Hobbies and Interests On a CV

Most CVs will have a section in which candidates can state their hobbies and interests away from the workplace. Opinions between employment recruiters are divided as to whether this section is relevant in actually landing a job. But there are a few hobbies and interests that demand attention on a CV and will be picked up on by a potential employer.

Relevant Hobbies and Interests

Not everyone has hobbies and interests. A great number of people come home from work and have children to look after, and the nearest thing to an interest is the latest drama in their favourite soap. But most job seekers will know not to put down "watching television" in the hobbies and interests section. It won't impress an employer and will show a certain lack of imagination on the part of the candidate.

Relevant hobbies and interests are activities that may be Relevant To The Employment you are seeking. For instance, if a candidate were seeking a job position that entailed overseeing staff, then hobbies such as the captain of a local football team may be relevant in proving leadership qualities. If a candidate undertakes voluntary work at Citizens Advice offices or national associations such as the Samaritans, then it could mean good people skills.

Unusual Hobbies

Most employers will have looked over a CV before interviewing a candidate. Interesting or unusual hobbies are good as ice breakers at the beginning of an interview. Hobbies such as scuba diving, skiing, dancing and horse riding may not seem unusual to the candidate that actually practices them, but they will be a good talking point. Golf may not seem an usual hobby but most big companies do usually have some form of sports team, and it is a good way of showing that a candidate is a team player.

List your Achievements

Don't be modest when it comes to any awards you have gained through your hobbies and interests. Outstanding excellence in any field will show commitment and talent. If you have won prizes for writing short stories or have won local sporting titles, makes sure to mention them. The achievements should be recent; if you won a swimming title 20 years ago but haven't swam since, it may seem as though you haven't achieved anything worth mentioning in the last few years.

Show your Personality

Your hobbies and interests will be a reflection of your personality and will show to employers what actually motivates you. Look at the job requirements and the type of candidates the employer is looking for and then see if your hobbies and interests actually reflect these traits.

Employers usually like a diversity of employees and will be looking at someone who can bring something different into the workplace. If your hobby makes an interesting talking point at the interview, then the employer may see you as an interesting person all round.

Don't Embroider

Don't go over the top when describing your hobbies. A few white lies are fine but there is no point saying you have golfing skills when you have never seen a golf course. These sorts of lies can come back to haunt you in the long run, especially if the boss is looking for a golfing partner. Also avoid saying that your hobbies and interests are a big part of you life; your potential employer may think that your hobbies will take priority over your work life.

From the Employer's Point of View

Look at your CV and view it as an employer would. Does it stand out from the crowd? Do your hobbies and interests demand attention from an employer? Most CVs are now limited to around two pages but don't be tempted to cram everything into it and don't skip the hobbies and interests section. This can be used as a talking point away from your work skills and the employer will be able to judge your personality and how you relate to other people.

Hobbies and interests are an important part of the CV; although obviously not as important as your actual job skills. Employers see numerous CVs for one job and anything that Stands Out and catches their attention means that the job candidate may have an advantage over the other potential candidates.