. However, hobbies and interests can give employers an insight into a candidate’s personality, skills, and work ethic. In this article, we will explore why hobbies and interests matter in your CV.
The Role of Hobbies and Interests in Your CV
Hobbies and interests play an essential role in your CV as they provide hiring managers with an insight into your personality, skills, and work ethic. For instance, if you are interested in outdoor activities such as hiking, this may indicate that you are physically fit and enjoy challenging yourself. On the other hand, if you are a member of a book club, this may suggest that you are intellectually curious and enjoy learning new things.
Moreover, including hobbies and interests in your CV can also be a conversation starter during job interviews. For example, if you have included that you enjoy playing a particular sport, this may lead to an interesting conversation with the interviewer, and you may be able to demonstrate how your experience in that hobby has prepared you for the job.
How to Include Hobbies and Interests in Your CV
When including hobbies and interests in your CV, it is essential to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, your hobbies and interests must be relevant to the job you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a job in the creative industry, including hobbies such as writing or painting can demonstrate your creativity and passion for the field.
Secondly, avoid listing generic hobbies such as “reading” or “watching TV.” Instead, be specific and highlight what makes your hobby unique. For instance, instead of just saying “I like to cook,” be more specific and say “I like to experiment with new recipes and cook for my friends and family.”
Lastly, be aware of the space you have available in your CV. While hobbies and interests can make your CV stand out, they should not take up too much valuable space. Limit yourself to a maximum of five hobbies or interests, and keep them as brief as possible.
Examples of How Hobbies and Interests Can Strengthen Your CV
To better demonstrate how hobbies and interests can strengthen your CV, let’s look at some examples.
Example 1: Megan is applying for a job in the hospitality industry. She includes that she enjoys baking and hosting dinner parties. This demonstrates her attention to detail, ability to plan and organize events, and her love for making people feel welcome.
Example 2: John is applying for a job as a marketing manager. He includes that he enjoys traveling and photography. This shows his creativity, curiosity for different cultures, and skills in visual storytelling, all of which are highly relevant to the job he is applying for.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hobbies and interests may seem like a trivial addition to your CV, but they can make a significant difference in helping you stand out to potential employers. By providing insight into your personality, skills, and work ethic, hobbies and interests can help set you apart from other candidates. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the hobbies and interests you include must be relevant and concise. With these tips in mind, you can use your hobbies and interests to strengthen your CV and increase your chances of getting hired.
