Should You List Hobbies and Interests on Your CV?
Adding Depth to Your Personality
Interests and hobbies can offer a glimpse into your personality beyond your professional qualifications. They can help paint a more holistic picture of who you are, which can be particularly appealing to recruiters looking for well-rounded candidates. For instance, someone who lists marathon running demonstrates traits like perseverance, dedication, and a strong work ethic. Meanwhile, a person who enjoys chess might be seen as strategic and analytical.
Enhancing Cultural Fit
Employers often seek candidates who will mesh well with their company culture. Including interests and hobbies can indicate how well you might fit in with the team. For example, if a company prides itself on a culture of teamwork and collaboration, mentioning your involvement in team sports can be a big plus. This shows that you not only have the skills for the job but also share values that align with the company’s ethos.
Creating Interview Talking Points
Interests and hobbies can serve as excellent ice-breakers during interviews. They provide common ground for conversation and can make the interview process more engaging and personable. For instance, if the interviewer shares a similar interest, it can help build rapport and make you more memorable. It’s an opportunity to showcase your communication skills and your ability to connect on a more personal level.
Demonstrating Unique Skills
Certain hobbies can highlight unique skills that are transferable to the workplace. For example, if you’re applying for a role that requires creativity and innovation, mentioning your passion for painting or creative writing can be beneficial. Similarly, involvement in community service or volunteering can demonstrate leadership, commitment, and social responsibility. These attributes can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional backgrounds.
Showcasing a Balanced Lifestyle
In today’s work environment, employers are increasingly aware of the importance of work-life balance. Including hobbies can show that you have a balanced lifestyle and that you’re not all about work. This can be particularly important in high-stress roles where burnout is a concern. It signals to employers that you have healthy outlets for stress and that you value a well-rounded life.
Key Considerations for Including Interests and Hobbies
While there are clear benefits to including interests and hobbies on your CV, it’s crucial to be selective about what you include. Here are some key considerations to ensure your hobbies enhance, rather than detract from, your CV:
1. Relevance to the Job:
- Choose hobbies that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing role, interests in blogging or social media can be particularly pertinent.
2. Professionalism:
- Ensure that your hobbies portray you in a positive, professional light. Avoid controversial or potentially divisive interests, such as political affiliations or extreme sports that could be seen as risky.
3. Specificity:
- Be specific about your interests. Instead of saying “reading,” specify the genre, like “reading historical fiction.” This adds more depth and can lead to more meaningful conversations.
4. Authenticity:
- Only include hobbies that you are genuinely passionate about. If you’re not truly interested in a hobby, it will likely become apparent if questioned during an interview.
5. Avoid Clichés:
- Commonplace interests like “travelling” or “socialising” can come across as generic. If these are genuine interests, try to provide a unique twist or specific example to make them stand out.
6. Keep It Concise:
- The interests and hobbies section should be a small part of your CV. A brief bullet-point list or a short paragraph is sufficient.
Examples of Effective Interests and Hobbies
To illustrate, here are a few examples of how to effectively include interests and hobbies on your CV:
- Marathon Running: Demonstrates perseverance, goal-setting, and physical fitness.
- Volunteer Teaching: Highlights leadership, communication skills, and a commitment to community service.
- Gourmet Cooking: Shows creativity, attention to detail, and a passion for continuous learning.
- Chess Club Membership: Indicates strategic thinking, patience, and problem-solving abilities.
- Travel Blogging: Combines creativity with communication skills and an understanding of digital media.
Conclusion
Including interests and hobbies on your CV can significantly enhance your application by providing a fuller picture of who you are and what you can bring to the table. They can demonstrate unique skills, cultural fit, and personal traits that might not be immediately apparent through your professional experience alone. However, it’s important to be selective and thoughtful about what you include, ensuring that your hobbies enhance your CV and align with the role you’re applying for. By doing so, you’ll not only stand out to potential employers but also make the interview process more engaging and personable.
Contact
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Want to know if your CV is saying the right things — including that “interests” section? CV Rescue gives you a fast, practical review.
Hobbies and Interests on a CV: Your Questions Answered
Including hobbies on your CV can help you stand out — or fall flat. These quick answers tackle when to include them, which ones to avoid, and how to get it right.
Should I put hobbies on my CV?
Yes — if they’re relevant. Hobbies can show soft skills, culture fit, and character. Just make sure they add value, not filler.
What are good hobbies to list on a CV?
Examples include volunteering, team sports, coding side projects, music, writing, or anything that shows commitment, collaboration, or curiosity.
What hobbies should I not put on a CV?
Avoid anything too vague (e.g. “watching films”), controversial (e.g. political debate), or irrelevant. Steer clear of clichés or passive activities with no clear takeaway.
Where should hobbies go on my CV?
List them at the end, under a small heading like “Interests” or “Personal Interests.” Keep it short — a bullet list or single sentence is enough.
Do employers really care about CV hobbies?
Sometimes. A well-placed interest can act as an interview talking point or help you stand out from similar applicants — especially in early-career or people-facing roles.