Top 5 Hobbies and Interests to Boost Your Resume
Your resume is your gateway to securing your dream job. While your work experience and education play a crucial role in landing you your desired role, including your hobbies and interests can make your resume stand out from the crowd. Including your hobbies and interests can give the recruiter an insight into your personality, your work ethic, and your ability to balance work and life. Let’s dive deeper into the top five hobbies and interests that can boost your resume.
1. Volunteering
Giving back to the community is an excellent way to showcase your teamwork and leadership skills. It also demonstrates your commitment to making a difference in the world. Volunteering helps you develop your communication and organization skills, which are highly valued by employers.
For example, if you volunteer at a non-profit organization, you can mention your experience in organizing fundraisers, promoting awareness, and collaborating with diverse teams. These skills are transferable and can be applied to your professional work.
2. Blogging
Blogging demonstrates your passion for writing, research, and critical thinking. It also indicates your ability to generate original content and engage with an audience. If you are interested in a career in communications, social media, or marketing, blogging can be a valuable addition to your resume.
For instance, mention the topics you blog about and the traffic that your website generates. You can also mention any guest posts or collaborations you’ve created in the past. Such examples demonstrate your expertise and the relevance of your writing to a wider audience.
3. Sports
Playing a sport or participating in physical activities speaks to your discipline, teamwork, and competitive spirit. Employers recognize that participating in sports often leads to a healthier lifestyle and improved time management skills. Additionally, team sports demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and your commitment to achieving a shared goal.
For instance, mentioning your experience as a team captain, leading your team through a challenging match, or organizing team-building activities indicate your leadership qualities that can apply to your professional life.
4. Creative Pursuits
Creative pursuits, such as painting, music, or photography, exhibit your creative thinking, attention to detail, and eye for design. These hobbies help you develop your problem-solving and innovation skills, which are prerequisites for many professions.
For example, if you are pursuing a career in advertising or design, mentioning your creative pursuits, such as your involvement in designing the set for a school play, showcase your visual and creative skills that can benefit your professional work.
5. Professional Development
Finally, demonstrating your interest in professional development exhibits your dedication to your career and your eagerness to learn new skills. Employers appreciate individuals who proactively seek to improve their expertise, as this indicates that such individuals are keen to enhance their performance and contribute to the betterment of their organization.
For example, you can mention the conferences, workshops, or seminars you’ve attended, the professional associations you’re a part of, or the online courses you’ve completed. Such examples demonstrate that you’re always striving to acquire new skills and knowledge.
Conclusion
Incorporating your hobbies and interests into your resume can make it more compelling and help you stand out from the crowd. The above-listed hobbies and interests can demonstrate your transferable skills, showcase your strengths, and make you a more well-rounded individual. Remember, the key is to find a balance between including relevant information and not coming across as unprofessional. So, go ahead, update your resume, and emphasize your passions and hobbies to catch the recruiter’s attention.
