The Power of Hobbies and Interests in Your Resume
When it comes to creating a standout resume, most people focus on highlighting their work experience, education, and skills. However, there’s another aspect that often goes overlooked – hobbies and interests. While many people believe that these don’t have a place on a professional resume, research suggests otherwise.
The Benefits of Including Hobbies and Interests in Your Resume
Including your hobbies and interests in your resume can have several benefits. Firstly, it can help you stand out from other job applicants. Recruiters often receive stacks of identical resumes, so having a section on your hobbies and interests can make you more memorable.
Additionally, including your hobbies and interests can help you showcase your personality and interests. This can help recruiters determine if you’re a good fit for the company culture or if you share similar interests as the team.
Another benefit of including hobbies and interests is that it can demonstrate additional skills or qualifications that you possess. For example, if you include running in your hobbies, it can indicate that you’re disciplined and have a strong work ethic.
Examples of Hobbies and Interests to Include
While any hobby or interest can be included on a resume, some are more relevant and eye-catching than others. Here are a few examples of hobbies and interests that can make your resume stand out:
– Volunteer Work: Including volunteer work shows that you’re passionate about giving back and can demonstrate skills such as leadership and organization.
– Creative Hobbies: Whether it’s painting, writing, or photography, including a creative hobby can demonstrate your artistic abilities and attention to detail.
– Sporting Activities: Participating in sports activities shows that you’re disciplined and can work well in a team.
– Learning New Skills: Listing hobbies such as learning a new language or coding demonstrates a desire for self-improvement and a willingness to learn.
How to Include Hobbies and Interests in Your Resume
When including hobbies and interests in your resume, it’s important to remember that it should still be professional. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
– Only include relevant hobbies and interests that demonstrate skills or qualifications that would be relevant to the job.
– Keep the section brief. A few bullet points are enough to demonstrate your interests.
– Make sure to use professional language and avoid slang or jargon.
– Avoid controversial or polarizing interests, as these can be off-putting to recruiters.
Conclusion
While including hobbies and interests in your resume may seem unimportant, research suggests that it can have several benefits. By showcasing your personality, skills, and interests, you can make yourself stand out from other job applicants and demonstrate that you’re a well-rounded candidate. When including hobbies and interests in your resume, be sure to keep it professional, relevant, and concise.
