Why You Shouldn’t List Your Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume
When it comes to building a winning resume, job seekers often assume that adding a section on their hobbies and interests will give them an edge. However, it’s important to consider whether this information is relevant to the position they are applying for. While certain hobbies can demonstrate skills and qualities that may be useful in the workplace, in most cases, listing hobbies and interests can actually hurt a candidate’s chances of getting hired.
The ‘Nice To Know’ Factor
Hiring managers are looking for candidates who have the skills and experience necessary to perform the job successfully. They won’t be swayed by information that doesn’t relate to the position in any meaningful way. In general, hobbies and interests fall into this “nice to know” category, meaning they don’t have a direct connection to the job at hand. In fact, what might be interesting to one person could come across as irrelevant or even off-putting to another.
Putting Unwanted Pressure on Candidates
Listing hobbies and interests can also put unnecessary pressure on a candidate. For example, if someone lists their love of running and hiking on their resume, a hiring manager may assume that this person is super active and in shape. If the candidate doesn’t live up to these expectations, the hiring manager may see it as a negative mark against them and move on to the next candidate.
Protecting Against Discrimination
Another reason why it’s best to leave hobbies and interests off a resume is to protect against possible discrimination. For example, if a hiring manager sees that a candidate lists their membership in a certain religious or political group, they may make assumptions about that person’s beliefs and values. This could lead to the candidate being disqualified based on factors that have nothing to do with their ability to do the job.
The Exception to the Rule
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. There are certain situations where listing hobbies and interests can be beneficial. For example, if a candidate is applying for a position in a creative field, listing relevant hobbies and interests can show that they have a passion for creativity and a desire to stay active in the industry outside of work.
Conclusion
In general, listing hobbies and interests on a resume doesn’t provide any real value to hiring managers and could even hurt a candidate’s chances of getting hired. The time and space on a resume are better spent highlighting relevant skills, experience, and education. If a candidate is unsure whether certain hobbies or interests should be included, it’s best to err on the side of caution and leave them off.
